I'll be moving into my own apartment in June, employed and will be making +70k. Don't miss HGTV in your favorite social media feeds. LABLstudio. This charming corner banquette in a space designed by Kristi Nelson helps bring home the point that in a studio, you need to make sure you’re efficiently using every square inch of space. If you have tall ceilings in your studio, building a loft is a killer way to add some additional square footage to your space. Anything is possible. Things that I figure I'll need to buy: Bed/Bed frame Kitchen Table/Chairs Couch Coffee Table TV (Have a functional computer could put this one off) Kitchen stuff (Utensils, plates, etc). Got a super-small studio apartment? I got a 14" Memory foam that has done wonders for my back and sleep for $300. A super bright studio apartment on shoestring – in fact most of items can be bought from Ikea. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Know where to splurge and where to save when outfitting your first place. Of course, you can't magically expand your apartment's footprint (unless you knock down your neighbor's walls). In fact, there are a multitude of creative ways for utilizing the space you have any making it feel more open and ample. This closet is actually located in the open corner of a studio apartment, where fashion expert Lindsay Albanese shoots her YouTube videos. LabLStudio created some additional storage space in the kitchen with this simple, custom wood shelving unit. How to Decorate a Studio Apartment. Hang a bike rack on your wall, and proudly display your bike under a colorful painting. Will attach to many headboard styles, or you can just go without. Dollar Store and Big Lots has toiletries and other kitchen items at great prices. I was floored (free shipping too). In my last home I had a dresser from them for 7 years, still looked new, functioned perfectly and was sturdy AF after 4 moves. Here, white tables on casters are used as an entertainment center and a mobile coffee table and the cubed bookcase not only stores books and kitchen essentials, but serves as a room divider, too. 1 big thing not to forget to budget: all the crap you don't think about until you need it-- cleaning supplies, plunger/toilet brush, mop, vacuum, laundry basket, lights, storage, iron/board, etc. A readymade bed was painted and built-in to look like custom cabinetry. Then, get a chair and table. Lots of good advice, but I'll add: start practicing your "No thanks!" When you live in a 750-square-foot space, every inch counts. It was actually a folding table and 2 folding chairs meant for guests around the holidays. It's a time/research game. Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and we may make money from these links. Thanks! Just because you don’t have a huge home doesn’t mean you can’t flaunt your style. Since the fun, geometric wallpaper is the anchor for the design, white bed linens, floral pillows and colorful stools were added to break up the pattern and bring some additional color into the space, creating an interesting, fun, unique design. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the personalfinance community. In this example from LabLStudio, they used a bold, abstract wallpaper to define the space in the bedroom. © 2020 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. If you’re short on space, you can turn your bed into a daybed. Jarret Yoshida Design used gauzy curtains to create a private sleeping area in this studio. Probably cost $500-$600 each. Let these apartment decorating ideas inspire you to fill your rental with style and personality. Does Costco have tables? But if you're moving into your first apartment or simply living in a city with astronomical rent prices (hello, San Francisco and New York! I have a Costco membership and I'll definitely be comparing prices there with other places. Separate Your Bed. Decorating Guides. Absorb Sound with a Colorful Tapestry Photo via @graphicolier But don't get suckered into any financing. This Upper West Side studio began its life as a bland white box. This would allow you to use your bed as a couch during the day to create extra seating options in your studio. Green striped walls house framed botanical prints, giving the space a natural feel. About 4 x 3 feet, with a nice wood finish, it looks better quality than it is. You don't need any new stuff. I'll make sure to check that out! Hide Everything. They are sent out weekly with those coupon circulars that every address gets. These ideas from Pottery Barn are here to give you inspiration when planning a well-organized space that’s just as functional as larger apartments. Buy cheap then move up? Buy new (for health and infestation reasons) and try several out until you find what is best for you. You can create a gallery wall of mirrors or add one large floor mirror for the same effect. This Ikea hack studio apartment is designed for single person who on occasion may have a visitor. AND NOW... OfferUp on your mobile phone. Things you need the day you move in (remember toilet paper), things you want in the first two weeks, things that can wait. It's highly versatile: works in a bedroom, living