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Create a Stellar Studio Apartment
See how to make small-space living comfortable, efficient and beautiful, too
Living in a small space isn't always easy, but I think it gives you a different perspective on life, living and what's really important. While it may seem challenging, it is possible to create and maintain a beautiful and chic all-in-one space. However, it is essential to rigorously edit and make hard choices about what to keep, what to store and what to give away or sell.
When my husband and I lived in a studio, we spent an inordinate amount of time "working on the apartment," which meant cleaning, de-cluttering and devising solutions to display or store what's essential and what are things with which we just couldn't part. If we brought one new thing home, something else had to go. Anything that didn't have a place seemed to take up half the apartment, so re-arranging was a weekly event. Heaven forbid one of us left laundry around or an erroneous pair of shoes; you could barely move throughout the place!
While we no longer live in a studio, we maintain the mindset of small-space living and strive to keep our home neat, efficient but also beautiful and comfortable. Anyone can do it, and here are some helpful tips and ideas as shown by Houzz designers and contributors.
When my husband and I lived in a studio, we spent an inordinate amount of time "working on the apartment," which meant cleaning, de-cluttering and devising solutions to display or store what's essential and what are things with which we just couldn't part. If we brought one new thing home, something else had to go. Anything that didn't have a place seemed to take up half the apartment, so re-arranging was a weekly event. Heaven forbid one of us left laundry around or an erroneous pair of shoes; you could barely move throughout the place!
While we no longer live in a studio, we maintain the mindset of small-space living and strive to keep our home neat, efficient but also beautiful and comfortable. Anyone can do it, and here are some helpful tips and ideas as shown by Houzz designers and contributors.
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| Vignettes or visual partitions help delineate space and give the illusion that you have more room than you actually do. In this design the "bedroom" is clearly defined by the statement headboard, while a dining area sits nearby, anchored by a pendant light and artwork on the walls. |
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| If possible, it's important to have a spot to sit that isn't your bed. A mini-living room or lounge can be carved out of even the tiniest rooms. Scaled-down furniture, such as a loveseat, and lighter pieces like these wicker chairs and the glass table, provide a sitting area without taking up a ton of visual space. If there isn't space for a sofa, consider making a sitting area out of chairs. |
| Mobile furniture is essential for a studio. Since everything needs to be multi-functional, pieces that can move around easily are a bonus. This little cart is great for kitchen prep and storage, but can also be wheeled into another area for use as a serving table or drink stand. |
by CWB Architects
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Many of you know I'm a big proponent of using lots of color in interiors, but I also appreciate a neutral palette, especially in small spaces where, by default, there is a lot going on as a result of not having enough storage. This accent wall works well in this space, especially because the white wall is brick, which brings in a different texture. Coburn created lots of distinct areas in a narrow space; a living room, work and dining area. There is a lot going on, 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.
by Living2Design
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It's not always an option, but creating different spaces with partitions is a great idea. These windows work beautifully, but you can use anything: screens, curtains, bookcases, or a snappy dresser.
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Speaking of work areas, almost everyone needs a little landing pad for a computer and opening mail, but it doesn't have to be obtrusive. This little home office setup fits seamlessly into the rest of the space, with its airy bamboo chair and light glass desk. Of course, the chic Mac doesn't hurt. When exposed technology looks good, it most certainly doesn't detract from a room!
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| I'm not the first person to suggest using vertical storage opportunities to their fullest in a studio, and I won't be the last! |
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Maximizing vertical storage in small kitchens is a no-brainer, and it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. IKEA offers affordable tools for you to create a gorgeous, well-organized kitchen.
Not only is this a great example of maximizing vertical space, but it also illustrates how to make good use of a narrow space. Does anyone think books are ugly? I hope not! If you have the wallspace, consider lining it with your literary collection — the shelves don't have to be very deep.
by French Larkspur
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We all have unsightly things that we just can't do away with: printers, subwoofers, cable modems, surge protectors and files. Use attractive fabric to cover them up and tuck under a table to maximize floor space.
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Pocket and barn doors both offer great space-saving opportunities for a small space.
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It makes the most sense to add built-ins when you own a place, but you can still do it as a renter on a budget with simple materials and a little elbow grease. Carving out a little work niche between the closet and window was a great use of space. Painting the shelves the same color as the wall, but having the desk top match the wicker on the closet ties the whole room together.
| This design makes advantage of the long, narrow space. The dark accent wall recedes, making the space appear a bit bigger, but the wall color also helps the office accessories and electronics blend. Lighter furniture provides a great contrast, so the visual focus is more on the chairs and not as much on the computer monitor.
More: 7 Instant Backyard Getaways 15 Ways To Be More Inspired by Your Studio Houzz Tour: A Holly Writer's Hillside Studio |
Ideabook updated on Sept. 10, 2011.
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