You can create the home you've always dreamed of – if you're clever.
Maximize Space in Your Studio Apartment With These Genius Design Tips
You can create the home you've always dreamed of – if you're clever.
If you're currently living in or about to move into a studio apartment, we're here to tell you that you can most definitely create the home you've always dreamed of – if you're clever. Sure, endless floor space and more bathrooms than you could ever find a use for sounds luxurious, but your home is much more about what you choose to surround yourself with than the size of your rooms.
Studio apartments are a fantastic, affordable option for a lot of people and we've seen our fair share of chic apartments that work with – not against – their space to create warm, cozy interiors that feel anything but cramped.
How do they do it? A few simple tricks that maximize space and train the eye to see things a little differently. Below, we've rounded up a list of decorating hacks that will enhance your studio apartment, tenfold.
1. Use dividers
Physically sectioning off your studio apartment is the first step you should consider. When you leave everything open and on show, you're instantly visually overwhelmed by the fact that the unit is a bedroom, living room and kitchen all at once. Easily trick the eye into seeing the space as a traditional one-bedder by using a screen divider, a bookshelf, or even sheer curtains that don't block any light but separate the space into zones.
2. Furniture scale
Smaller is not always better for your studio. It might sound counterintuitive when trying to gain space, but nailing the scale will do just that. Don't go out and find the tiniest rug you can, for example. Take measurements of the room and plan accordingly. You'll find there are plenty of furniture and decor options that are streamlined but generous enough to feel comfy.
3. Blend the bed
If your bed is going to be on show from the front door, make sure it's neat and tidy to avoid your guests feeling like they've stepped directly into a college dorm. This means keeping your sheets neat and possibly adding a couple of cushions on for good measure. If your bed doubles as seating, opting for a storage bed to hide pillows will do the trick.
4. Practice minimalism
Studio apartments and hoarding do not mix. Like, at all. If you've got loads of mementos and knick-knacks you can't part ways with, consider a storage unit to avoid your place looking cluttered. Of course, you don't have to hide everything away, but practising some restraint with your styling will go a long way to achieving a spacious, grown-up look.
5. Hanging plants
How often do you look up at the ceiling when you're inside an apartment unless you're looking to buy the place? To draw people's eyes up naturally, get your green thumb out and plant yourself up some hanging pots. They can sit on high bookshelves or be hung from the rafters, and they're the most affordable way to gain height in your studio. Plus, plants are great for your well-being.
6. Transitional pieces/multifunctional furniture
Do you actually need a separate desk? Or can your dining table become your office space during the day? Assess other areas of your home that could act as transitional areas to serve multiple purposes that'll save you not only floor space but money as well.
Furniture that can be used for more than one purpose is worth investing in, be it a coffee table with storage or a sofa bed for guests.
7. Make grand gestures
Small apartments don't need small gestures. When it comes to artwork, photographs, and mirrors, bigger is better. Keeping everything tiny will only lead to you feeling like you're living in a doll's house, so lean towards the larger side with your artistic purchases to form a striking focal point.
8. Float your objects
Just like your hanging baskets will force people to admire your vertical space, employing floating elements such as shelves and hooks on the walls gets furniture off the floor and opens up the flow of your room. Bags, books, plants and photo frames are some of the things that will benefit from a raise.
9. Use stackable stools for entertaining
If you're someone who loves to host but you're worried about your lack of space, it's worth picking up some stackable stools to whip out when guests are over. Since they can be stacked on top of each other, they take up less floor space when not in use and are perfect for ensuring everyone has a seat when entertaining.