Big Decorating Ideas for a Small Studio Apartment

If you have a small studio apartment, you might feel that you are limited in your decorating options. In reality, there are many things you can do to create a lot of style and functionality in a small living space. The key is keeping things simple and streamlined, and finding ways to get double usage out of your living space.

Storage is Key

Small living spaces such as a studio apartment often have limited storage space, which can make it difficult to stay organized. You can avoid this problem by choosing furniture items that allow you to increase the storage space. These include items such as coffee tables and ottomans that have hidden storage space, and by adding decorative boxes and baskets that you can use to keep items attractively out of sight. By reducing the amount of visual clutter, your small living spaces will even look larger.

Window Treatments and Lighting

Light has a way of making small spaces look larger and more inviting. When decorating a small studio apartment, keep window treatments simple and sheer, to admit as much natural light as possible. Using mini-blinds with sheer curtain toppers can be a good combination, so that you can raise the blinds during the day, and then lower them in the evening for privacy. Decorating with mirrors is also an effective way of visually opening up the area, and strategically placed lighting and lamps are also effective. Sticking to a lighter color palette for at least most of the walls is also a good approach for a small living space such as a studio apartment.

Keep Things Visually Simple, But Don't Forget To Accent

Small studio apartments usually look best when decorated in a simple style However, you will also want to create at least one strong focal point within each room, to add interest. This could be achieved by painting one wall a different color, or by using a large piece of furniture such as an entertainment center or a dramatic furniture grouping in one area of the room. If your room includes a fireplace, this is an obvious choice to be used as a focal point. A large piece of artwork or dramatic mirror would also be a good choice.

Create Separate Living Spaces

Studio apartments often consist of open areas that are used for multiple uses. If the space is small overall, you probably don't want to use dividers or anything else that will make the space feel cramped or confined. However, you can still create the effect of separate spaces by strategically arranging the furniture within the room. Using the couch as a room divider is a good approach, as is using a standing shelving unit or bookcase, as long as the back is also visually attractive. If not, consider placing two bookcases back to back, providing open shelving and display space for both areas of the room. Bedroom areas can be made multi-functional by including a daybed or futon, so that the space can also be useful during the daytime, providing you with more usable living space.

Artist, Jessica Ackerman, is a consultant with WallDecorandHomeAccents.com and describes how to decorate with grapes and wine decor and nautical wall sculptures.

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