Just because you’re calling a small studio apartment home doesn’t mean you have to skimp on style or usefulness. With some smart planning, you can turn even the tiniest space into a warm and helpful sanctuary.

Buy Appliances That Save Space

Appliances that save space make the most of usefulness.
Appliances that save space make the most of usefulness.

Small appliances can free up important space. In one project, a washer-dryer that did both saved space in the kitchen area.

Use Lighting to Set the Mood

Lighting sets the atmosphere and mood of your space.
Lighting sets the atmosphere and mood of your space.

Lighting sets the mood in a small space. I like adjustable lighting fixtures to create different feels throughout the day.

Choose Furniture That Can Be Changed

Furniture that can be changed fits your needs easily.
Furniture that can be changed fits your needs easily.

Furniture that can be changed is my secret for small spaces. A coffee table that turns into a dining table can really help in a studio.

Use Furniture Layouts That Are Different

Unusual layouts can make the most of space and flow.
Unusual layouts can make the most of space and flow.

Sometimes, furniture arrangements that aren’t normal can work really well. I put the bed in the middle of the room, which created a unique but useful flow.

Add Colors and Patterns

Colors and patterns add energy to your decorations.
Colors and patterns add energy to your decorations.

Add some personality with colors and patterns. In one project, a colorful throw blanket made the space feel alive without being too much.

Choose Modern and Contemporary Styles

Contemporary styles keep your space stylish and modern.
Contemporary styles keep your space stylish and modern.

Clean lines and modern decorations keep your studio stylish. I think that modern items can make even the smallest spaces feel fancy and up-to-date.

Go for a Simple Design

A simple design keeps the space clean and open.
A simple design keeps the space clean and open.

Keeping the decorations simple can make a big difference. I’ve always thought that ‘less is more,’ so I focus on a few important pieces to keep the space clean and open.

Add Smart Storage Ideas

Smart storage ideas make the most of small spaces.
Smart storage ideas make the most of small spaces.

Using vertical space for storage can really help. I put up floating shelves above my workspace, so I could easily reach what I needed without taking up floor space.

Use Decorations to Separate Areas

Separate areas with decorations for a structured design.
Separate areas with decorations for a structured design.

Use rugs and curtains to gently separate different areas. I used a beautiful rug to separate my living space from my sleeping area, which made a nice division.

Make an Open Space

Open layouts create a smooth and welcoming feel.
Open layouts create a smooth and welcoming feel.

An open design can make your studio feel bigger and more welcoming. I really like using room dividers that let light through, so the space feels airy and connected.

Add Layers with Fabrics

Layered fabrics create a warm and welcoming feel.
Layered fabrics create a warm and welcoming feel.

Layering fabrics adds warmth and texture. I like using soft throws and cushions to create a welcoming, layered look.

Play with Wall Art and Mirrors

Mirrors and wall art make the space feel bigger.
Mirrors and wall art make the space feel bigger.

Mirrors can make your studio feel bigger. I used a large mirror to reflect light and make a small area feel deeper.

Bring the Outdoors In with Plants

Indoor plants bring nature and energy to your home.
Indoor plants bring nature and energy to your home.

Plants can really improve your space. I always suggest adding a few plants in pots to bring a bit of nature and freshness inside.

Use Natural Light

Let natural light brighten up your space.
Let natural light brighten up your space.

Natural light is very important in a small space. In my own studio, I changed heavy curtains to thin ones, which allowed light to fill the room beautifully.

Design Areas That Do Many Things

Areas that do many things make the most of small spaces.
Areas that do many things make the most of small spaces.

Create areas that can be used for more than one thing. My workspace also served as a dining area, which made the most of every bit of space.