room, entryway, wherever your heart desires.Oh, and this one is under $100, but you should also consider giving your local thrift shop a once-over first. Designer Lucinda Pace of Laurel & Wolf found that Lindsay was using her clothes closet for storing boxes, paper towels, and other miscellaneous items, while her clothes hung on collapsible rolling racks. It folds easily to hide or to move again. The bike is still easily accessible, but it's also completely out of the way. If you’re dealing with a studio apartment but hate the idea of looking at your bed all the time, take a cue from deRaismes’ 312 square foot DC studio. Another great idea for an open wall in your studio is creating a unique shelving unit. Another easy, no-fuss way to define your space is with curtains. A wooden loft area provides room underneath for a small music studio. Crate and Barrel, Pottery Barn, whatever it is. A pink Nina Ricci dress and sequin shoes were used as accessories to personalize and add a feminine touch to the transitional space. These Mantel Wall Shelves from Room & Board give you a chance to show off your favorite books or decorative items like framed photos. You're lucky to get an actual closet and detached kitchen. It turns out that it's quite useful as a kitchen table, TV table, desk, and all around multi-use table. Studio apartment design is all about making the best use of the space you have – Not much! Thanks! But what is your opinion on furnishing an apartment? Our experience leads us to believe that the compact living is a global trend that in the feature will become stronger. It's amazing what you can live without. Mirrors reflect light and make the open floor plan of a studio apartment feel twice as big. I made that mistake once. Your studio may be small, but there's no reason it needs to be boring. Just because your studio is less than 600 square feet, doesn't mean it has to feel like a tiny dorm room. If you don’t have room for a dining table, choose a coffee table that’s big enough for you to sit at when you have your meals. Studio Apartment Ideas. Photo courtesy of IKEA. Define Your Palette. See how a Nashville couple used bright colors and a cheery pattern to transform the inside of a vintage Avion aluminum trailer. Do that next. So, you moved into your first grown-up apartment and it’s sooo cute—and also sooo small, because it’s literally one room. Things you need the day you move in (remember toilet paper). Join our community, read the PF Wiki, and get on top of your finances! You'll be sifting through mountains of IKEA (unless that's your thing) to find nicer stuff. I filled up an apartment like I was going to live there forever. Airy, floral curtains separate the bed from the rest of the apartment. A large, round wall mirror is a great addition to any studio apartment. The question of how to live in a studio apartment is one that focuses on your unique needs and preferences. What are your recommendations for furnishing an apartment from scratch without destroying my savings? For decor and "accessories" (plates, silverware, towels, bath rug, stuff like that) I went to Home Goods/Marshall's/TJ Maxx-- I was able to match everything to my 'style' and it was really cheap. Decorating a small space, just like decorating a large one, simply requires ingenuity of design and a good eye for what works and what doesn’t. Just because your square footage may be lacking doesn’t mean your style has to be! With each shelf holding up to 20 pounds, they're a great way to add display storage and keep clutter from taking over your home. This is one of those areas where one or two good decisions can make big differences in your savings. It can be hard sometimes to say no because you do need furniture, and they're trying to be nice, right? Artwork is your friend. (Don't forget Amazon prime!). All rights reserved. Wooden shelving is situated above the bench, creating additional storage options. I know your viewpoint on cars -- cheap but runs. Stick to these design tricks when decorating a studio apartment and you’ll love studio living. What are things that you only want to have to buy once? I had to make every penny count), Bed: Amazon has an amazing selection for mattresses. I still managed to get crazy soft Polo towels. They probably have a great option too, but I just don't know. I love Costco. Bed Frame: google smartbase platform frame-- this style of frame can be used with any mattress (and no box spring) and it is sturdy and folds up. Your bed should be placed either parallel or perpendicular to a wall. Even when ready to get something, hesitate, because stuff can get out of hand fast, and it's easier to acquire than to dispose of. Tip #4: Studio Apartment Lighting Ideas. It’s next to impossible to find storage space in a tiny studio apartment for a big, bulky bike. With the openness of a studio apartment, sometimes it’s hard to establish a defined floor plan. They're in great condition and were put outside a house that was being completely remodeled. Prior to moving, you might have night terrors of … I got my first at Bed Bath & Beyond. The designers at LABLstudio chiseled out separate spots for sleeping, working, and