Many of us live in more compact sized apartments because of financial restrictions, for easy maintenance, for proximity to work/family, or all three. Despite the conveniences, these kind of living quarters can often lead to a feeling of being boxed in or experiencing clutter overwhelm. Even decor itself can at times feel like it is taking over a small space, leaving little breathing room in which to relax and rejuvenate. These six small studios show how to overcome the pitfalls of styling a limited living space. By approaching compact dimensions with restraint, you too can fashion a calm, cool and collected retreat to come home to.
This 31 square metre space is a studio in Stockholm. The white Scandinavian living room scheme is made rich with metallic accents in a copper globe pendant light and gold coffee tables.
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Despite the rooms small proportions, the pendant shade is picked out in a larger size to create the illusion of a grander space. The metallic surface helps by bouncing the natural light and reflecting the room.
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The bed is directly adjacent to the lounge area – almost touching the sofa. The cohesive colour scheme means that instead of the tight space looking crowded, it just calmly flows. White bedclothes blend with the fresh walls, whilst a black bed throw and cushions match the black tops of the nesting coffee tables.
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A careful collection of monochrome wall art and accessories dress the room without creating a confusion of colour.
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Clear acrylic dining chairs disappear at the dining table, appearing to take up no room at all.
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White units help the small kitchen appear more spacious. Gold handles add upmarket interest.
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A wooden cutting board props against a white marble backsplash.
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Small spaces can still spell luxury: Champagne glasses rest on a side unit. A linen tablecloth dresses the table for two.
Our second tiny studio is a 28 square metre flat located in Budapest.
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The designers main aim when redesigning this space was to find the optimal spatial distribution for each function. The decor was completed in a minimalist aesthetic, using light colours to create a sense of spaciousness. See more minimalist living rooms here.
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Just an indoor plant or two quietly decorates the surfaces in the room.
A unique classical look has been achieved in the kitchen diner by adding a traditional portrait mural. A low profile dining pendant light hangs over the table without obstructing the art. Kitchen wall cabinets run all the way up to the ceiling to make best use of the vertical space.
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The herringbone flooring folds up onto the headboard wall of the bedroom. The lamp used for the bedside is the Atollo lamp. Atollo lamp. Cheaper replicas are available on Ebay.
Finally, our sixth and last space is a wood clad apartment with rustic Scandi charm.
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A murphy bed pulls out of the wood panelling at night. The pull-out goes unnoticed during daylight hours with a reading chair situated in front of it, and a few easily movable planters.
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The rest of the wooden doors cover storage cabinets and kitchen cupboards. A Scandinavian style dining area sits in front of the one wall kitchen. One single dining chair is picked out in a pale muted green in contrast to its pure white counterparts. The small difference provides an interesting design touch.
