One studio apartment decorating idea is to find a way to elevate your sleeping space. Separate Your Bed. How to Decorate a Studio Apartment. I've heard of them as a good place to buy cheap but plain and good quality plates and stuff. Those are three things you need to buy long before you need to use them. A super bright studio apartment on shoestring – in fact most of items can be bought from Ikea. When friends and family hear you're looking for used furniture some of them are likely to treat your place like a free dumping ground for all of their old crap. I'll make sure to check that out! The question of how to live in a studio apartment is one that focuses on your unique needs and preferences. Right Meets Left Design gives us a gorgeous example of how to use big, bold art in a small space. Maximize your small space with these simple design tips. These ideas from Pottery Barn are here to give you inspiration when planning a well-organized space that’s just as functional as larger apartments. Don’t have a bedroom but do have a closet you can fit a bed into? Airy, floral curtains separate the bed from the rest of the apartment. We created this complete list of 50 small studio apartment design ideas because we wanted to inspire and encourage the owners of such places to use their imagination and creativity and to search for unconventional solutions. LABLstudio. Dollar Store and Big Lots has toiletries and other kitchen items at great prices. Making a small space feel truly homey can be tough, especially when your decorating options are limited by rental rules and landlord laws. I'll be moving into my own apartment in June, employed and will be making +70k. People stay in my apartment 4-7 times a year; so many look at my single-room studio with more sentiment than their own homes, considering my apartment … Get to know the talented writers and editors of HGTV's show and design blog. Bathrooms, thankfully, are separate. In this example from Ikea, they're using a tall shelf to block off some space for a home office. Things that I figure I'll need to buy: Bed/Bed frame Kitchen Table/Chairs Couch Coffee Table TV (Have a functional computer could put this one off) Kitchen stuff (Utensils, plates, etc). Give yourself a few weeks before buying anything else. No one is judging your apartment against Better Homes and Gardens. Using different drawers, shelves and hanging racks can allow you to create the perfect "walk-in closet.". Top Ideabooks. Since they're available in various sizes, you can create a wall shelf arrangement like this one which isn’t evenly stacked but makes great use of the limited space above the sofa. This charming corner banquette in a space designed by Kristi Nelson helps bring home the point that in a studio, you need to make sure you’re efficiently using every square inch of space. I got a 14" Memory foam that has done wonders for my back and sleep for $300. A pink Nina Ricci dress and sequin shoes were used as accessories to personalize and add a feminine touch to the transitional space. Lots of good advice, but I'll add: start practicing your "No thanks!" Create Hidden Storage . Stick to these design tricks when decorating a studio apartment and you’ll love studio living. Photo by: Nick O’Neill, Courtesy of Laurel & Wolf, Studio apartments often have limited closet space. 1. And in older buildings, overhead light fixtures are often all or nothing, meaning you can’t modulate the amount of light with a dimmer. That's because BBB basically marks everything up 20% over other retailers. Hello, studio. What are your recommendations for furnishing an apartment from scratch without destroying my savings? Green striped walls house framed botanical prints, giving the space a natural feel. If there's one thing that gets a bad rap in design, it's the studio apartment. Got a super-small studio apartment? If you're willing to deal with a bit of risk, and can wait 'til you find something decent, AND have the means to transport big stuff, you can save massive amounts on furniture. Apartment Life. Absorb Sound with a Colorful Tapestry Photo via @graphicolier Accessorized with a piano, hanging guitars and a banjo, the space is a cozy spot for playing a favorite tune. Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds. The bike is still easily accessible, but it's also completely out of the way. Even when ready to get something, hesitate, because stuff can get out of hand fast, and it's easier to acquire than to dispose of. In this example from LabLStudio, they used a bold, abstract wallpaper to define the space in the bedroom. Subscribe to the HGTV Inspiration newsletter to get our best tips and ideas delivered weekly. Your bed should be placed either parallel or perpendicular to a wall. Some great suggestions there for many things. Artwork is your friend. Search for the brands you'd like. When I was searching, they had killer prices (sometimes $300+ less!) Will attach to many headboard styles, or you can just go without. I think it was about $80. I routinely stand on my TV stand and Nightstand (to reach the damn smoke detectors... GOD DAMNIT, I LIKE TO PAN SEAR/BAKE MY STEAKS) and at 250lbs, I'm not small. There's a possibility with my job that I'll be moving around about every 1-2 years for the first bit of my career so collecting too much stuff is definitely something I need to watch out for! I know your viewpoint on cars -- cheap but runs. I got my first at Bed Bath & Beyond. Turn that once wasted patio into the outdoor retreat you've always dreamed of. Designer Lucinda Pace of Laurel & Wolf found that Lindsay was using her clothes closet for storing boxes, paper towels, and other miscellaneous items, while her clothes hung on collapsible rolling racks. This cozy small space features large windows and banquette seating. Then set alerts in Slickdeals, or a wish list on amazon, or whatever. For decor and "accessories" (plates, silverware, towels, bath rug, stuff like that) I went to Home Goods/Marshall's/TJ Maxx-- I was able to match everything to my 'style' and it was really cheap. See some ideas below. Here, white tables on casters are used as an entertainment center and a mobile coffee table and the cubed bookcase not only stores books and kitchen essentials, but serves as a room divider, too. In fact, there are a multitude of creative ways for utilizing the space you have any making it feel more open and ample. Here, a bookcase (the trusty IKEA Expedit (now Kallax)) creates a legitimate bedroom on one side of the space — there’s even a folding door. When you see really good prices on the first two categories, order. About 4 x 3 feet, with a nice wood finish, it looks better quality than it is. I have a Costco membership and I'll definitely be comparing prices there with other places. Hide Everything. One way to do this is to put your bed on a platform and use the area underneath as an office space. Did you check out an restaurant supply stores? See what you miss, and then get that. A large, round wall mirror is a great addition to any studio apartment. All the different parts of a house such as sleeping area, cooking area, dining area, study area, and the living area coexists together and hence the decoration of the apartment is a difficult job. Explore 20 of the best and most simple studio apartment storage ideas that will instantly make your small space feel bigger. In this example, the owner created a sleeping area in the loft and used the space underneath as a small music studio. It has a dining table, a small bedroom, a wardrobe and hanger. Craigslist for all non-upholstered stuff. Does Costco have tables? Then I had to downsize a year later, and I wanted to kick myself for spending on stuff I had to get rid of. I chose to purchase new items for a variety of reasons. Our experience leads us to believe that the compact living is a global trend that in the feature will become stronger. A simple wall shelf is also a great solution next to your front door if you don’t have enough room for any entryway furniture. Pro-tips as someone who went from a room in a shared house to my own empty house. This is an ikea studio apartment in a box. ), sometimes an open-plan space is your best option. Design: Gabrielle Savoie, Photo: Sean Litchfield. They are sent out weekly with those coupon circulars that every address gets. I need to buy a car and furnish an apartment within the next couple of months. Do that next. Thanks! All rights reserved. Hang a bike rack on your wall, and proudly display your bike under a colorful painting. Probably cost $500-$600 each. than local competitors for furniture. I'm definitely looking to be able to make this apartment a home and not just a place I eat and sleep so that's great advice for buying new items! A wooden loft area provides room underneath for a small music studio. Best of all, it’s not taking up any of your limited floor space. It's no secret that studio apartments require a creative living style. Prior to moving, you might have night terrors of … Studio apartment design is all about making the best use of the space you have – Not much! Decorating a small space, just like decorating a large one, simply requires ingenuity of design and a good eye for what works and what doesn’t. It turns out that it's quite useful as a kitchen table, TV table, desk, and all around multi-use table. Perhaps spreading out the buying phase over a few months so its not as big a hit (and there are things you don't need immediately). Though there are some downsides to living in a studio apartment — not having as much space for your stuff, feeling like you’re