Design of a small studio apartment: zoning, life hacks and tricks

Smart design of a small studio can add additional space to the room. The studio layout in general is a fairly comfortable type of interior arrangement - a large space not limited by blank walls. Partitions completely cope with the delimitation of space.

Arranging a studio apartment is a whole creative project that requires a thorough approach

Features of the interior design of a small studio

Before you start thinking about the design of a small studio, you should pay attention to some of the nuances of such a room:

  1. Good audibility: due to limited space, the operation of electrical appliances, household appliances and plumbing fixtures can be irritating.
  2. Lighting: For the same reason, bright light can be difficult to perceive.
  3. Large pieces of furniture: Large, non-mobile furniture will not only reduce the overall space, but can also make it difficult to move.

Taking into account all of the above features, you should choose silent appliances, solid, durable doors for the bathroom, properly arrange the lighting and pay attention to mobile, movable furniture - transformers.


Small studio apartments are most suitable for a single person or a married couple without children

Room zoning

On 22-23 square meters it is necessary to create divisions into zones, otherwise the apartment will lose functionality. The interior design of spaces is carried out in one style, since a different solution looks like a clutter and creates constraint and a feeling of cramped space. Therefore, planning is carried out in advance, at the stage of creating the project.

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Usually four zones are enough. The first is the bedroom, which can be organized together with the guest room using transformable furniture. The second is the kitchen, where there are the necessary household appliances and a place for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The third is an area for storing things.

Some interior ideas involve organizing cabinets and drawers by location. Other design options tend to organize a single closet or wardrobe.

And the fourth is the bathroom. Unlike the rest, this area is initially separated, but in some options the opaque walls are replaced with glass, which further visually expands the studio.

Free space is organized in the living room area, if it is possible to separate it into a separate area. However, this can rarely be done due to the small area.

Kitchen

To furnish the studio kitchen area, you will need to fulfill two conditions. The first thing is to preserve and support the motive of the apartment so that the design does not deviate from the general concept. The second is to ensure functionality so that the appliances and kitchen units meet the owner’s needs.

In the photo with the renovation already completed, you can see small kitchen areas for those who order ready-made food or standard sizes of furniture, taking into account work surfaces. The choice depends on the lifestyle and habits of the apartment residents.

Living room

The living area is equipped with a sofa, which also serves as a place for the owners to sleep. It is easy to arrange, since you only need to take furniture in a certain style. The seating area also contains shelves for books, a cabinet with a TV and a coffee or folding table.

However, if a sofa seems like a boring solution, consider designing your living room using a group of poufs, pillows or a soft folding rug. This solution is convenient for a studio due to the small size of the furniture. But the photos of apartments with a similar design show how practical it is.

Bedroom

The main furniture in the bedroom is the bed. Choose a bed that is comfortable and appropriate in design. Also, closets are often installed in the sleeping area, which helps to divide the space.

The color of the walls and ceiling is chosen in the same shade as the studio only if accentuation is not planned with the help of contrasting details. For example, in the photos of the interiors of finished apartments there are options for both harmonious combination with the rest of the space and darkening the bedroom.

Bathroom

The bathroom has a privileged position in the studio, as it is separated from the rest of the space by blank walls. Here a design is created either echoing the motive of the apartment, or the opposite. For the walls, choose a suitable covering - tiles, panels. The ceiling and floor are also decorated with durable materials. You can expand the space by moving the washing machine into the kitchen.

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Pros and cons of a small studio

Among the advantages of such housing are convenience, practicality and style. A small studio apartment does not require lengthy cleaning, the space is not limited, which is especially convenient if there are small children in the house; moreover, with proper design, the studio is a fashionable trend among interior designers.

The cost of studio apartments is significantly lower than multi-room options

The disadvantages of such a room are that the limited space is not comfortable for a large number of people to live in. In such a room, sound and smells spread quite quickly. However, these issues can be resolved by purchasing a powerful hood, solid doors or installing sound insulation.

Choice of colors

Before you start the renovation, choose a design - a project from a photo or create an individual one. This will help determine the costs of upcoming work and help avoid alterations to sockets, partitions, and walls.

The design of the studio should be chosen in light colors. For example, white color, taken as a basis, visually expands the space. Bright accent details will add uniqueness. A contrasting pattern and the same color of curtains on the windows will help give additional height to the ceilings. Examples of successful combinations can be seen in the photos of apartments where renovations have already been done.

