I made that mistake once. I routinely stand on my TV stand and Nightstand (to reach the damn smoke detectors... GOD DAMNIT, I LIKE TO PAN SEAR/BAKE MY STEAKS) and at 250lbs, I'm not small. 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. When buying furniture for a dorm room or other small living space, choose pieces that are multifunctional. Stock up on those 20% off coupons from Bed Bath & Beyond and ask your friends to save the ones they get too. Chic is not exactly the first word that comes to mind when we think of studio apartments.Instead, we think of dorm life and cramped quarters. If your space is closet-challenged, you can get creative with how you store your things. This New York City apartment is a tiny, urban oasis brimming with style. Pro-tips as someone who went from a room in a shared house to my own empty house. 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! 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. Since they're available in various sizes, you can create a wall shelf arrangement like this one which isn’t evenly stacked but makes great use of the limited space above the sofa. 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. Thanks! It was actually a folding table and 2 folding chairs meant for guests around the holidays. Don’t Shy Away from Antiques. I spent several hundred dollars there a couple of weeks after I moved into my house but came home with a trunkload full of stuff to show for it. Here, a bookcase (the trusty IKEA Expedit (now Kallax)) creates a legitimate bedroom on one side of the space — there’s even a folding door. This Upper West Side studio began its life as a bland white box. What are things that you only want to have to buy once? I'll be moving into my own apartment in June, employed and will be making +70k. I think it was about $80. That's all great advice. Hello, studio. Studio apartment design is all about making the best use of the space you have – Not much! 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. Using different drawers, shelves and hanging racks can allow you to create the perfect "walk-in closet.". It’s all too easy to cross the line from ‘cozy’ to ‘cluttered’ with such a small area to decorate. Do not skimp on this. 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. This is one of those areas where one or two good decisions can make big differences in your savings. Tip #4: Studio Apartment Lighting Ideas. 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 … So, you moved into your first grown-up apartment and it’s sooo cute—and also sooo small, because it’s literally one room. I lived in a 293 sq ft studio with my boyfriend/husband for 7 years. Trust us: you'll want to take notes for this one. 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. 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. Thanks! Learn about budgeting, saving, getting out of debt, credit, investing, and retirement planning. 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 still sprayed 'em with disinfectant and a couple bug sprays, but they've clearly only been used a few times, probably just sitting in the basement for awhile. With the openness of a studio apartment, sometimes it’s hard to establish a defined floor plan. The studio … I still managed to get crazy soft Polo towels. This cozy small space features large windows and banquette seating. Take a look back at our past posts, from entertaining and design trends to up-and-coming HGTV shows. How to Decorate a Studio Apartment. Decorating Guides. 1. Anythings I should definitely buy from Costco? It turns out that it's quite useful as a kitchen table, TV table, desk, and all around multi-use table. Natural light filters into this small, feminine space, making it feel brighter and larger. Accessorized with a piano, hanging guitars and a banjo, the space is a cozy spot for playing a favorite tune. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Anything is possible. FWIW, all the stuff I have from IKEA is their solid wood variety (not particleboard). I know people in other parts of the country with 2-3 guest rooms, and no one ever stays there. Mirrors reflect light and make the open floor plan of a studio apartment feel twice as big. Photo by: Nick O’Neill, Courtesy of Laurel & Wolf, Studio apartments often have limited closet space. 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. If you’re lacking closet space, consider using an empty wall to create an open-air closet. 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. Best of all, it’s not taking up any of your limited floor space. Separate Your Bed. The designer created this “Style Studio” for Lindsay along one wall to act as clothing storage, a video set and an apartment design element all in one. 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 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. Another great idea for an open wall in your studio is creating a unique shelving unit. Sleep cannot be undervalued. Studio apartment Jamie Hord 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. Start with the essentials, and by that I mean a mattress, clothes, toiletries, linens, minimal electronics, and your kitchen cookware. Turn that once wasted patio into the outdoor retreat you've always dreamed of. If you live in an apartment, condo, or rental, you can still make a space your own with a few strategic design ideas. © 2020 Discovery or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Don't search for the items you need. Harsh overhead lighting can be unkind to a small space, drawing attention to low ceilings, dirty windows, and unattractive architectural details. Easy way to get 20% off of anything you need- cookware, bedding, bath mats, lamps, anything. Creating an accent wall in a small studio is a great way to create some visual interest. See what you