One of the biggest housing trends is “micro living”: where a renter lives in the smallest amount of space possible in order to be in a desirable location in the city. This could be an apartment downtown with only 300 square feet-just enough space for a bed and a small chair. It might sound awful to most people, but it has its perks. It allows people with a smaller budget to live in their desired neighborhood. Studio apartments are also easier on the pocketbook. But how can you make such a small space look chic? Below are a few tricks to make your small studio apartment feel chic and elegant, using a few interior design secrets.
Ottomans from Aroopy
Divide and Conquer
Look for clever ways to divvy up the space in your studio by creating zones. Use room dividers, or large panels of fabric to separate your zones. You can also put a canopy over your bed to create a “fort- like” bedroom.
Dual Functionality
When searching for furniture, stick to pieces that have two functions. For instance, a bookcase that holds books but can also be a room divider. Bar stools or ottomans can serve as seating and places to store magazines and the like. Or, if you have a large TV, it could function as a “wall” between the bedroom and living room. Set it on top of a console so that it hides the bed.
Blogger Nikki Rappaport uses a transparent ghost chair at her desk
Minimize Visual Space
You might not be able to add square footage to your cramped apartment, but you can definitely use décor that doesn’t take up much visual space. Clear, see-through Lucite chairs are making a comeback. Mirrors also trick the eye by making spaces appear larger. Opt for mirror side tables or place some dramatic antique mirrors on the wall.
Be Paint Savvy
Light paint colors will always make a space feel larger. However, if you have extremely high ceilings, you can use a darker color and create an accent wall. When choosing wallpaper, choose patterns that move “up” the wall. A secret of design is that when the eye is drawn upward, it opens the space up.
About the author: Olivia Glendale is a 20-something year old mother of two, both under 2 years. When she’s not busy soothing tantrums and changing diapers, you can find her blogging with sass about home décor, organizing, and DIY projects at www.DIYMother.org .
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