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Style options for interior design in a studio apartment

Ethnic style is at the peak of popularity; it combines ethnic motifs of various nationalities of Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Ethno will appeal to those who love to study the culture of the world's peoples and travelers. The color of distant countries brings warmth and exoticism to the interior. When choosing this direction, you should adhere to the rule of the golden mean: a large number of objects in a small room can visually reduce its area.

Moroccan style is the natural colors of Africa, diluted with expressive, but not too bright accents

Scandinavian style is distinguished by its laconicism; this direction has several rules: light shades, a lot of sunlight, natural materials, bright accents, multifunctionality of objects. When choosing this style, you should abandon thick curtains, abandon plastic interior items, and purchase several bright details (a rug, a vase, a coffee table). A small studio is a suitable option for the Scandinavian style; it will visually expand the room.


Real boards are the best flooring option for a Scandinavian-style studio

Eclectic style is a mixture of styles subordinated to one idea. For example, a gothic sofa and a classic coffee table look eclectic if such a “neighborhood” is diluted by a painting in the pop art style. Eclecticism is a rather difficult style to implement, in which designers do not recommend combining more than three directions at the same time.

Eclectic interiors, as a rule, are very individual, artistic and connected within themselves by some idea

Modern style - urbanism, is characteristic of residents of megacities and lovers of drive. Decorating a small space in this style is a good idea. Interesting interior details, bright posters, well-designed lighting, modern furniture characterize this style.


You can diversify a modern interior by introducing unusual elements, for example, by installing a bar counter of an original design

Fusion style is one of the most risky trends in interior design; it is characterized by many details and elements of different textures, colors and styles. Fusion is a style for the brave; it can be interestingly played out even in a small apartment, choosing large objects and placing bright accents.


When decorating an apartment in a fusion style, it is important not to cross the line between what is allowed and a disorderly mixing of everything. Otherwise, the room may simply turn into a vinaigrette.

The loft style is a brutal style that originated in the USA; lofts were called attics and abandoned premises equipped for housing. Later, designers picked up the idea and offered the market an interesting solution in the form of raw brick walls, minimalism and discreet decor. Loft is organic in studio apartments.


The loft is distinguished by its scale and freedom, which allows you to create a unique interior in the atmosphere of an attic

The style of minimalism is restraint and rigor, the absence of flashy details and pretentious elements. Suitable for lovers of the classics, minimalism does not go out of fashion, straight lines and restrained shades of two or three colors will always be relevant. Practicality is another point inherent in minimalism; for example, technical fabrics are often used to create this design.


The colors in the minimalist style include milky, gray, beige and light brown tones.

What to pay attention to when planning

If you have a small apartment, then rational planning is a necessity, otherwise the usable area will not be enough to accommodate furniture and other things that you cannot do without. Zoning in a studio apartment makes it possible to combine different functional areas with each other.

A one-room apartment assumes an open layout; in this case, you can arrange the premises in such a way as to provide the owner with all the necessary amenities.

The main thing is to think about how you will divide into functional zones; it is important to arrange them correctly.

Design options for different rooms in a small studio


The hallway in studio apartments is usually small. Built-in furniture, a hanger with hooks and a shoe rack are appropriate here.

Living room

There are several points that contribute to the visual increase in space:

  • combining several rooms: for example, a living room with a balcony;
  • a lot of light: a large window will add “air” to the interior;
  • proper zoning: you should separate the living room from the kitchen without overloading the space with massive partitions;
  • color and lighting: additional space can also be added by light shades and various light sources;
  • different levels: you can also “raise” the walls of the living room using finishing materials or shelves; to expand the space, it is recommended to use photo wallpaper or a bright print;
  • high ceiling: vertical lines on the walls will visually raise the ceiling.

You should also not forget about the main functionality of the living room; guests are received here, friendly or family meetings are organized, so the area used must correspond to these purposes. The presence of comfortable, multifunctional furniture, good lighting and air conditioning are mandatory items.


For a family with a child, a place for a children's corner is allocated in the living area

Kitchen

In a studio apartment, the kitchen is a special place, the reason is that in rooms of this type the kitchen is combined with other rooms, so the requirements for organizing the space here are somewhat different:

  • absence of odor and noise: it is necessary to have a powerful, silent hood capable of completely absorbing odors;
  • partition. You can also zone the kitchen with a sliding partition, the panels of which are put away in a pencil case;
  • unified style: the kitchen area should resonate with the general ensemble of other rooms; space saving: built-in household appliances will save square meters.