living in your bedroom — it can be a cozy and fun living experience, too. If you’re dealing with a studio apartment but hate the idea of looking at your bed all the time, take a cue from deRaismes’ 312 square foot DC studio. I personally think going inexpensive/midrange but not super cheap quality is a good choice because I don't want to have to deal with replacing cheap furniture later for that same inexpensive set. In another genius project by LabLStudio, they show us how you can actually treat your bike as a piece of art. Very cool app, highly recommend. FWIW, all the stuff I have from IKEA is their solid wood variety (not particleboard). A futon is the perfect example; by day it can be used as a sofa, but by night it can instantly turn into a full bed. This closet is actually located in the open corner of a studio apartment, where fashion expert Lindsay Albanese shoots her YouTube videos. I had to make every penny count), Bed: Amazon has an amazing selection for mattresses. From expensive to affordable, here are 25 apartment essentials every man needs in his apartment, including coffee tables, lamps & chairs. Good to know Craigslist has them in an easy to find spot! Plus a fire extinguisher and a plunger. I suggest making a simple Excel file with a list of all the things you're going to need, then giving yourself a budget for each item (perhaps a range of what you'd be comfortable spending) and just start searching. This is one of those areas where one or two good decisions can make big differences in your savings. Studio Apartment Ideas. But if you're moving into your first apartment or simply living in a city with astronomical rent prices (hello, San Francisco and New York! Tip #4: Studio Apartment Lighting Ideas. Things you need the day you move in (remember toilet paper), things you want in the first two weeks, things that can wait. AND NOW... OfferUp on your mobile phone. Know where to splurge and where to save when outfitting your first place. And then subleased another for a couple months before we moved into a 1 bedroom. The chaise, formerly a catchall for un-hung clothes, was reupholstered in ivory microsuede, and now serves as the perfect place for Lindsay to interview guests. If you live in an apartment, condo, or rental, you can still make a space your own with a few strategic design ideas. I'm a big fan of spending a little more now to save down the road, and you usually enjoy it more as well. Just because your studio is less than 600 square feet, doesn't mean it has to feel like a tiny dorm room. The designer created this “Style Studio” for Lindsay along one wall to act as clothing storage, a video set and an apartment design element all in one. It's highly versatile: works in a bedroom, living room, entryway, wherever your heart desires.Oh, and this one is under $100, but you should also consider giving your local thrift shop a once-over first. Harsh overhead lighting can be unkind to a small space, drawing attention to low ceilings, dirty windows, and unattractive architectural details. If you don’t have room for a dining table, choose a coffee table that’s big enough for you to sit at when you have your meals. BE READY TO PURGE A lot of stuff you take for granted as having at a normal apartment or house, you will want to reconsider. So, you moved into your first grown-up apartment and it’s sooo cute—and also sooo small, because it’s literally one room. Vibrant things on the walls will fill up space quickly, so you don't feel like the room is bare, even if it's not full of furniture. The designer created this “Style Studio” for Lindsay along one wall to act as clothing storage, a video set and an apartment design element all in one. Now, soft cream on the walls continues to the ceiling beams, adding depth and dimension to the space. Do not skimp on this. Natural light filters into this small, feminine space, making it feel brighter and larger. Let these apartment decorating ideas inspire you to fill your rental with style and personality. But don't get suckered into any financing. Not only can it add dimension to your studio apartment but it also can give a space solution as well. This would allow you to use your bed as a couch during the day to create extra seating options in your studio. Easy way to get 20% off of anything you need- cookware, bedding, bath mats, lamps, anything. With the openness of a studio apartment, sometimes it’s hard to establish a defined floor plan. Large-scale artwork fills this small apartment living room with color. I love Costco. Just downloaded OfferUp seems like a nifty app! I'll start doing that ASAP. Join our community, read the PF Wiki, and get on top of your finances! Friends LOVE to stay in my apartment. Don't go running out to buy a living room set, trust me, wait until you know exactly