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Functional and elegant

Though a studio apartment is all about functionality, it doesn’t mean that there is less or no scope for decor and design elements in these.

Functional and elegant


Sharmila chand

Though a studio apartment is all about functionality, it doesn’t mean that there is less or no scope for decor and design elements in these. Designers are of the opinion that such apartments come with immense charm and scope to perk up the décor. 

Achieving the right balance between space and design is very important. The focus should be on items that fit your needs while highlighting your personal aesthetic sense. 

Even though there is no thumb rule when it comes to designing a studio apartment, there are a few keys to success. Here are a few decorating tips to make the most of the space that you have:  

Bold & adventurous 

Do not shy away from bold ideas. Even in limited space, one can be adventurous. In fact, it is more satisfying to experiment with different colours and patterns in small space. Wallpapers, art work, interesting chairs, bookshelf, accessories — can all have dramatic patterns to create interest and character in the design. 

Accessorise it right

Be smart in choosing the right accessories. They should be few but well chosen which can create the illusion of more space. For example, tall, oversized pieces of art in a small room can give a sense of bigger space and opens up the room. Mirrors can do the right trick. These should be used to create the illusion of space and to bounce light. Place them opposite the window to double the view.

Instead of creating accent walls, it is better to make one gallery wall with a mix of framed artwork or photographs to add personality and interest in the room. 

Tall, narrow storage shelves are the best bet when trying to get the most storage out of the least amount of space. Hide the clutter and create a lovely view by lining the shelves with small baskets full of real and artificial flowers. 

Shoe hangers with pockets at the back of the door can be used to hold several things.

Choose appropriate colour palette

It is advisable to keep things light when choosing colors for your apartment. Rich, darker colours have a tendency to make spaces appear smaller, light shades help in opening up the space.

Go for two lighter shades to decorate the majority of the space then add in one darker accent color to enhance the visual appeal. Too many statement colors in one tiny space can get overwhelming. 

— The writer is a Delhi -based freelancer

Tips

  • Furniture should be just adequate in both quantity as well as size. Too big or too small does not work. 
  • Be creative and personalize the space in various ways you can think of without overcrowding it.
  • Add paintings, graphic art and flower arrangements to enhance the character. 
  • Set a deadline to un-clutter your space regularly.

Light it right 

Good lighting makes all the difference in a room, especially when the space is limited. Pendant lamps in different textures and sizes are a good idea. Hang them at different heights to create depth and interest. The layering effect has a softer effect rather than a single flat overhead fixture. Create a theme with pendant lights and table and floor lamps to have an interplay of all three types of light. It will give an eclectic look along with a pleasant functional glow. 

Add dimmers to change the mood and brightness of your lighting depending on the time and event. Use LEDs for energy efficiency. Light the dark corners with pretty candles or floor lamps. Nothing helps to set the mood for a party better than a row of tea lights, fairy lights or aromatic candles. 

Lastly, maximise on natural light by keeping your windows clean and big in size. It will make a world of a difference.  

Divide your space into zones 

Do not treat the apartment as one open room. It is better to divide the space into smaller zones with the help of interesting room dividers, big planters, visually interesting screens or rugs. The zones should be well defined for various purposes like dining, entertaining, working and sleeping. Be smart and tuck one or two ottomans under a console table to pull out when you need extra seating for guests. 

Incorporate multi-purpose pieces of furniture that can have more than one function, like a desk that can be used as a dining table. With the right layout, you can pack a lot of utility into a small space.

Sometimes a large entertainment shelf that reaches from floor to ceiling serves as a great room divider between the sleeping and living areas. It is essential to think about unused corners and blank walls. Then, try to think of ways to use those spaces to your advantage.

For example, you have a large windowsill which can be used as a workspace. Place a few baskets on top of your refrigerator and use them to place the stuff which you need very often like. 

Be smart in choosing furniture  

Sofa beds, ottomans with hidden storage space are the call of the studio apartments. Big furniture pieces should serve dual purpose of storage and if they are folding, then even better as they will be easier to handle. 

Due to the popularity of such apartments, a wide variety of furniture pieces are available to do ‘double duty’ as storage units and movable closets which can serve the purpose of dividing a room. Look for a corner shelving unit which can serve the purpose of storing your bar essentials.

Furniture pieces in interesting shapes and curves help in breaking the box like small spaces. So look for curvaceous furniture to break the monotony. For example, a round dining table or a sofa and chair with angled sides look stylish. 

It is important to compliment those curves by using similar shapes in your accessories. Rather than choosing a plain, rectangular bathroom mirror, opt for a round one that makes a statement. 

Instead of straight floor lamps, try a few table lamps that have a more rounded shape. Sure way to add the glam look.

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