10 studio apartment decorating ideas

Before you decorate, you need to know exactly what you’re working with. That’s according to James Stanley, founder of James Stanley NY, a boutique architectural and interior design firm in New York City.

We asked Stanley and Artem Kropovinsky, founder and designer at Arsight — another New York City-based firm — for their tips on how to do your studio right.

Start your plan with the following steps, then read on for detailed decor recommendations from our two design pros.

Take exact measurements: Studio apartments range from 23 square metres to 65 square metres, with most in the 30 to 55 square metre range. Measure yours to determine scale and create a reasonable wish list. Draw it up on grid paper, or use a design layout app like Amikasa or the IKEA Room Planners (it isn’t limited to IKEA products!) for a 2D or 3D concept.

Decide how you’re going to live in it: Do you just need a crash pad? Do you work from home? Are you a frequent dinner-party host? Being realistic on how you use your home base will help you determine your needs. Would you benefit from a drop-leaf table for expandable dining space? Would you prefer a separate bed and sofa, or a futon or fold-out couch?

Further define your physical layout: What setup makes the most sense for your flow and personal comfort? One open space? Or multiple smaller zones — say, a separate eating area or a lounge separate from the sleeping area?

Narrow down your vibe: Bright and light? Moody and sexy? Once you have that in mind, you can dive deeper into the design details and streamline some of your options — colour palette textiles, furnishings, etc.

Gather inspiration: It can be a pattern, a pillow, or a collection of Pinterest images. Anything can be a jumping-off point or a place to return to if you feel a little lost in the process.

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If you can eke out separate lounge and sleep areas, consider a multi-use modular sofa. “This adaptable furniture option is ideal for studio apartments, as it can accommodate various activities and styles,” Kropovinsky says.

Modular sofas are great because they can be reconfigured easily, Stanley says. It can be set to a usual shape for your everyday living, then broken apart for entertaining, or switching up your layout when it starts to feel stale. And many modular sofas are versatile, offering a built-in bed for you or for guests and hideaway storage.

Good lighting is key to any homey-feeling space and signals changes in living zones. Think of a chandelier over a table, pendants over a bar or island, or lamps on end tables flanking a sofa. By adding good lighting, you add a level of luxury – with a sense of expansiveness, too.

Discover everything you need to know about lighting.

Bringing the outdoors in boosts our wellbeing and increases our sense of expansiveness. Green growing things also evoke a sense of tranquillity and add life to small spaces, Kropovinsky says.

Because studios often have low light due to fewer windows or surrounding tall buildings, choose low-maintenance plants like snake plants or pothos. Neither needs much light or love. Then amp up their simple look with space-saving hanging pots and slim, stylish stands.

Learn everything you need to know about watering houseplants.

Instead of opting for one large coffee table, which can take up too much space and look bulky, Stanley suggests clustering small tables together. You can separate them when entertaining to use elsewhere or tuck them out of the way.

He recommends going with three or four tables of different shapes and sizes. And don’t be afraid to mix wood, marble and glass. “It’ll add dimension and coolness,” he says.

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If you don’t own your studio apartment, ask your landlord if you can paint the walls. If so, it’s a chance to really make a splash. A key design rule: Lighter colours make spaces look bigger and airier, and darker colours close you in. Neither is wrong, but both definitely have different effects. Keep that in mind for your final pick(s).

This is how to paint a room.

“Incorporate sizable mirrors to make a studio apartment seem larger,” says Kropovinsky. “Mirrors reflect light and create an illusion of depth, enhancing the overall atmosphere.” They also allow you a quick visual check before you head out the door.

Pick options with decorative frames to create a gallery wall, with all mirrors or art interspersed.

Employ room dividers to mark separate areas within the studio. Use a storage unit and you’ll create space to store or display items. Kropovinsky likes IKEA’s Kallax shelf in part because it works within a variety of decor styles.

Need a thinner profile? A rattan screen or similar can provide space division or some privacy.

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“I love accent chairs because this is where you can make a statement inexpensively,” says Stanley. “It’s a place to get artsy and cool.”

He says it’s OK to mix vintage and antique chairs into sleek and modern spaces and vice versa. The contrast makes a big statement in a small space and doesn’t take up much room.

Another way to create good flow in your space? Further define zones with rugs.

Unless your floors are really beaten up, don’t go wall-to-wall with big area rugs, Stanley says. They’ll just make your space look smaller. Instead, use rugs to create borders. Go with one for your “living room” that connects your sofa, coffee table(s) and accent chair(s), but doesn’t have to go entirely underneath them. One for your bed. Maybe a runner in your kitchen.

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Source: Family Handyman