Maximizing Space in Your Studio Apartment
There are a quite a few advantages enjoyed by apartment dwellers. While others are shoveling winter snow from their driveways or keeping the dandelions in check, people who live in apartments are free to spend their time however they like.
If a major appliance breaks homeowners have no choice but to dip into savings, but apartment renters can simply make a phone call and have it taken care of. Plus, apartments allow residents to live in more desirable areas than they might otherwise be able to afford. Many apartment buildings offer attractive amenities as well, such as swimming pools, on-site workout rooms or swanky rooftop gardens.
But, for all of their considerable advantages, apartments don’t offer as much living space as a single-family home typically does. This is especially true for studio apartments, in which space is at a premium. So, savvy apartment-dwellers are always on the lookout for ways to make the most of the space they do have.
Build Up, Not Out
The same strategy used by urban planners trying to prevent urban sprawl also works wonders in studio apartments. Tall shelves are a great way to store and display books, curios and other small items that might otherwise clutter your space. Smaller shelves can be mounted anywhere they won’t get in the way. Consider mounting them in places where they won’t impede the flow of movement around your space, such as above doors and in low-traffic corners.
Hidden Storage Spaces
If you think creatively and purchase the right furniture, you can really maximize your storage options. By mounting your bed on a frame with built-in drawers or enough clearance for storage bins, you’ll gain a space to store the extra bedding and clothing items that you don’t keep in regular rotation. By utilizing an end-table that doubles as a cabinet, you’ll create space for other necessary but seldom-used items.
Less Is More
If your apartment only has two residents, then a huge sectional couch is probably overkill. Instead, opt for a stylish futon or loveseat that converts into a bed, just in case guests come to visit. Furniture pieces that look just fine in a large house can be an imposing presence in a small space.
Visual Space
When creating a comfortable living space with a small footprint, actual physical space is important, but it’s not the only thing that matters. There are tricks you can do to make your space feel and look bigger, too. Mirrors can extend visual space, giving the impression of a much larger dwelling. Natural light can also be used to great affect, lending additional “breathing room” to a small space.
Colorful accent pieces can be just the thing to give your studio apartment more verve, but too many bright colors can make a space feel hectic and overwhelming. Instead of going overboard with eye-catching hues, create unifying, neutral color scheme, and spice it up with chic additions on an “as-needed basis.”
Simple Rules
In addition to the above tips, adopting habits conducive to small-scale living can be a big help. To prevent mail from cluttering your space, adopt a “one touch” policy. Open the mail, decide whether it needs to be kept, and deal with it accordingly. Making a rule that when a new piece of furniture or clothing joins the household, another must leave can also be an effective way of preventing overcrowding. There are plenty of great pieces out there, but you just don’t have space for them all!