A Small Studio Apartment Gets a Large Dose of Function and Style

See how a two-room apartment went from bland and awkward to bright and functional by making smart furniture choices, reworking the office space and adding some rich color.

By: Laurie March

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Photo By: Bethany Nauert

Before: Solitary Confinement

Studio apartments can feel limiting, but by making a few thoughtful changes – you can set them free.

After: Bailed Out

Purposeful furniture choices and arrangement transform this formally cramped room. Simple, gorgeous style elements welcome guests into all of the new space. Watch the video of this makeover >>

Before: Basic and Bland

This white, drab kitchen entry, decorated with a litter box, is enough to make anyone lose their appetite.

Now We’re Cooking

Sometimes adding the right furniture to a small space can make it feel bigger. No longer deserted, this apartment’s kitchen becomes the dessert! See more renter-friendly kitchen updates >>

High Hopes

It is crucial to use the vertical space in a studio apartment. Not only will the amount of storage increase, it will draw the eye up and make the room feel bigger.

Magnetic Memories

A magnetic chain displays some solid gold photos, while adding a touch of bling itself.

Hat’s Off

It might be instinctual to hide a bed in a studio, but highlighting it can work well, too. This shiny, classy queen-sized piece of art complements the apartment proudly. Get furniture-buying tips for renters >>

Work Life Balance

Designating a specific space for your work – no matter how small – gives it a place of importance. When the time comes, closing the curtains will give you a little peace and rest. See more projects from this home office makeover >>

Take A Look At Nooks

There can be no square foot unused in a studio. Comb a watchful eye over every corner to see if creative custom shelving might solve some problems.

Design Details

Just because an apartment is efficient, doesn’t mean it can’t be attractive. Washi tape creates a chic faux chair detail to the room.

You Gotta Vent

Sometimes certain practical elements within an apartment are permanent – but not unchangeable. Camouflage can be a pretty glamorous solution.

Line It Up

Echoing clean lines throughout a space can give it a cohesive look. Shiny brass and gold accents also keep light moving throughout the apartment.

Great Graphics

Midcentury modern design can lend itself to some exciting prints. Solid walls and furniture are important in a small area, but you should feel free to have fun with your fabrics.

Big Piece, Big Purpose

When it comes to small studio apartments, every piece of furniture needs to pull its weight. This double credenza brings storage and tabletop real estate while managing to keep a low profile.

Brass Tacks

A hammered brass bowl contributes to the apartment’s style story and becomes a very important place to store keys, cards and other important essentials.

Shoe-In

Beautiful baskets can provide great homes to items that tend to scatter easily, like shoes. The woven texture adds a warmth to the room.

Eye-Catching Efficiency

The key to living comfortably in a studio is defining the purpose and place for each thing in it. No need to sacrifice style along with your square feet, however. This place might be small, but it’s stylish.

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