The apartment layouts below show how easy it is to work with what you have and successfully decorate a small space. The possibilities are limitless—even with a shortage of square footage. Consider what would make you happier at home. Want to invite friends over for Netflix? The person who lives in this NYC studio created a large living room worthy of a binge-watching party by sacrificing some bedroom and dining space. If you’re not allowed to paint your walls, here’s another idea to steal from this apartment — Removable, peel and stick wallpaper. It’s easy to install, and it will dress up dull walls without jeopardizing the security deposit. For instance, this 300 square foot home is packed with features found at trendy lodgings, all placed steps from the bed, including a chic kitchenette, a few pieces of retro furniture, and of course a curated minibar (it’s on the windowsill.) But the star of this apartment, as you’ll find in any stylish hotel room, is the comfortable bed decked out in high thread count sheets. Compared to many contemporary styles, mid-century designs sit much closer to the floor, which makes ceilings and windows appear taller. Such is the case in this sunny 270 square foot studio in Montmartre, Paris. It’s a winning idea that transformed this 193 square foot studio in Stockholm into a one-bedroom duplex—see the cozy living room. But the second level isn’t the only reason this Scandinavian charmer appears much larger than its actual size. The walls and décor are both gallery white. Together they blur where the ceiling starts creating an open and airy effect. Room warming accents in metal and leather keep the bright, white interior from feeling antiseptic. If you’re obsessed with storage, another exciting feature is the staircase with built-in drawers. However, if you steal this idea, please add handrails for safety. The first order of business was creating a multifunctional area for both sleeping and socializing. A beautifully styled bed that doubles as a sofa carved out the perfect spot. A leggy desk and also two small tables that don’t detract from the room’s openness add function. The perfect finishing touch in this little nest is the cozy Moroccan rug. Hill’s current project is a 350 square foot studio that he shares with his partner and their two dogs. Keeping the layout fluid is key to making their home multifunctional. Double-duty furniture makes it possible. Versatile pieces like a modular sofa and expanding coffee table can quickly transform Hill’s living room into a dining room. See the storage wall across from the TV? It conceals a Murphy bed. A small recess in the corner creates the perfect spot for a bed and extra storage. In front of the kitchen’s entrance, a patch of wall space becomes a cozy breakfast nook. Across from the dining table is a love seat that establishes the living room. A rug in front enhances the sense of separation between all three areas. Does your studio have a hallway entryway? Keep your main living area clutter-free by keeping storage and display furniture in the entryway. Here are some design goals to inspire. This studio in NYC’s first micro-apartment building designed by nArchitects features transforming furniture and integrated storage that maximizes square footage. The built-in cabinet wall behind the sofa conceals a Murphy bed. The unit below the TV provides extra room to keep stuff out of sight. Innovative solutions like the double-duty coffee table and expanding kitchen console create more space for dining or working. The trick is using the right furniture. This San Francisco micro-loft is decorated with a mix of low-profile and leggy finds. The furnishings don’t take up a lot of vertical space, so the ceiling appears higher. This easy-to-copy layout places a full-sized bed near a low-profile sofa to create additional seating. A room divider at the head of the bed is the tallest object in the apartment. It carves out a dining nook decorated with industrial-inspired furniture. There are a variety of things that will get the job done, from folding screens to built-in sliding doors. But we prefer the simplicity of this room divider curtain spotted in an apartment at White Stone Studios in Phoenix. This 450 square foot dwelling also has a 200 square foot yard. First, is the IKEA KALLAX bookcase (it costs only $200!) that carved out the bedroom. If you’re looking for a solution that won’t block sunlight, this unit is the perfect small space partition. It also provides practical storage, which nearly every studio apartment needs. Next, a lovely, large ikat rug anchors the living room. Since the walls are bare, the colorful floor covering makes a big stylish statement. What’s the piece de resistance? The Lucite storage chest. Since the item is crystal clear, it doesn’t appear to take up floor space.
