Living in a small apartment is a wise way to save money without living with roommates. Roommate life simply isn’t suited for everyone, and your decision to live by yourself is justified. And while living in a studio apartment might be a financially savvy decision, it can certainly feel suffocating at times. But don’t fret – there are more than a few ideas that can help make a studio apartment look bigger. You can tailor your budget-friendly apartment to fit your needs, all the while increasing your living space and making it seem more spacious.
1. Decluttering is the name of the game
A cluttered apartment is going to look stuffed and small – there’s no way around it. Decluttering is one of those processes that allow you to work on the spaciousness of your apartment without investing a single dime in the process. The only investment that you have to make is time. If your goal is to make your studio apartment feel bigger, we suggest you start by decluttering your living area.
You don’t necessarily have to throw away all of the items you have in your home. If you feel emotionally attached to the things that you have in your apartment, you can find a safe storage solution in the area and remain close to your possessions. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to break the bank to rent a storage unit. You just have to find one that will match your needs and budget.
2. Turn to minimalism
With a clean slate and a clutter-free apartment, now’s the time to take a look around your studio. Are there some unnecessary pieces of furniture? Memorabilia? Items that don’t fit into the style of the apartment? Embrace your inner minimalist and get rid of those. Whether you want to admit it or not, small spaces simply work best (and look best) when furnished and decorated with minimalism in mind.
Don’t get us wrong – this doesn’t mean that you can’t decorate your bathroom or living room at all. It just means that instead of opting for three candles and a centerpiece, you could maybe cut your decorations in half. Remember the famous Coco Chanel quote that says to ‘always take off the last thing you put on?’ A similar principle can be applied to home decor – especially when working with small spaces.
3. Mirrors will help make a studio apartment look bigger
You have probably already heard about this trick that seems to be as old as time. But that’s because it works and it delivers excellent results! Adding a few mirrors into your apartment will create the illusion of more space. Besides, mirrors are usually an aesthetically-appealing solution, plus they have a practical purpose. You can allow yourself to be as imaginative as you want, as you can play with different kinds of mirrors. Bear in mind that a few full-length mirrors will definitely do the trick. But you can go a step further by investing in mirror tiles for a statement wall, for example.
4. Focus on large art pieces
Putting large art pieces into a small apartment might seem counterproductive. However, the smaller your space, the bigger your art pieces should be. To make a studio apartment look bigger, don’t be afraid to hang two large paintings on one wall. If you are currently between apartments and plan to transport the pieces you own to the new location, make sure you have sufficient help. Hiring professionals such as Brooklyn Movers New York will help you relocate your art without any damage. Due to their value, art pieces deserve to be treated with care during relocation. Risking their safety is simply not an option.
5. Turn to some floating shelves
The problem with studio apartments is that they lack storage space. People who live in these apartments are always looking for ways to get more space for their belongings without buying extra pieces of furniture. Good news – by installing some floating shelves, you will be able to do just that. These shelves will give you a bit of that much-needed storage space while also creating an aesthetically pleasing look. You can use them for books, ornaments, candles, picture frames, plants – you name it.
While on the subject of in-home storage spaces, you should also consider using multifunctional furniture pieces. They will not only provide you with more space, but they will allow you to have fewer items in your home, as well. By purchasing furniture of this type, you will be able to settle into your home the right way from the very start.
6. Opt for light color schemes
The one thing you should avoid when living in a studio apartment is introducing too many colors into the mix. Focusing on a specific color palette is best if you want to make a studio apartment look bigger and more put together. And while you are entirely free to tailor the palette to your liking, we do suggest you focus on lighter colors. They tend to make the entire area look airier, which is precisely the look you should be going for. A few dark elements here and there are allowed. But you shouldn’t opt for dark wall colors – that probably won’t give you a feeling of a roomy apartment.
Author Bio
Lisa Robinson is a full-time interior designer and a part-time blog writer. During her rich career, she has designed her customers’ homes from top to bottom and provided a few New York startups with innovative design layouts. Currently, she enjoys writing about interior design, and she has had her work published on multiple blogs and websites. Lisa lives in New York City with her husband, son, and two dogs.