If you’re all about urban living, you’re probably no stranger to packing your entire life into one room. Just because you eat, sleep, and cook in the same space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. Designing a studio apartment is an exciting opportunity to flex your creative muscles and build a space that’s perfect for your fast-paced lifestyle. 

#1 Divide and Conquer

We get it. It’s easy to let your sleeping/working/eating space melt into one big heap in a studio. However, we highly recommend trying to section off your space both for design and productivity purposes. Using a bookshelf or screen to section off a designated workspace with your desk and office chair can help you achieve that oh-so-difficult to find work-life balance, and having a place to eat besides your couch will make you feel more put together. 

#2 Become a Plant Parent

While a studio might not be the ideal place to become a real parent, it is the perfect place to add some plants to your family. Incorporating touches of greenery will help your space feel livelier, and it will alleviate some of the sting involved in not having a lush backyard. 

#3 Wine and Dine Yourself

Like we mentioned, eating dinner somewhere besides your couch can do wonders for your mental health. We recommend taking this advice a step further and focusing on creating as much of a real dining room as possible. All it takes is an empty corner, the right furniture, and some fun accessories.

Check out these tips for creating a real(ish) dining area:

  • Choose your table wisely – The truth is, you’re probably going to end up doing more than just eating at your dining table. Whether you work from home or enjoy crafting in your free time, your table needs to be up to any task. Wood dining tables are perfect choices because of how stylish and long-lasting they are.
  • Consider adding a bar cart – This is where the ‘wine’ part of wining and dining yourself comes in. Tucking a small bar cart into your eating area will help differentiate the space from where you sleep and lounge. 
  • Expandable options – Just because you live in a studio doesn’t mean you can’t have guests over. Expandable tables are your best friend when entertaining friends. That way, you’ll always be dinner party-ready. 

#4 Lift Your Spirits with a Loft

Your bed is one of the biggest items in your studio. Lofting it opens up endless possibilities for utilizing the area underneath. From storage to extra living space to a home for your drum kit, a loft essentially provides you with a whole extra room. 

#5 Smart Storage Solutions

If you use your oven to store your sweaters, we promise we won’t judge (we’ve been there). However, you can have your cake and bake it too with the right storage solutions. Consider trying:

  • A portable clothing rack
  • An ottoman with built-in storage
  • Hanging your pots and pans to free up cabinet space

Wait til You See Your One-Room Wonder

It’s time to start designing the studio of your dreams. The tips above are just suggestions, but there are infinite ways to design a show-worthy studio—it’s all about your own personal style. If you’re on a budget, take it one step at a time. With careful planning, you’ll be able to finish furnishing in no time.

If you’re able to make the most of your space without sacrificing your unique flair and personal touches, you’ll see your studio in a whole new light (even if you do still end up eating dinner on your couch)!