Now, more than ever, people are resigned to small-space living – particularly if they live in a city with ridiculous rent prices (how's it going, Dublin?). And, although the studio apartment tends to have a bad reputation, this is where great design comes into play. All spaces require a clever eye for design, but small spaces might see you wearing your thinking cap that little while longer. So, to ensure your quarters fulfil their full potential, we've collected ten of the most stylish studio apartments, from around the web – instant inspiration if one room's all you've got.
Rugs are ideal for splitting up an open-plan space as they create specific zones and establish each area's function. In this studio apartment, the rug in the seating area is the perfect size to differentiate from the dining area.
Even if ceilings aren't that high, you can create more storage by putting your bed on another level, using the space underneath for storage. Concealing your sleeping quarters will also promote cosiness and that feeling of a separate room if open-plan is too much for you.
Don't have the permission, funds or time to get building? Install a curtain rail for an instant partition.
Storage is key in small spaces. Source units that are tall, rather than wide and look to wall-hung shelving so your limited floor space remains uncluttered.
A colour palette that's from the same family can create cohesion but ensures the space isn't completely bland. Peaceful whites and greys live in harmony here. Sleek, Scandinavian styles work particularly well when space is at a minimum.
Furniture that doesn't quite hit the floor is a godsend in small spaces as it promotes air circulation and reveals more space. Thinking about shape and design, not solely size, is so important when investing in furniture intended for tight quarters.
Lighting plays an important role in this tight space, above. Relate your lights, specifically, for the function of each area; pendants in the cook space and task lighting in the bedroom, for example.
The finishing touches and leaving your own stamp on your space is so important for your general well-being day to day. Create a gallery wall with prints you love and introduce colours and hues that make you feel relaxed, happy and right at home.
If there's a way to avoid chunky pieces of furniture then think of alternative ways to store your things. The open wardrobe is rising in popularity, lately, and with a little bit of maintenance (and perhaps a naturally organised way of living), it can look incredibly chic.
One of the biggest trends of the last 10 years has been open-plan living. Open-plan means more space – no weaving through rooms that are divided by walls – while an increase in natural light only adds to the attraction. Think of your studio apartment as open-plan living even if space is tight. Decorated correctly, an open-plan space is the ultimate design success story; but get it wrong and you'll have a messy, cluttered space with no identity. Most importantly, no matter how much space you have, your home should be somewhere that makes you feel great – and we think the above apartments prove that size doesn't matter...
