Studio apartments are on the rise due to their compact nature and lower cost, but they also meet some unique design challenges. Here are our expert tips for designing your studio apartment so it’s truly an all-in-one space.
Region
The best thing you can do to improve the functionality of your studio apartment is to create zones. If you can change the structure of your studio apartment, consider building a sliding wall around your bedroom. Matt RileyTonic Design’s CEO tells us:
“Sliding walls create flexible and unique opportunities for space in studio apartments. We have used sliding or movable walls in a purposeful way to either divide and create a separate space or to open and unify the spaces. For example, a sliding wall panel can separate and unify dining with living space, bathroom with bedroom, and bedroom with living space. This can be built using hanging or concealed rails, firmly held – or see-through wall panel elements, and is surprisingly light and easy to move. Using sturdy panels allows for privacy, while using see-through or translucent panels allows light and visibility while maintaining a sense of space. “
If you can’t make any structural changes, try zoning using furniture. Network Ten’s Healthy Homes Australia co-organizer and carpenters Walt Collins suggests “If the layout allows and you have a large square of space, consider placing a couch at the end of the bed facing the TV system, that way you can watch TV from the lounge or on the floor.” bed. This not only acts as the area barrier but also a nice gap between the bedroom and the living room. “
Browse MyDeal’s range of sofas and lounges to find the divider couch you need.
For more design ideas by Matt, visit Tonic Design’s Instagram and Facebook.
Decorate
No budget for new furniture or installing a wall? Instead, try zoning out with decorative items. A large area rug can help visually separate your personal and entertainment areas, while stylish folding screens or delicate curtains will provide privacy when you have guests in. Want a more practical way to divide your space? Place your bookcases and clothes racks in strategic areas so you can enjoy the storage functionality but also split the space as needed.
Elevate
Even if you don’t have enough space to create a separate bedroom, try building a mezzanine so you can raise your bed and make the bedroom feel like a separate space. Walt recommends raising the bed a meter or so, it’s “a great way to cheat lots of storage space and trick your eye into separating sleeping and living areas.”
A pre-existing nook can also be used in a similar way – you can even try removing the closet door and putting in a bed instead!
Visit Walt’s website, Instagram and Facebook for more of his amazing design ideas.
Light
Lighting is a subtle yet powerful tool to change the look of your studio apartment. Furniture Designer Nelly Reffet from Twinkle and Whistle tells us:
“Create different zones and ‘moods’ using the right lighting: effective lighting in the kitchen or on the desk, ambient lighting in the bedroom or living space, etc. will give a larger feel, while maximizing the functionality of each area, with a very small footprint. If you have transparent and non-rental lights, you may want to add a dimmer (make sure your lights are dimmable first!) so you can adjust the light. according to your requirements: calmer when entertaining or relaxing, brighter when cooking, cleaning, etc. Lighting is essential for a cozy yet functional space – two attributes of a beautiful studio lovely. “
Get more insights from Nelly on her Facebook or Instagram.
Whether you’re building a studio from scratch or trying to get the most out of the studio apartment you’re renting, some clever styling is sure to do the trick!
