Studio apartments have several advantages over traditional apartments.
They generally have lower rents and utility costs, and are easier to clean. But they can also be a challenge to decorate thanks to a lack of walls and limited built-in storage.
That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of decorating ideas specifically for studios. Keep these 5 tips in mind and you’ll be well on your way to creating an organized, stylish space:
Direct traffic
Think about how people move through your space, so you’re not putting furniture in you or your visitors’ way. Common sense, right? Well this will also help you divvy up your studio in a thoughtful way. Which brings us to our next tip.
Work in groups
The prospect of decorating a big open space can be daunting. Ask yourself, “If my apartment had walls, what would I put in each room?” Have a sofa in front of your TV? Think of that as a viewing area, and consider adding a coffee table and a rug to further define it. Group furnishings according to their use. However…
Focus on flexibility
When you live in a studio, realize that some furnishings will have more than one use, like a futon that doubles as a bed. You can also create pieces that do double duty. For example, add a cushion to the top of a chest and you’ve made seating out of storage space.
Shelve it
In a studio, floor space is at a premium, so it’s best to put as much storage as possible on the walls. That’s where shelves come in. Most people use shelves for books and knick knacks, but they can also be used for small items that aren’t usually on display, like jewelry or batteries; just put them in decorative bowls and boxes. (Even if your studio is already furnished, like the apartments at The Commons on Kinnear in Columbus, an extra bookshelf goes a long way and will probably come in handy at your next apartment.)
Let the light in
Well lit rooms just look bigger than dark ones, so avoid blinds and heavy curtains. Instead, keep windows bare or hang sheers (an especially good tip for the folks living in studios with floor-to- ceiling windows at One City Block in Denver).
Got any other tips for making decorating a studio? Tell us in the comments!
Photo courtesy of iDesignArch