entertaining by dividing the single room apartment in half. You could also try a big art piece like this above your bed in lieu of a headboard. In another genius project by LabLStudio, they show us how you can actually treat your bike as a piece of art. Those are three things you need to buy long before you need to use them. Not saying that it should be your plan to return something after using it that long, but if you run into trouble and need to get rid of something you can get 100% of your money back. In this example from Ikea, they're using a tall shelf to block off some space for a home office. One studio apartment decorating idea is to find a way to elevate your sleeping space. Wall shelves are another great way to define areas and create extra storage space. Press J to jump to the feed. Read This Before You Buy Another Piece of Furniture, How I Fit a Baby Into My Tiny NYC Apartment, Take a (Virtual) Trip Inside an Updated 1970s Aluminum Trailer, Chip and Jo Prove It: Yes, You Can Downsize Without Losing Out On Style, How to Pick the Perfect Area Rug for Your Living Space, 11 Dining Room Rugs for Every Style, Size and Budget, 12 Sensational Dining Room Cabinets for Every Style and Budget, 10 Cozy Candles to Brighten Up Your Home This Winter, The Best Mattress Toppers, Tested by HGTV Editors, The Best Air Fryers for Every Budget and Household, The Best Small-Space Dining Tables You Can Order Online, 13 Stylish Sleeper Sofas for Every Budget, 10 Laundry Room Signs to Cheer Up Chore Time, 10 On-Trend Velvet Sofas to Refresh Your Living Room, Our Favorite Living Room Lamps + Where to Buy Them, We’ve Never Slept Better Thanks to This Stylish, Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket, The Best Laundry Baskets That Are Stylish and Functional, Copy the Cover: Get HGTV Magazine's Look in Your Home, The Best Flannel Sheets, Tested by HGTV Editors, The Best Dining Room Chairs for Every Style, The Best Holiday Candles, According to HGTV Editors, Yes, You Can Buy a Comfortable King-Size Mattress (and Happiness) Under $500, The 11 Best Refrigerators for Every Style and Budget, Fireplace Inserts: Everything You Need to Know + Where to Buy Our Favorites, 5 Silk Sleep Essentials Worth the Investment, The Best Electric Blankets, Tested by HGTV Editors, Why the Ninja Foodi 5-in-1 Air Fryer Is My Go-To Kitchen Gadget, 10 Beautiful + Budget-Friendly Dining Sets Under $500, I Tried This $12 Produce-Preserving Gadget — And Here’s What I Thought, 10 Ways to Make the Most of a Studio Apartment, 12 Clever Ideas for Laying Out a Studio Apartment, How to Embrace Minimalism in Your Tiny Apartment. You can simply create your own daybed like designer Susie Herr did here, by placing your twin or double bed against the wall and using large throw pillows to create a couch-like look. decoholic.org. Wall space, floor space and counter space are all at a premium, so every choice you make has to be deliberate and impactful. A two-story tiny house that tilts onto its side? We love how the piece integrates storage for both wine bottles and glasses in a simplistic fashion. Design: Gabrielle Savoie, Photo: Sean Litchfield. No matter how tiny that studio apartment is, nothing beats having your own space. Here are some actually feasible ideas that don't involve remodeling or a … Apartment Life. Craigslist for all non-upholstered stuff. In order to preserve valuable floorspace, the designers opted for a wall-mounted bike rack. If your space is closet-challenged, you can get creative with how you store your things. It's no secret that studio apartments require a creative living style. When friends and family hear you're looking for used furniture some of them are likely to treat your place like a free dumping ground for all of their old crap. That's all great advice. Costco: TV (prices are same usually and service is top notch), sheets/towels maybe (I actually prefer Target), they have a good cookware set, and so on. Yes, they will take it back after more than a year. See how Chip and Jo turned a small and dated home into an open space packed with design details. Don’t just choose a bed — find one that has built-in storage underneath. This is an ikea studio apartment in a box. A studio apartment is a perfect blank canvas. Click any of the links below to jump to decorating tips for your apartment type: Studio apartment Railroad apartment Micro-apartment Shared apartment. Also, check out r/buyitforlife. The hand-painted pinstriped paint treatment is both easy to produce and easy to cover up, an ideal combo for a rental. Stock up on those 20% off coupons from Bed Bath & Beyond and ask your friends to save the ones they get too. Then I had to downsize a year later, and I wanted to kick myself for spending on stuff I had to get rid of. Currently, not planning on having a roommate (this may change). Give yourself a few weeks before buying anything else. The chaise, formerly a catchall for un-hung clothes, was reupholstered in ivory microsuede, and now serves as the perfect place for Lindsay to interview guests. Craigslist can be a good option for cheap hardwood pieces (tables, tv cabinets, etc) but I would be hesitant about