JOIN USSpace issues: Contemplating moving into that little studio apartment? But, chances are the cramped space and rental agreement restrictions intimidate you when it comes to decorating. Don’t worry, you can still deck the place up smartly. A Dyuti tells you how...
Make optimum use of limited space and ensure that you decorate it well, but not at the cost of utility. Begin with picking furniture that can play dual roles, say, a storage ottoman, a futon doubling as a couch as well as a bed, a compact coffee table with storage and a plain table that can serve as both the dining-cum-computer table.
Make sure the chairs can be pushed all the way under the dining-table. Avoid furniture-pieces with armrests, or else go for foldaway pieces, especially when it comes to tables.
The bookshelf can also help in the partitioning of a room. Use a trolley with vertical sections for the TV, DVD player and music system.
Also, think small when you’re choosing the TV-set! Trunk benches set against the wall and coupled with soft pillows make for a comfortable lounge-area.
A loft bed with the home-office paraphernalia underneath is another space-saver. In the kitchen, hanging pot racks can economise space. If the kitchen cabinets aren’t tall enough, pick the most colourful containers and arrange them on the counter tops. For the bathroom, choose a shower-curtain with inbuilt pockets to accommodate shampoo, soap, body-wash, etc.
Think Zen when selecting objects to populate your studio apartment – minimise the clutter!
Sell or donate clothes, furniture and knickknacks that you have no immediate use for. If you really can’t bear to part from crates of mementos or heaps of clothes, stow them out of sight in a garage or an attic. Go for a capsule wardrobe – one that consists of fewer pieces that can be mixed and matched to lend the look of plenty.
Accessories should be minimal. If you’ve set your heart on flaunting too many pieces, embrace the rotation policy, displaying them by turns.
Also, instead of setting up numerous little wall decorations, go for one big work of art/photograph/artefact in each particular area.
Does it mean you’ve adopted a Spartan lifestyle, even foregoing stuff that you desperately need? Of course not! Go for clever storage ideas instead.
You have already been advised to choose furniture with storage. In addition, employ hidden spaces like beneath the cot, to store things in baskets that’ll seem unsightly in full view. Trunks, chests and shelves are other options.
Vertical space
Exploit vertical space to the hilt. Floor-to-ceiling shelves and the stacking principle are two instances.
Define spaces clearly, but maintain the flow for that airy look using room dividers with shelves, curtains and frosted glass partitions. Area rugs are good too. To heighten the openness illusion, refrain from covering windows with thick curtains or blinds, no matter how much a particular pattern allures. At the most, use sheer window treatments.
Now, let’s consider some tricks to fashion that feeling of spaciousness. First, paint the walls (if the agreement permits) with very light colours like beige or sober shades of pink, green, blue or yellow.
The ceiling needs to flaunt a lighter hue than the walls. Remember, dark shades make the place look smaller than it really is. A monochromatic scheme and a simple decor theme are preferable.
Leaving one wall completely blank and picking low furniture makes your home seem quite spacious. But, beware! Pushing all the furniture pieces against the wall has the opposite effect!
Mirror windows
Place two large mirrors on opposite walls from each other to create the appearance of windows. In addition, you can hang smaller mirrors at other strategic spots as the reflections create sprawling ambience. Fixing a shelf under one dispenses with the space-consuming dressing table.
How do you add spice? By choosing accessories like cushions, pillows and throw-rugs in bright colours!
Pick beautiful table lamps, vases and little potted plants to place on tables you already have. A mini-chandelier for the living area and a combination of wall sconces, fluorescent and incandescent lamps at appropriate spots create the right ambience.