Just because your NYC studio apartment is tiny, it does not mean that you should be living like a student in a dorm room. There are some great ways for using the space you have and making it feel capacious and simply bigger. You just have to be creative and think outside the box. Of course, you cannot physically make it bigger, but you can make it seem bigger and most importantly, make it more comfortable and inviting. But, yes, it is not going to be easy transforming a single room into a kitchen, dining room, bedroom and preferably an office. However, it is not impossible. Thus, if you are interested in some decorating tips for your NYC studio apartment, keep on reading to get inspired.
Create ‘Zones’ in Your Studio Apartment
Living in a single room is complicated. But, you can divide the space in your studio apartment by creating different zones. For example, create a bedroom zone, eating zone, or even, a getting-ready zone, or watching-tv zone. Adjust these zones to your needs. In order to divide the space for all these zones, you must be resourceful. Thus, instead of big doors or those bulky dividers, try using curtains. For instance, divide your bed from the rest of the room with a single curtain. This will give you a lot of privacy. Moreover, you can buy those big shelves that go from the floor to the ceiling. These shelves are great as they have a double purpose – they give you privacy and provide you with extra storage.
Be Creative with Storage
The one thing every studio apartment lacks is not having enough room for storage. So, once again, you must be creative. What you can do is buy those decorative baskets that come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. These baskets are great for storing seasonal clothing, different knick-knacks, stationery materials, books, or even kitchen stuff. Basically, in them, you can hide anything that clutters your apartment, and they are quick and simple ways to pack. Try to put them on the previously mentioned shelves, under your bed, under the coffee table, and basically underneath any kind of furniture that has an open bottom. Moreover, if you think that your studio apartment is too cluttered, consider placing some of your stuff into the storage unit. NYC is full of them. And, all New Yorkers will be ready to tell you hundreds of reasons to rent a storage unit.
Use Custom-Built Furniture
If your budget allows it, you can dispose of your old furniture and get a custom-built one. This kind of furniture is a life-saver when it comes to small apartments. So, if you own your NYC studio apartment, changing the furniture will make all the difference. Just be sure that all your heavy furniture should be handled by professionals. Thus, here are some design tips by experts that will help you save space.
First, consider upgrading your bedroom zone. Probably the biggest and the most expensive item you will have to buy is your bed. Thus, make it count. Invest in a high bed. This kind of bed is great as you can use all the space underneath it as your storage. Or, you can buy a bed that already has built-in drawers. Moreover, do not forget to use the space above and around the bed too. Add vertical shelves wherever you can.
In the living room zone, you will have a lot of possibilities to upgrade your furniture. Firstly, invest in a foldable and multifunctional couch or sofa. You can use this as extra storage or use it as an extra bed when your friends come to visit. Moreover, you can use your dresser as a TV stand, just make sure to buy a dresser that is wider and preferably shorter. And, make sure to buy yourself an ottoman that opens up. It will have several purposes – you can put some stuff inside, use it as an additional seat, or put a tray on it and use it as a coffee table.
Finally, make your dining area zone multifunctional by getting a foldable table. When folded, you can use it for eating, working, studying, or even as your vanity fair. And, if you have guests, you can easily unfold it and have a place for four or more people. With the finer arrangement of the right furniture, you will have plenty of space.
Use Bright Colors
Bright colors make everything bigger and ampler – and that is a piece of very simple decorating advice that will make all the difference. If you use the color pallet properly, you will visually make your small studio apartment seem greater. So, if you have some dark wall colors – repaint them immediately! Paint the walls in white or light beige. And, if you want to spice things up, paint just one wall in yellow or light green. This will really open up space. Then, change the upholstery on your sofas and your bedding too. Again, use white or beige tones for fabrics too. However, if these white tones seem too sterile and hospital-like, do not hesitate to add a touch of color. You can add colorful cushions and pillows. Or, add some plants and vases with flowers.
Let the Light in
Just as using the bright colors is important so is letting the light in. So, if you want to produce a spacious feel in your small home, let the light in. However, in studio apartments that is not always easy as you probably have one or two windows only. And these windows must provide the light for all your ‘zones’. So, in order to maximize the light, ditch the curtains, or buy some see-through ones. Then, instead of using dividers, use the previously mentioned shelves as they are great for letting the light in. Moreover, invest in proper lighting. You can use built-in led lights all over your studio apartment since they do not take up space at all. And, instead of using self-standing lamps, buy ceilings of hanging lamps to save space.
