Wednesday, November 23, 2011

5 Tips for Studio Interior Decorating

Space is becoming more and more of a commodity.  Apartments, it seems, are shrinking with the economy and we're forced to cram all of our wonderful design ideas in smaller and smaller units.  Looking to keep your studio up-to-date on modern home decor?  We've got a few tips to keep you living in style without living in a jungle. 


Smart Choices
You're working with limited space.  When you go out hunting for new items, keep in mind that they should feel absolutely essential to the feel of the room you're trying to create.  Don't splurge on simple ornament, make the functional pieces of your apartment the ones that speak most clearly.  Avoid loud, aim for clarity.   
Vicious Editing
Once you've already gotten the pieces you want, you must become a heartless editor.  Slash and burn the pieces that don't absolutely add.  In such a small space, even the slightest excesses create a feel of clutter.  You're looking to create a clean looking area.  Studios look dirty quickly.
One. Single. Theme.
When you live in a multi room space, you can theme different rooms as much as you'd like.  When you exist in a single space, though, it should flow with a single theme.  Not that color variations and hues should not change, but that there should be no confusion of message in the design.  Asian Zen theme?  Go for it, but don't add a dash of Modern Euro into it. 
Define Areas
To give yourself a sense of space, clearly define areas in your room.  Despite it being a studio, there should be a distinct mentality of Bedroom, Reading Area, Kitchen, etc.  If nothing else, you don't want new friends accidentally standing in your bedroom uninvited. 
Use the Room
The space itself will come with its own opportunities and challenges.  Lofted spaces create an easily identified bedroom, window seat areas or odd geometry in the room create their own challenges.  Use the space, utilize dividers to clearly state differences.  Lighting, too, can be a way of identifying different areas in your space.

Most important to designing a studio is to believe that it is your space.  I personally prefer studios to one bedroom apartments, the unification of the room represents a unification of life.  No areas are seperated.  Whatever you choose to do with your space, own it. 

No comments:

Post a Comment