How would you design this small studio apt (with seperate kitchen)?

Terry996 · 2025-03-03T16:31:46+00:00

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I'm having a hard time to come up with ideas where to put everything and how to make this small space look good. Now it just looks old and rugged, but I'm not allowed to do any permanent changes, so I need to fix this by decorating. I'd need to fit a bed and a tv here at least and find out where to store my books and stuff. Do you guys have any ideas? :-) What would you do if you had this space? The first pic is the main room and the other is the entryway.

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Comments

SNandez

Define spaces as best you can, whether with small rugs, room dividers, or curtains. When you have the areas clearly defined, it makes the space feel bigger and less cluttered!

DanielaAraya

+1 to this! I would use some room dividers or extra long drapey curtains hung from the ceiling to create zones in the room. Sorta like this!

Archivnoten

When I've moved into a new studio, I first would plan where I wanted the bed (or hoped it would fit) and what would be in front of the window - for me I'd opt usually to put a dining table that doubles as a work station in front of the window and the bed in the corner furthest from the door for whatever sense of privacy one can have in a studio. From there I find that there's not too many options left for arranging what's left. (Do you want to see the TV both from bed and a couch?).

There are so many clever and chic studio options in the home tours - I personally love using a bookcase that's open (like Ikea's Kallax) as a room divider around the bed for additional storage because it's assessable on both sides and everything is doing double-duty - a bed or ottoman with built-in storage (and ottomans that can double as additional seating for guests) , a dresser as a TV stand, etc.

I think there's a tendency to want to put all the furniture against the wall in small spaces to try to make some openness - but I feel like defining spaces works better going against that like in this home tour.

Congrats on the new space and good luck!

Shelly

Imagine a daybed in the corner with pretty pillows. Place it to the right of the window. You don’t have to be this fancy, you could use a twin bed and bolsters. Find a little table at a thrift store for your coffee table and add a comfy chair. Place a table for eating and working by the window. Along the wall facing the bed place a low dresser or storage unit for your tv to sit on. It is hard to judge the scale of this room but if you have space put two tall thin book shelves on either side of the windows. Pick long curtains in something that compliments your cushions and definitely add a rug. Maybe try one of those paper shades to cover the light bulb.
The entryway looks a little chaotic, can you invest in a large mirror to cover the ones stuck on the wall? If not maybe a piece of fabric or tapestry to cover that entire wall and then hang a pretty mirror over it. Definitely cover that old carpet with a rug.
Good luck and have fun with your space. I would love to see what you come up with.

Zephy

Here's a thought: put your bed to the right of the window with its long side against the side wall. Put a tallish bookcase (open back is fine) or curtain or other barrier between the bed and the entrance, so it's hidden, giving a feeling of privacy to the bed area. When you enter the room, your eye will go to the window where it's light and you won't see the bed first thing. You can set up your seating area, desk, TV, and eating area (if you can't eat in the kitchen) in the rest of the room where they'll get the benefit of light from the window. I think the room will feel larger if you can't see it all in one glance, but have to walk into the room past the barrier to discover what's behind it.

Zephy

This is an excellent answer! You hit all the important points in a few words.

InspiredCFSUK

Hey there!

Small spaces can be tricky, but with smart decorating, you can make it both stylish and functional!

Main Room

Storage: Floating shelves, a tall bookcase, or a storage bench under the window can hold books and other items.
Cozy Touches: A large area rug, floor-length curtains, and warm lighting will instantly make it feel homier.
Entryway
Declutter & Organize: A small console table or wall shelf for keys and essentials, plus stylish hooks for coats and bags.
Mirror Fix: Consider a larger single mirror or framing the existing ones for a more cohesive look.
Light, neutral colors with cozy textures and a few plants will freshen up the space. Hope this helps—can’t wait to see what you do!