Living in a studio apartment offers many perks, such as being able to afford to live in an area that otherwise might be out of reach, and being easier to maintain than a larger home might be. However, studio living can also pose challenges – chiefly, how to make the most of the space on offer and make your home feel bigger than it is.
These tips on how to make a studio apartment feel spacious will help you maximise your home’s potential and create a stylish, functional and comfortable space for modern living.
Maximise Natural Light
Natural light is key to making small spaces feel larger so you want to maximise the natural light available in your studio apartment. Windows and skylights should be uncluttered, and where possible, uncovered. If you need curtains or blinds for privacy, then opt for sheer or light-coloured fabrics and make sure these are opened or pulled back during the day to allow as much light as possible to flood the space.
Strategically placed mirrors can also help by reflecting light and creating an illusion of depth, particularly in small or narrow spaces like bathrooms or hallways.
Multi-Functional Furniture
In many new homes, especially those designed with urban living in mind, multi-functional furniture has become a key feature.
Having furniture that doubles up and functions in different ways removes the need to have additional pieces, helping to keep precious floor space free. Examples include sofa beds, foldaway or extendable dining tables, beds with built-in storage and storage ottomans. These pieces help to declutter the space by serving multiple purposes and make your furniture work harder to fit your lifestyle.
Create Distinct Zones
Another way to make the most of the available space in your studio apartment is to create distinct zones for sleeping, dining, working and relaxing. This ensures that even the smallest of studio apartments feels more organised and spacious.
Rugs, room dividers, screens or furniture placement can be used to define the different areas while colour-blocking on walls can create the illusion of different zones within one larger space.
A Light & Cohesive Colour Palette
When it comes to decorating your studio apartment, opt for a light and cohesive colour palette to ensure the space doesn’t feel too oppressive or ‘noisy’.
Lighter shades on the walls and ceiling can be used to visually expand a small space and reflect natural light, while lighter-coloured flooring helps create the illusion of more floor space to move around.
Neutral colours throughout will give even snug studio flats a roomy, airy atmosphere. However, if you’re a colour fan, don’t worry – you can still brighten things up by adding pops of colour in your accessories and soft furnishings, such as carpets, cushions, rugs and bedding.
Smart Storage Solutions
In a studio apartment, having all your belongings out on show can make your home feel cluttered and overwhelming. Fortunately, there are plenty of innovative storage solutions to store all your treasured possessions.
Built-in shelving can work particularly well for small spaces that would otherwise go to waste, and if your apartment benefits from high ceilings, don’t be afraid to take shelving right to the top to maximise on the available space. Under-bed storage is also a must to store spare bedding, towels and out-of-season clothes while wall-mounted cabinets in kitchens and bathrooms help you keep all those essentials easily to hand but out of sight.