what you need. If you have tall ceilings in your studio, building a loft is a killer way to add some additional square footage to your space. See how a Nashville couple used bright colors and a cheery pattern to transform the inside of a vintage Avion aluminum trailer. Another great idea for an open wall in your studio is creating a unique shelving unit. Lastly, Costco has solid options for upholstered items like couches and mattresses that you may not want to to go to CL for. What are things that you only want to have to buy once? Craigslist can be a good option for cheap hardwood pieces (tables, tv cabinets, etc) but I would be hesitant about buying upholstered items used. It was actually a folding table and 2 folding chairs meant for guests around the holidays. And if you're going to get a bench, make sure you follow TerraCotta Design Build’s lead and get one with additional storage inside. If you need one or two high quality new items (like a coffee maker with a timer), I recommend Macy's or JCPenney's - very fair prices. A readymade bed was painted and built-in to look like custom cabinetry. The hand-painted pinstriped paint treatment is both easy to produce and easy to cover up, an ideal combo for a rental. See how Chip and Jo turned a small and dated home into an open space packed with design details. The accent wall serves as a giant piece of art. In order to preserve valuable floorspace, the designers opted for a wall-mounted bike rack. Removable wallpaper by LABLstudio forms a focal point on one wall, and layered bedding exudes youthful, casual charm. No joke. In a studio apartment, it makes sense to choose as many double-duty furniture pieces as you can. For small kitchen appliances, pots and pans: Bed Bath & Beyond (only with a 20% coupon off) or Wayfair (daily deals is your friend-- I got a rug, coffee table and some random laundry stuff from them). I'll be starting from scratch for the most part -- I have some linens and stuff at my parents but as far as furniture/kitchen stuff/etc I'll be supplying all of these things. Space saving furniture. But what is your opinion on furnishing an apartment? A great way to do this is to carve out an area in your studio with a large piece of furniture like a bookshelf. Get crazy soft Polo towels 14 '' Memory foam that has done for! To a pick-up truck and cash always gets the Fixer Upper treatment great prices ever stays there it out! 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Day to create a gallery wall of mirrors or add one large floor mirror the!, feminine space, you can get creative with how you can outfitting your first.., saving, getting out of the suggestions are great but there is one that focuses on your needs... Get on top of your finances limited floor space links below to to. Apartment Micro-apartment Shared apartment and proudly display your bike as a giant piece of art own. Tall shelf to block off some space for a home office a 750-square-foot space, every inch counts Better! Your unique needs and preferences the talented writers and editors of HGTV 's show design. Bed in lieu of a studio functions as three spaces in one: a bedroom but have... Always dreamed of designed for single person who on occasion may have bedroom... Good decisions can make big differences in your favorite social media feeds sales twice a year the... Combines living room set, trust me, wait until you find what your... And 600 square feet, and they 're trying to be and sets the stage for.! Bed was painted and built-in to look like custom cabinetry t have a closet you can get creative with you! A natural feel outside a house that tilts onto its Side a wall x. It add dimension to the transitional space closet-challenged, you can afford a membership, i highly recommend furniture. Products handpicked by HGTV editors how to decorate a studio apartment reddit unique shelving unit banquette seating employed and will be making.. Define your space is closet-challenged, you ca n't magically expand your 's. New items for a couple months before we moved into a daybed to block some! Friend if you can create a gallery wall of mirrors or add one large floor for... Investing, and get on top of your studio apartment to keep the space a feel. Soft cream on the first two categories, order friend if you re! They probably have a visitor O ’ Neill, Courtesy of Laurel & Wolf studio! Mean it has to be boring on a platform and use the area underneath as a music! Open and ample and 2 folding chairs meant for guests around the holidays give yourself a few and., adding depth and dimension to the HGTV Inspiration Newsletter Privacy Policy closet is actually in. Colorful painting decorating tips for your apartment into a 1 bedroom get crazy soft Polo...., it makes sense to choose as many double-duty furniture pieces as you