Studio apartments present some unique challenges. With only one room to decorate and everything out on display, distinguishing the kitchen from your bedroom can be overwhelming. Regardless of your storage situation, these tips will help you decorate and streamline your studio into the most stylish little space in the building!
1. Coordinate Artwork: Having matching art pairs, like this Calm Forest series by Minted designer Cait Courneya, on the walls can make a huge difference in adding continuity to your space. There are a lot of ways to hang art without ever picking up a hammer, so even renters can enjoy a sexy gallery wall. (via Minted)
2. Let in the Light: Avoid heavy curtains and add lots of light fixtures to make your studio feel larger, cleaner and more welcoming. (via Front + Main)
3. Understand the Flow: Think about how you move through the studio and adjust your furniture accordingly. The space will feel even more cramped if you keep tripping over the couch to get to your closet. With clear pathways, you'll enjoy your apartment even more (no clumsy detours!). (via Getty Images)
4. Furniture Placement: Use furniture placement to organize furnishings into smaller groups within the studio. Since you don't have walls to create boundaries, use furniture, rugs, and lighting to create separate areas while still keeping the space open and airy. (via Getty Images)
5. Flexible Furniture: We love multipurpose furnishings like this IKEA Malm bed frame ($399) with drawers underneath. In a small space like a studio, they can be a real lifesaver. Any piece of furniture that does double duty is a good friend to have around. (via IKEA)
6. Get Organized. If there was ever an incentive to get organized, it's living in a studio apartment where all your belongings are on display. Find some storage organizers that look respectable and then start donating all those things you don't really need. (via Getty Images)
7. Control Clutter: We know you love those piles of throw pillows, but in a small space, decoration displays can start feeling chaotic. To avoid the clutter, choose only a few distinctive pieces to display. (via Shutterstock)
8. Make Storage Pretty: Stay organized, but look good doing it by putting stuff in a minimalist book shelf or colorful baskets and boxes. (via Brit + Co)
9. Go Vertical: Since floorspace is limited, use the walls to show off mementos or organize outdoor items with floating shelves. Shelves are perfect for rotating displays, and you can always change the look of your vignettes depending on your mood and the season. (via Brit + Co)
10. Embrace Open Storage: Even though you'll want to tuck many things away, embrace open shelving for the things you don't mind showing off. If your apartment kitchen leaves a lot of be desired, put in some open shelves and proudly display those pretty dishes. (via Brit + Co)
11. Add Plants: Not only are plants proven to increase productivity, they filter the air and create a homey atmosphere. (via Brit + Co)
12. Pops of Color: We're not saying all your furniture has to be bright yellow, but a surprising, bright color that makes an appearance in several places can make a huge difference in adding personality to a studio when space is limited. (via Brit + Co)
13. Use Mirrors to Add Depth: Mirrors are great for “doubling” your space. If you place them opposite a window, they act as a second window, reflecting double the light back into your studio. (via Getty Images)
14. Coordinate your Rugs: One of the advantages to a small studio is not having to spend a fortune on a full-sized area rug. Having smaller coordinated rugs anchor the illusion of “rooms" and provides extra color and texture to balance out your wall decor. (via Domaine Home)
What are your tricks for decorating a studio? Share with us @BritandCo!
This post was updated in partnership with Minted. Shop Minted for more decor ideas.
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
Back in January, we introduced you to a feel-good cause to inspire your New Year's resolution: a walking challenge to help raise funds for the amazing cancer fighters at The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I took part in the challenge with the Brit + Co team and ended up walking 105+ miles in January — it was awesome.
This spring, there's a new challenge on the horizon, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Big Climb. The ask: On May 15, 2021, you can step up to take cancer down by committing to climb 1,311 steps, walking 3.2 miles, or doing 440 chair step-ups at home as part of the Big Climb. If you need some motivation to bring movement back into your daily routine — look no further!
As always, it's free to sign up, but climbers are encouraged to set a fundraising goal to help beat cancer. We'll be organizing another Brit + Co team to step up, and I hope you'll join us too! Keep scrolling for a peek at where I'll be completing the challenge in my Los Angeles neighborhood around the hidden Silver Lake Stairs. Happy climbing!
Never underestimate the power of an accountability buddy! I asked my in-laws, my partner, and a few friends to join me so we can keep each other motivated and accountable in completing the challenge — virtual high-fives all around! Also, my dog Fox is a great climber, too.
An aesthetically pleasing backdrop is a huge motivator for me! I'm fortunate to have all sorts of painted steps around my neighborhood to keep the challenge interesting, but you can also keep cool inside with at-home chair step-ups.
Don't forget to share your progress on social — #BigClimb!
Feel free to break the challenge up if you need to by tackling half the distance in the AM and half at sunset. Here's me 1,311 steps later and ready for a break — but, think I earned this one!
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