How to glow up your studio apartment?
A studio apartment being the most compact form of housing in the world has become more and more popular over the years due to its one-room fits all structure. It has the bedroom, kitchen, dining, tv lounge and pretty much any other home element that you can fit in, to call it home. What sets the studio apart from the one-bedroom is the absence of walls as separators, with an exception of the attached bath.
The size, however, varies around the world with some cities in the U.S. with 600 sq. ft. considered as the minimum mandatory size, but studio apartments range from an average of 300 sq. ft. to 1000 sq. ft. Some considering the 300 sq. ft. as practically unlivable, but as they say ‘need is the mother of invention.’
These single-spaced homes aren’t just dwelled by office executives and students flocking in from other cities or countries, or small families with financial constraints that are more keen to save rather than spend, therefore renting a small studio becomes their ultimate choice. In recent years with the real estate sector booming, elevated land costs and the need for a peaceful environment, have led alot of celebrities to shift gears from buying large bunglows to designing their own lavish studio apartments to make their dream home a reality. Although it’s a matter of personal preference, as studio apartments are easier to manage and maintain for people on the go.
The challenge of furnishing a space inversely correlates with its size. Since there is practically no space left to leave extra space. Yet designers have found methods to overcome this tyranny of space.
- Coziness
The most important thing of the day is retiring, and that’s why it needs to be addressed first, the rest can wait!. Ventilation is a big issue in such spaces and it’s crucial to have access to the fresh morning breeze and soothing daylight. Therefore, designer Max Sinsteden’s suggests placing your bed near the window for you to enjoy nature and coziness. He also recommends adding a curtain with diaphanous fabric for added privacy and to distinguish it from the rest of the house.
2. Utilizing architectural peculiarities
Many at times we come across flats that are shapeless due to an abnormal cut at one end which are eventually left utilized. Jae Joo a designer from New York has mastered these spaces and hones on DIYs, like setting up a customized seating arrangement with tufted cushions according to the corner’s shape, paired with pillows and a pendant light for your prefect reading or relaxation nook.
3. Designated Work space
In a studio setting where every piece of furniture is competing for space, designating a space for work turns out to be quite tough for individuals, following the pandemic restrictions. Fold-out desks, glamorized with your favourite wall paper can really come in handy. Also make sure to have a socket or extension nearby to get uninterrupted supply of electricity to your work.
4. Paint your colour
Regardless of whether you are a light or dark colour enthusiast, keep in mind of the weather conditions. And experts are voting for monotones, as it helps bind the different aspects of the home together. For tiny ones try to match your fabric linen, upholstery and linen with the theme colour of your wall to make the space more liberating. Residents of cooler countries can play with darker colors as they help to absorb light and retain heat from the indoor heating system. Those exposed to the hottest temperatures can cool down their surrounding by using the pastel color wheel.
5. Partitions
Large apartments can make use of clear glass paneled screens, enough to create a visual separation whilst allowing ample of light to pass through it. Another idea for a room separator can be incorporating the traditional wooden Japanese ‘fusuma’ sliding doors, available in an array of colours or handpainted to perfection provide a good substitute for a statement piece of art, while maintaining the integrity of space.
6. Multi purpose furniture
Multi here referring to more than one use, if cupboards is not your thing then smart storage may be your ultimate life saver. Conversions like trunk tables, seating stools with space for your favourite magazines and books. Or how about a lookalike of a murphy bed, that neatly hides under a larger wooden platform, creating ample space on top for you to carry out your favourite activities from painting, practicing yoga, to having a floor seating arrangement for the weekend get together with friends. The space on the side can be used for extra seating purposes.