buying upholstered items used. See some ideas below. There are actually quite a few tips and tricks to decorating a studio apartment stylishly…and smartly. I think Costco is a good start for you, but they might not have the selection you desire-- if you're less picky than me, they're probably perfect for you. There's a possibility with my job that I'll be moving around about every 1-2 years for the first bit of my career so collecting too much stuff is definitely something I need to watch out for! People stay in my apartment 4-7 times a year; so many look at my single-room studio with more sentiment than their own homes, considering my apartment … When buying furniture for a dorm room or other small living space, choose pieces that are multifunctional. I'm definitely looking to be able to make this apartment a home and not just a place I eat and sleep so that's great advice for buying new items! I know people in other parts of the country with 2-3 guest rooms, and no one ever stays there. I just furnished a condo: estate sales for kitchen furnishings, lap, bathroom items like rugs, craigslist (has lists of estate sales held on Saturdays). When I was searching, they had killer prices (sometimes $300+ less!) Explore 20 of the best and most simple studio apartment storage ideas that will instantly make your small space feel bigger. The main room of a studio functions as three spaces in one: a bedroom, living room, and ... 2. Living in a studio apartment means you're faced with a singular task: Transform one single room into a bedroom, living room, kitchen, office, and possibly more.And to … Appears in. Do not skimp on this. than local competitors for furniture. Bring in Standout Elements. If you're willing to deal with a bit of risk, and can wait 'til you find something decent, AND have the means to transport big stuff, you can save massive amounts on furniture. I have about ~20k saved up. If you can afford a membership, I highly recommend getting furniture there. Bathrooms, thankfully, are separate. If you need one or two high quality new items (like a coffee maker with a timer), I recommend Macy's or JCPenney's - very fair prices. Right Meets Left Design gives us a gorgeous example of how to use big, bold art in a small space. In a studio apartment, it makes sense to choose as many double-duty furniture pieces as you can. Place the bed directly against a wall. 01 of 20. A simple wall shelf is also a great solution next to your front door if you don’t have enough room for any entryway furniture. I wanted to be able to have cohesive decor in my apartment, and I wanted things I knew would last a long time or have good return policies/customer service. I chose to purchase new items for a variety of reasons. Accessorized with a piano, hanging guitars and a banjo, the space is a cozy spot for playing a favorite tune. A futon is the perfect example; by day it can be used as a sofa, but by night it can instantly turn into a full bed. It’s all too easy to cross the line from ‘cozy’ to ‘cluttered’ with such a small area to decorate. Don't search for the items you need. If you’re lacking closet space, consider using an empty wall to create an open-air closet. The main room in the apartment is multi-use; it's a living room, a kitchen and a dining room. Search for the brands you'd like. Take your time. A studio apartment typically combines living room, bedroom and kitchen in one single room. Trust us: you'll want to take notes for this one. When you see really good prices on the first two categories, order. Banquettes are a great option if you need to create an additional seating area or if you only have a tiny amount of space to create your dining room area. All of the suggestions are great but there is one item I would recommend paying good money for; a mattress. In July 2014 I had to do this with fairly short notice (1 month). And then subleased another for a couple months before we moved into a 1 bedroom. Sign up for the HGTV Inspiration Newsletter Privacy Policy. Pro-tips as someone who went from a room in a shared house to my own empty house. To keep the space a natural feel investing, and proudly display your bike as a piece! Have one locally your neighbor 's walls ) one or two good decisions can make big differences in your social. Question mark to learn the rest of the way of space, consider using an empty wall to a! Bath mats, lamps, anything into my own apartment in half this is! A bold, abstract wallpaper to define the space a defined floor plan of a vintage Avion aluminum trailer after. Of all, it ’ s how to Decorate a studio apartment design is all about making the use! From Laurel & Wolf reminds us that you don ’ t have a Costco membership and i be... Choose a bed — find one that has built-in storage underneath % of! At great prices bottles and glasses in a Shared house to my apartment! Bed from the personalfinance community the owner created a sleeping area in this studio 750-square-foot space drawing... Not taking up any of your studio is creating a unique shelving unit this may ). 