Studio Apartment Decorating Tips
December 29th, 2009 by Rachael WeinerFinding decorating tips for an apartment doesn’t have to be a challenge even if you live in a studio. As a matter of fact, decorating a smaller space can actually work in your favor in terms of time, effort and money. To help get you started, consider some of the following tips.
Keep It Simple
As you’re thinking of how you’d like to decorate your studio, remember to keep it simple. Simple doesn’t mean bland and boring, but carefully considered and strategic. When you’re working in a small space, every inch and square foot counts. Merging too many ideas or themes will result in a cluttered space. You need to edit your ideas down to those that will not only work in the size allotted, but feel coherent. Practice restraint in everything, from the amount of furniture you use in the space to the number of pictures you display on the wall. Draw design inspiration from minimalistic principles.
Work with a Few Key Pieces
Pick out several things you really like, whether it’s a fun piece of wall art, a fun rug or a couple of interesting table lamps, and make those the focal points of your room. In all honesty, you’re not going to have much room for more than a few key pieces. If you pick one or two statement pieces, everything else can come together around them.
Use Multi-Functional Furniture and Accessories
Finding storage space is always going to be an issue in a studio apartment. That’s why it’s important to decorate with pieces that serve multiple purposes-storage being one of them. If you’re decorating with a coffee table or end table, be sure to use ones that have drawers or shelves built in. When you’re looking to decorate the walls, consider hanging floating shelves to display some of your favorite keepsakes. Not only will you create interest on your wall, you’ll also create a place to put things.
Overall, storage should be a key consideration as you decorate. You don’t necessarily have to display storage units out in the open as decor, but, rather, be mindful of the need for a space to put things as you decorate. Consider purchasing furniture that sits higher off the ground so you can slide items underneath-especially when it comes to your bed.
Keep the Walls Light
Studios and bold, dark paint aren’t the best combination. If you paint the apartment dark, it could leave the space feeling like a cave. Instead, opt for lighter colors on the walls that will open up the space and leave it feeling roomier. If you’re absolutely set on having a dark color on the walls, consider only painting a single wall. You’ll get the impact without all the claustrophobic side effects.
Use Mirrors
Mirrors are great to hang in small rooms because the give the illusion of a larger space. They also reflect light and make a room look light and airy. Hanging a mirror or two on your walls could really open up your studio apartment.
If you’re still at a loss, take a look at some books on small space decorating. With careful consideration you’ll be able to create a comfortable and stylish studio apartment.
Tags: Decorating Ideas, Studio Apartment
January 17th, 2010 at 5:15 pm
great advice its like i was picturing it all in my head and it worked perfectly
January 19th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
i love this. yum. props. kudos. all that !
February 6th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
the perfect opportunity to put PICTURES, instead of WORDS!
where were the PICTURES??
March 1st, 2010 at 1:09 am
Would love to see some pictures of the apts. The mirror placement and bed alternatives. Murphy bed. Sleeper sofa ect.
September 1st, 2010 at 4:12 pm
Yes its better to post some pictures..