Apartments

Create a Stellar Studio Apartment

Residing in a small space is not always easy, however I think it gives you a different outlook in life, living and what’s really important. While it may look challenging, it is possible to make and maintain a beautiful and chic all-in-one space. However, it is crucial to rigorously edit and make difficult decisions about what to keep, what to store and what to remove or sell.

When my husband and I lived in a studio, we invested an inordinate amount of time “working around the flat,” which meant cleaning, de-cluttering and devising solutions to display or store what’s essential and what are things with which we simply could not part. If we attracted you new thing dwelling, something else had to go. Anything which didn’t have a location seemed to take up half the apartment, therefore re-arranging was a weekly event. Heaven forbid one of us abandoned laundry around or an erroneous pair of sneakers; you can hardly move throughout the place!

While we no longer live in a studio we all maintain the mindset of small-space alive and try to keep our home tidy, efficient but also amazing and comfy. Anyone can do it, and here are some tips and ideas as exhibited by Houzz designers and subscribers.

Vignettes or visual walls help delineate space and provide the illusion that you have more room than you really do. In this layout the “bedroom” is obviously defined by the announcement headboard, while a dining room sits nearby, anchored by a pendant light and art to the walls.

Roger Hirsch Architect

If at all possible, it is important to get a place to sit that is not your bed. A mini-living room or sofa can be carved out of the smallest rooms. Scaled-down furniture, such as a loveseat, and lighter pieces such as these wicker seats along with the dining table, give a sitting space without taking up a great deal of visual space. If there is not space for a couch, consider making a sitting room out of seats.

Kristen Rivoli Interior Design

Mobile furniture is vital for a studio. Since everything needs to be multifunctional, bits which can move around easily are a bonus. This little cart is very good for kitchen storage and prep, but can also be wheeled into a different place for use as a serving table or beverage stand.

CWB Architects

Lots of you know I’m a big proponent of having lots of colour in interiors, but I also love a neutral palette, particularly in tiny spaces where, by default, there is a lot happening because of not having enough storage. This accent wall functions well in this area, particularly because the white wall is brick, which brings in another feel. Coburn created plenty of different areas at a narrow area; a living room, work and dining room. There’s a lot happening, but it doesn’t feel overwhelming because the palette is quiet and calm, and the furnishings are a good mix of interesting, flashy and low-key.

Living2Design

It’s not always a choice, but creating different spaces with walls is a fantastic idea. These windows work superbly, but you can use anything : displays, drapes, bookcases, or a snappy dresser.

Speaking of work places, almost everyone requires a little landing pad to get a computer and opening mail, but it doesn’t need to be obtrusive. This little home office installation fits seamlessly into the rest of the area, with its airy bamboo chair and mild glass desk. Of course, the chic Mac doesn’t hurt. When subjected technology looks good, it certainly doesn’t detract from a room!

Bosworth Hoedemaker

I’m not the first person to suggest using vertical storage opportunities to their fullest at a studio, and I will not be the last!

ADARC Associates Limites

Maximizing vertical storage in tiny kitchens is a no-brainer, and it doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. IKEA offers tools for you to make a stunning, well-organized kitchen.

Fiedler Marciano | Architecture

Not only is that a fantastic case of maximizing vertical space, but additionally, it illustrates how to make good use of a narrow area. Does anybody think novels are ugly? I really hope not! If you have the wallspace, consider lining it with your literary group — the shelves do not need to be really deep.

We all have unsightly things that we simply can’t do away with: printers, subwoofers, cable modems, surge protectors and documents. Use attractive fabric to pay them up and tuck beneath a table to maximize floor area.

LDa Architecture & Interiors

Pocket and barn doors both provide excellent space-saving opportunities for a small space.

FR James Construction

This makes the most sense to include built-ins when you have a location, but you can still do it as a tenant on a budget using simple stuff and a bit of elbow grease. Carving out a little work market between the closet and window was a fantastic use of space. Painting the shelves the same colour as the wall, but having the table top suit the wicker on the closet ties the whole room together.

Susan Diana Harris Interior Design

This layout makes advantage of this long, narrow area. The dark accent wall recedes, making the space appear a bit bigger, but the wall colour also aids the office accessories and electronics mix. Lighter furniture gives a fantastic contrast, therefore the visual attention is much more on the seats and not as much on the computer screen.

More:
7 Instant Backyard Getaways
15 Ways To Be Launched by Your Studio
Houzz Tour: A Holly Writer’s Hillside Studio

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