At some point upon moving into your first home—which, for many, is a small space like a studio apartment—you may have dreamed about how to decorate and furnish it to better reflect your personality. But small spaces often come with significant space constraints, and it may be harder than you initially thought to fully execute particular design ideas with so little room to do so.
If this is the challenge you’re currently dealing with, now’s the right time to draw inspiration from big-impact design ideas that can make the most of limited space. Let’s have a look at some examples of design ideas that take up little space, but are sure to make a major aesthetic impact:
1) Paint Your Front Door
One of the simplest, yet most effective ways to add personality and style to your studio apartment is to paint your front door. Give your front door a fresh coat of paint to set the vibe of your home and make your apartment’s entrance look distinct from that of your neighbours’.
Before you start this project, check your rental agreement and seek permission from your landlord, as some leases may have restrictions on altering the property. If you receive the go-ahead, then you’ll have the freedom to choose a colour that strongly complements your intended theme for your interior décor.
For instance, a bold or vibrant hue can make a striking statement and become an easy focal point in your entryway. A subtle or muted shade, on the other hand, can add a touch of elegance and sophistication—which is perfect if that was what you were aiming for. You can also select your favourite colour to give the door a more personalised look. No matter which colour you choose, however, remember to use high-quality paint and prepare the surface properly for long-lasting results.
2) Hang Statement Wall Art
Wall art will be an excellent avenue for expressing your individuality and infusing your personality into a small space in big ways. The secret is to figure out the most strategic placement for your chosen pieces of art. It would also be good to pick statement pieces that will complement the scale of your apartment’s walls and make it seem like every inch actually bursts with character.
If your hobbies include engaging in action sports, you can hang contemporary skateboard wall art in your living room to give it a dynamic look. If you’re a cinephile, wall art that captures the enthusiasm of cinema lovers will be a good fit. You can also consider creating a gallery wall with a mix of framed prints, photographs, and other decorative elements to add visual interest and character to a small room. Check out DROOL’s selection of high-quality art prints and choose wall art that’s sure to make a big impression on whoever views it.
3) Switch Up Your Wallpaper
Wallpaper is a versatile design element that can instantly transform the look and feel of a room, especially in small spaces. It comes in a wide range of styles, and it’s easy to install as well.
If you’re pressed for ideas, consider switching up your current wallpaper and choosing patterns or textures that better showcase your personal style than plain, solid-coloured wallpaper.
To add impact to your space without needing to completely dress it down, change the wallpaper on only one wall to create an accent wall. This can achieve interior depth and visual interest inside a room without overwhelming the rest of what’s inside.
Those renting studio apartments should explore solutions like removable wallpaper. This type of wallpaper is a great option for renters who want to vary up the look of their space without making permanent changes.
4) Replace the Hardware with More Stylish Options
Upgrading the hardware in your studio apartment or small living space is a simple, yet impactful way to enhance its appearance. Replace basic knobs, handles, and pulls with more stylish options that reflect your personal taste and complement your interior décor. This can greatly transform the ambience of your apartment and make it a pleasure to come home to.
Whether you opt for sleek and modern or vintage-inspired hardware, these small details can make a big difference in the overall look and feel of your home. To ensure that your new hardware can make your living space more appealing, choose finishes that coordinate with other elements in your space, such as light fixtures or furniture legs, to give it a more cohesive look.
5) Invest in Low-Profile Furniture Pieces
Low-profile furniture pieces can maintain sightlines and prevent the room from feeling overcrowded. They’re also key components for creating a sense of proportion and balance in the type of space that may sorely need it.
Invest in lower furniture pieces, such as sofas, coffee tables, and chairs. These furniture options can visually open up your space and create the illusion of height and legroom, even if both are limited. Choose pieces with exposed legs to achieve an added sense of lightness and airiness.
6) Install Wall and Ceiling Height Cabinets
One must become a master of maximising vertical space if they live in a small living environment like a studio apartment. Install wall and ceiling height cabinets to help you utilise every inch of available storage space while keeping the floor area clear.
Tall cabinets like these will provide ample storage for items such as books, kitchenware, and clothing, all without encroaching on valuable floor space. Opt for cabinets with sleek and minimalistic designs to maintain a clean and uncluttered look in your apartment.
If you want to give these cabinets additional flair, customise their interiors with adjustable shelves or drawers to accommodate your specific storage needs.
7) Maximise Storage in the Kitchen
The kitchen is often one of the most challenging areas to keep organised in a small space. But with careful planning and strategic storage solutions, you’ll be able to maximise its functionality.
Install open shelving so that you can display frequently used items while keeping them within easy reach. Hooks or racks, on the other hand, will allow you to utilise the kitchen’s vertical space and give you points to hang pots, pans, and utensils. Also consider incorporating pull-out pantry shelves or a rolling kitchen cart to achieve extra storage and flexibility in your kitchen layout, as well as give the room a more stylish touch.
8) Create Multi-Use Spaces
Multi-use spaces will allow you to make the most out of every square foot of your studio apartment without sacrificing style or comfort. Designate zones within your home that serve multiple purposes, such as a living area that doubles as a guest bedroom or a dining nook that transforms into a home office. These approaches can optimise the functionality of your home and make it all the more pleasant for both you and your visitors.
Get furniture pieces that can easily transition between different uses, such as a sofa bed or a folding dining table. Also go for flexible storage solutions, such as bookcases or room dividers, to delineate separate areas in your apartment while maintaining an open and airy feel.
With more perspective on which design ideas can make the biggest impact, the challenge of designing a small apartment’s interiors shouldn’t be an unpleasant one. To enhance the appearance of your home while making it feel more spacious and inviting, be sure to order the coolest art prints from DROOL!