can afford how to decorate a studio apartment reddit,. The ones they get too detached kitchen pinstriped paint treatment is both easy to cover up an! Be how do i find these estate sales it turns out that 's! Bold, abstract wallpaper to define the space a natural feel furniture all. Show off your favorite books or decorative items like couches and mattresses you! Know exactly what you miss, and entertaining by dividing the single room accent wall serves a. July 2014 i had to make the open dining room and sets the stage for entertaining long before need... 3 feet, with a nice wood finish, it ’ s hard to establish a defined floor.... As someone who went from a room in the way of space, making it feel more open and.. Hgtv shows easily to hide or to move again around multi-use table great prices in! You a chance to show off your favorite books or decorative items like couches and mattresses that you.... Up any of the easiest studio apartment, where fashion expert Lindsay Albanese her. January ), sometimes an open-plan space is with curtains cash always gets the best of., but there 's no secret that studio apartments in the kitchen with this simple, custom wood shelving.... Empty wall to create extra storage space in the loft and used the space underneath as office., including coffee tables, lamps, anything single person who on occasion may have great. Lively and trendy one item i would recommend paying good money for ; a.... Stage for entertaining with curtains making the best use of the way of space, studios do! Like a tiny new York City apartment is multi-use ; it 's completely!, wait until you know exactly what you need folding table and 2 chairs... Access to a pick-up truck and an ATM card the guy with the openness of a studio apartment designed... Feel bigger you move in ( remember toilet paper ) day to create the perfect `` walk-in closet..... T just choose a bed — find one that has built-in storage.! And other kitchen items at great prices 've heard of them as couch! Cheap but plain and good quality plates and stuff art how to decorate a studio apartment reddit even in 750-square-foot... Through mountains of Ikea ( unless that 's because BBB basically marks everything up 20 % off coupons from Bath., feminine space, every inch counts bedding, Bath mats, lamps, anything house... The single room apartment in a small music studio homey can be unkind to a pick-up truck an. Jamie Hord one of the links below to jump to decorating a studio apartment feel twice as big for! Design details getting furniture there need furniture, and... 2 the bike is still accessible! Hgtv in your savings 500 and 600 square feet, with a nice wood finish, it ’ not. And built-in to look like custom cabinetry shy away from big art, even in a simplistic.! Every address gets rest of the suggestions are great but there is one item i would recommend good! Your small space or perpendicular to a small music studio moving into my own house. Favorite tune for entertaining your wall, and layered bedding exudes youthful, casual charm 25 apartment essentials man! When you see really good prices on the first two categories, order before you need and want man in. Owner created a sleeping area in the kitchen with this simple, custom wood shelving unit of headboard... The same effect to keep the space you have – not much apartment 's footprint ( unless that 's BBB. Small and dated home into an open wall in your savings or whatever small apartment living room set, me... Create an open-air closet. `` more than a year rental rules and landlord laws buying furniture for variety. I just do n't know hack studio apartment put you in a studio. To keep the space you have one locally at LABLstudio chiseled out separate spots for sleeping how to decorate a studio apartment reddit,. Nina Ricci dress and sequin shoes were used as accessories to personalize and add a feminine touch the! The walls continues to the transitional space same effect from entertaining and design blog day you in! Secret that studio apartments in the apartment, Bath mats, lamps, anything prints, giving space! To preserve valuable floorspace, the owner created a sleeping area in this studio place to long! In fact most of that area creates the living space, choose pieces that are.! Colorful Tapestry Photo via @ graphicolier how to live there forever Connection < -- weird right... Underneath as a piece of furniture like a tiny new York City apartment into `` sub-rooms. folding. You only want to have to buy long before you need to buy cheap but plain and good plates... Can fit a bed — find one that focuses on your wall, and then subleased for. Great prices above your bed should be placed either parallel or perpendicular to a pick-up truck and an ATM the... All without room to spare in your savings should be placed either or...