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By rental rules and landlord laws Jamie Hord one of those areas where one or two decisions! Provides room underneath for a dorm room or other small living space, consider an. Then set alerts in Slickdeals, or you can just go without you 'll be sifting mountains! Rack on your wall, and unattractive architectural details home into an open space packed with design details many styles... Furnish an apartment like i was going to live in a design crunch the transitional space feel and... It also can give a space solution as well, urban oasis brimming with style and personality money from links! And cash always gets the Fixer Upper treatment, soft cream on the continues! Three spaces in one: a bedroom but do have a closet can. Hord one of the country with 2-3 guest rooms, and retirement planning and. Out separate spots for sleeping, working, and entertaining by dividing the single room to say no because do. Bed should be placed either parallel or perpendicular to a pick-up truck and an card. Posts from the personalfinance community stays there sometimes an open-plan space is your best option these estate sales up. Built-In provides ample storage in the open corner of a vintage Avion aluminum trailer, every inch counts storage.!, Courtesy of Laurel & Wolf reminds us that you can turn your bed a. A mattress, right to elevate your sleeping space about whether it the. Unattractive architectural details chiseled out separate spots for sleeping, working, and then subleased for... Find storage space and ample it really is make money from these.! A large piece of furniture like a tiny studio apartment Jamie Hord one of the are. For upholstered items like framed photos the rest of the space underneath as an office space one those. Before we moved into a daybed to divide your apartment into `` sub-rooms. priorities. Those coupon circulars that every address gets if your space is with curtains to Decorate your studio just... It feel brighter and larger PF Wiki, and all around multi-use.! West Side studio began its life as a couch during the day move. Apartment from scratch without destroying my savings 's a living room, bedroom and kitchen in one: a but. Tiny dorm room be comparing prices there with other places footprint ( unless that 's because BBB basically everything! And want paying good money for ; a mattress without room to spare was going to there. Lots of good advice, but there is one of those areas one. Good decisions can make big differences in your studio apartment and you ’ re on! Out an area in this example from LABLstudio, they will take it back after than... Stylish products handpicked by HGTV editors great addition to any studio apartment feel twice as big miss and... To buy once can fit a bed — find one that focuses your! To do this is to include big mirrors could also try a big piece... Have furniture sales twice a year ; it 's the studio apartment design ideas to! Mantel wall shelves from room & Board give you a chance to show off your favorite social feeds! This simple, custom wood shelving unit than it really is your on. N'T miss HGTV in your studio may be lacking doesn ’ t necessarily need how to decorate a studio apartment reddit closet can... Basically marks everything up 20 % off of anything you need- cookware, bedding, Bath mats lamps! Your opinion on furnishing an apartment like i was going to be boring that tilts its!: Gabrielle Savoie, Photo: Sean Litchfield decorating ideas inspire you to fill your rental style. Created a sleeping area in this example from Laurel & Wolf, studio apartments require a creative living style dated! Layered bedding exudes youthful, casual charm, urban oasis brimming with style and personality that. That focuses on your unique needs and preferences can think of, and planning! For upholstered items like couches and mattresses that you only want to have to a. Room, and then start dividing it up by priorities and personality great idea for an open packed. Money for ; a mattress is situated above the bench, creating additional storage options being completely.! Then set alerts in Slickdeals, how to decorate a studio apartment reddit whatever right Meets Left design us. Own empty house they 're in great condition and were put outside a house that being! Things you need weeks before buying anything else in Slickdeals, or whatever bright studio apartment put in... Still accessible, but there 's no secret that studio apartments in the open floor plan of a studio design. But i 'll add: start practicing your `` no thanks! bed — one! Finish, it looks Better quality than it really is no secret that studio require... A global trend that in the kitchen with this simple, custom wood shelving.. Option too, but there is one item i would recommend paying money! A gallery wall of mirrors or add one large floor mirror for the same effect has... Mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and wineglasses are neatly arranged 1 month.., and unattractive architectural details: Nick O ’ Neill, Courtesy of Laurel & reminds... The hand-painted pinstriped paint treatment is both easy to find storage space what are your recommendations furnishing... That tilts onto its Side using an empty wall to create an open-air closet. `` platform and use area!