Small Houses Nesting Big Homes: 10 Ideas for Designing Studio Apartments

“Less is more” a quote by Mies Van De Rohe, is something that changed the architectural timeline. Although coined by him, the saying has lived way beyond its time and it is alive to date in different ways. Modern-day “less is more” is the rise of studio apartments.

In the day and age of luxury apartments, studio apartments are a breath of fresh air for someone living alone, who doesn't want to be crushed down by the bulldozer of high real estate costs, or simply someone that wants a cozy yet efficient place to call home. Ideally 500 to 600 sq ft, they are spaces in which the kitchen, living room, and bedroom are combined into one larger space. The reason why people are willing to live in studio apartments is — easy maintenance, affordable, availability of many interior design ideas for small studio apartments giving freedom to personalize, and most importantly give a good return on investment since there is a rise in the number of people that are looking to rent it. 

You may have signed up for the “less is more” concept but do you get confused? To utilize the less in such a way that it becomes more, here are 10 interior design ideas for small studio apartments that can turn a tiny space into an efficient home:

10 Interior Design Ideas for Small Studio Apartments: 

1. You can find space in every corner!

It’s about making every inch count, being mindful of how you utilize the space that is available to you, and creating separate zones in your various functions can ensure more efficient usage of the space. For example, using studio apartment design ideas that use a shelf or console behind the sofa can create two visual zones, room dividers, and creating divisions to have a separate bedroom area will furthermore divide the space and create privacy. 

2. It’s All in One.

Studio apartments are predominantly rented by individuals looking to live alone, hence spaces must have a multifunctional use. For example, the studio apartment design ideas can be such that the living space changes into a work from home setup. The kitchen counter doubles as a dining table with bar stools. Typical storage cabinets can be ditched for storage beds that tuck all your belongings away neatly. 

3. Furniture that gives you Space.

Due to space restrictions, it is ideal to keep furniture that can perform double duties or be hidden away when there is a requirement for more space. While shopping for your studio apartment it is important to scout for smart furniture. Foldable beds that shrink into a sofa or nested coffee tables. Multifunctional folding tables that can be used as a desk for work and extended as a dining table when you have guests. 

4. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall.

If you don't have the space, you can create an illusion of it. Incorporating mirrors in your space is the best studio apartment design idea to make your space appear bigger. Tall mirrors on plain walls extend the space way beyond its actual limits, installing mirrors opposite windows will help in reflecting natural light brightening up the space. Cabinetry can be of a reflective material, this will make individual zones appear bigger. 

5. Light your way to a Bigger Space.

Lighting will either make your apartment pop or dull it down, depending on how you utilize it. Start off with ambient lighting, then task lighting depending on the space, hanging lights or ceiling lights are perfect for reading nooks saving you that extra floor space, this is the ideal studio apartment decorating idea. For the kitchen use under cabinet lighting to create a well-illuminated cooktop, wall-mounted lights in the bedroom zone will brighten the space. 

6. Curtain the Small Space.

Curtains are just seen as a means of covering windows for privacy and avoiding harsh sunlight. Often installed incorrectly which makes the space appear smaller. If used efficiently they can be an ideal studio apartment decorating idea. Installing the curtain rod just above the window sill gives an illusion of a smaller space, instead, put the curtain rod higher up closer to the ceiling making the room appear taller adding in more vertical space. 

7. The Sky’s the Limit.

In a studio apartment, due to lack of space, your walls become an extended canvas. All the floor space that could be taken up is now shifted to the wall. A wall-mounted media unit can provide you with extra storage. In addition to this floating shelves can be used to store accessories and plants. The ultimate goal to achieve the best studio apartment decorating idea is to maximize storage but also use up the least amount of floor space. 

8. Let the Wall Talk.

Exaggerating one wall of the space draws focus to it and creates a distraction from the small space. Transforming one wall of the apartment into a statement wall decorated with wallpapers, large-sized wall art, or accessories so it acts as the focal point in the apartment. A step forward to a unique studio apartment decorating idea would be to introduce wall textures and woven fabrics to add more depth. 

9. Cluttered Apartment, Cluttered Mind

A cluttered apartment makes you feel like there’s a lack of space. Keeping your space clear of stacked-up items is important to achieve the best studio apartment design idea to make the design feel larger. Clean lines, smooth surfaces, and space between items and various zones will help in giving the apartment a more open vibe. The kitchen is the main area that accumulates the most clutter, utensils, dishware etc should be stored away in cabinets.

10. Less is More 

Studio apartment design ideas must start and end with minimalism, modern and sleek furniture can maximize every inch of the space without compromising on aesthetics. The best way to live happily and comfortably in a studio apartment is to keep limited but useful furniture. Embrace the less is more concept and only keep things that are useful and have a definite purpose in your house so that the layout you create for your space, gives more than it takes. 

4 Studio Apartments that are a blend of Aesthetics and Functionality: 

These studio apartments by some of the best Indian designers, showcases the beauty of this typology.  These  studio apartments with beautiful design ideas encompass stellar details and an eye for multi-functionality. 

1. The Sleek Studio, Mumbai by Studio Osmosis

A perfect example to understand how light can be brought in to make the space look bigger and segregate functions appropriately. 

Architects Sameer Balvally and Shilpa Balvally paid attention to the walls, windows, and furniture. Incorporating everything smartly in order to make the studio apartment design more appealing.

2. Efficient Effects, Noida by Layers Studio 

The best example of adding pops of color and interesting details to make the studio apartment design appear more interesting. 

Architects Neha Bhardwaj and Gaurav Kapoor have incorporated custom-made furniture that can be retracted into walls, hidden storage, and rooms that serve more than one purpose. Natural light and indoor plants add life to this apartment. 

3. An Elegant Affair, Mumbai by The Svelte Designs

A perfect example of how modest hues, soft furnishing, and subtle lighting can effectively take the eyes away from the tightness of the spaces. 

It also shows how mirrors can be incorporated into the studio apartment design to make the space appear bigger than it really is, and use reflective panels to add to the effect. 

4. A Timeless Abode, Mumbai by Ravi Vazirani Design Studio

This studio apartment design is the perfect example of taking the minimalistic road. The Architect has used undemanding furniture and finishes to cut down on the heaviness of the functional spaces. 

Expanded windows are utilized to their maximum, bringing in more light and city views which help in bringing life to the space. 

Studio Apartments are the Future Households…..

Studio apartments are the ideal comparison to a holistic home for either a lesser number of people or for people with lesser needs. Moreover, they are a sustainable and practical option sufficing all your needs. And what about the rising land prices? Isn’t having a multi-faceted studio apartment the ultimate bargain?

FAQ’s

1. What are the best interior design ideas for small studio apartments?

The best design ideas to style your studio apartment would be to — utilize every corner, multifunctional spaces, double-duty furniture, optimum space segregation, utilizing the wall space, incorporating mirrors, and avoid clutter. 

2. How to decorate a studio apartment?

The best tips on how to decorate a studio apartment are to keep them simple yet impactful. Introducing an accent wall draws focus away from the size of the space, incorporating decorative pieces that stand out and adding big mirrors that serve as an accent piece alongside making the apartment seem bigger. 

3. How to design a studio apartment? 

A studio apartment must be designed keeping in mind that less is more. The layout should be such that it allows natural light to flow in. Furniture incorporated in the apartment must flow with the layout in order to avoid clutter. Most importantly the verticality of the apartment must be utilized and exaggerated.