miss, and then get that. But don't get suckered into any financing. Don’t just choose a bed — find one that has built-in storage underneath. Use every square inch to its full potential. Another easy, no-fuss way to define your space is with curtains. Stick to these design tricks when decorating a studio apartment and you’ll love studio living. Subscribe to the HGTV Inspiration newsletter to get our best tips and ideas delivered weekly. You don't need any new stuff. In July 2014 I had to do this with fairly short notice (1 month). Friends LOVE to stay in my apartment. than local competitors for furniture. Just because you don’t have a huge home doesn’t mean you can’t flaunt your style. Best bang-for-the-buck ever. In this example, the owner created a sleeping area in the loft and used the space underneath as a small music studio. Refresh your home with stylish products handpicked by HGTV editors. Decorating a studio apartment can prove to be very challenging as all the things are a part of a single undivided space. I love Costco. 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. The accent wall serves as a giant piece of art. Then, get a chair and table. Wine bottles are stacked but still accessible, and wineglasses are neatly arranged. See how Chip and Jo turned a small and dated home into an open space packed with design details. Space saving furniture. 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 … Not only can it add dimension to your studio apartment but it also can give a space solution as well. You're lucky to get an actual closet and detached kitchen. I've heard of them as a good place to buy cheap but plain and good quality plates and stuff. Read on for Jamie’s 20 NYC apartment decorating tips and ideas for turning your place into a home for crashing in the city that never sleeps. The designer created this “Style Studio” for Lindsay along one wall to act as clothing storage, a video set and an apartment design element all in one. If you are thinking about looking for a studio living, it is important to decorate it with particular decorating ideas to make the space feels like home. Bathrooms, thankfully, are separate. Our experience leads us to believe that the compact living is a global trend that in the feature will become stronger. A great way to do this is to carve out an area in your studio with a large piece of furniture like a bookshelf. Large-scale artwork fills this small apartment living room with color. A wooden loft area provides room underneath for a small music studio. Place the bed directly against a wall. Buy cheap then move up? Things you need the day you move in (remember toilet paper). Craigslist for all non-upholstered stuff. Plus a fire extinguisher and a plunger. I know your viewpoint on cars -- cheap but runs. I just furnished a condo: estate sales for kitchen furnishings, lap, bathroom items like rugs, craigslist (has lists of estate sales held on Saturdays). I chose to purchase new items for a variety of reasons. Tables: IKEA really is your friend if you have one locally. Spend time price shopping to find things you like and then search for coupons for those stores (20% off a sofa or a table... Good deal). Often a rental with very little in the way of space, studios must do it all without room to spare. The store will take as many coupons as you have items to purchase, and even though there is an expiration date on them, the store will never turn them down. They probably have a great option too, but I just don't know. Wooden shelving is situated above the bench, creating additional storage options. Search for the brands you'd like. 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 have a Costco membership and I'll definitely be comparing prices there with other places. I suggest making a simple Excel file with a list of all the things you're going to need, then giving yourself a budget for each item (perhaps a range of what you'd be comfortable spending) and just start searching. 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. LABLstudio. Privacy Policy. A two-story tiny house that tilts onto its side? They're in great condition and were put outside a house that was being completely remodeled. What are your recommendations for furnishing an apartment from scratch without destroying my savings? All the different parts of a house such as sleeping area, cooking area, dining area, study area, and the living area coexists together and hence the decoration of the apartment is a difficult job. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast, More posts from the personalfinance community. Let these apartment decorating ideas inspire you to fill your rental with style and personality. 1. 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. Got a super-small studio apartment? No joke. Create Hidden Storage . When you live in a 750-square-foot space, every inch counts. Here Are 12 Ways to Make It Work, Functional + Chic Studio Apartment Makeovers, 7 Life-Saving Solutions for Decorating a Small Apartment, Fixer Upper Goes Tiny: Joanna's Tips for Living Small, Stylishly, 10 Ways to Make the Most of Your Tiny Outdoor Space, 9 Times 'Tiny House Hunters' Buyers Forgot They Wanted to Downsize, 9 Things You Never Thought You'd See in a Tiny House, First Apartment? Create an open-air closet. `` small and dated how to decorate a studio apartment reddit into an open space packed with design.! ( July and January ), sometimes an open-plan space is with curtains how to decorate a studio apartment reddit 's something you need the you... Getting furniture there home into an open space packed with design details and will be making.... And kitchen in one: a bedroom but do have a visitor it also can give space! Curtains to create some visual interest easy to produce and easy to and! 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