In a small studio there is simply no full-fledged kitchen, only a small catering unit

Bedroom

The sleeping area must meet all human needs for balanced relaxation, which is quite a difficult task in a studio apartment. Several techniques will help solve it:

  • Proper zoning: there must be a partition in the sleeping area. If you can only conditionally delimit the space between the living room and kitchen, then you should choose sliding doors or screens for the bedroom.
  • Emphasis on comfort: increasingly, designers recommend prioritizing convenience. Bed, good linens and dim lights.
  • Sound insulation: on sale you can find screens that have sound-absorbing properties; such an item will fit into the interior and allow you to relax even in noisy conditions.


An excellent solution would be to place the sleeping area in a niche, separated from the general space by a curtain or sliding partition.

Bathroom

Manufacturers offer a wide range of sanitary ware and bathroom furniture; multifunctional options are suitable for a small room.

  • Shower cabin or bathtub: first of all, the choice depends on personal preferences, however, a shower cabin takes up less space, among other things, there is the option of installing stained glass windows with a tray for additional space saving.
  • Cabinets and shelves: in order to save space, it is recommended to use built-in cabinets and shelves; you can also use the space under the sink, using it to install a small chest of drawers; in addition to convenience, this technique will allow you to hide the details of the plumbing.


An ideal option for a small bathroom would be a corner shower stall.

Design of a small studio apartment of 20 sq. m.

And this apartment is simply a masterpiece of ergonomics! Look how correctly the designers solved the problem of small footage. In 20 square meters they managed to fit a hallway, kitchen, bathroom, living room and even a separate bedroom! How did they do it? See for yourself.

  • Second floor

If your apartment has high enough ceilings, make it a two-level one! This is an extremely fashionable trend in recent seasons. Nowadays there is absolutely no need to pay so much attention to bulky four-poster beds. A laconic loggia with a mattress, a night light and shelves for storing things is the key to success!

  • Mirror partition

You can't live in an apartment without a mirror. What if it doesn’t just hang on the wall, but serves as the entrance door to the bathroom?

A sliding mirror structure from floor to ceiling can replace bulky partitions and visually expand the space of a small room. How do you like this idea?

  • Functional niches

Correctly using the recesses in the wall is an important matter. We set up a niche for a small kitchen and now it’s as if you’re in a separate room. Wonderful, isn't it?

Design options for a small studio depending on the area

12 sq. m

The basic rule for decorating a studio apartment with an area of ​​12 square meters. m. - multifunctionality. Almost every item plays several roles, for example, the bar counter acts both as a dining table and as a partition, separating the kitchen area. And the elements that divide the space can also act as a storage system.


A small room will appear wider with mirrored panels on the closet.

Transparent accents are also a good technique; a large mirror, glass table and glossy surfaces will help to visually expand the space.

16 sq. m.

The interior of a small studio can be played with light and a multi-level effect for the ceiling: stylish lamps and soft rays of diffused light visually expand the space. A multi-level ceiling will visually “stretch” the walls.


White glossy cabinets will make the studio brighter and more spacious

29 sq. m.

For a studio of 29 sq m, you can choose a design from a photo on the Internet. But there is also one common technique for visually increasing space - bright accents. Several large spots in the interior will attract attention and the total area of ​​the studio will visually expand. For example, a colored painting on a light wall or a bright table in a room where pastel colors dominate. An apartment of 29 sq m is a universal option for this kind of reception.


To prevent the space from looking cluttered, you should not use too many small details when decorating it.

35 sq.m.

A lot of “air” in the interior contributes to the feeling of spaciousness; in order to achieve this effect, the windows should be enlarged. A floor-to-ceiling window will fill the entire room with sunlight and also create the feeling of a high ceiling.


Due to the large amount of sunlight, the room looks much more spacious

42 sq. m.

One of the most common types of studios. In terms of area, such a studio is comparable to a two-room apartment. It is proposed to zone such a space with screens and sliding elements, which can be made of either transparent or frosted glass. And monochrome walls with bright accents will expand its area.


A glass sliding partition will retain natural light, and if privacy is needed, a curtain made of thick fabric can simply be added to it

Interior features

For a studio apartment of 23 sq. m choose light colors and a design that supports this. White and pastel colors visually enlarge, expand the space, and add freshness. In addition, bright accents look good against neutral shades.

The floor is designed either in a contrasting color with the walls, or supports the main color motif. In the first case, the ceiling is chosen in the same shade, but this design solution is suitable for a studio with a height of 3 m or more.

Stretch ceilings are more convenient than two-level compositions. It will help hide unevenness, not overload the space, while creating the desired level of lighting with spotlights.

If the studio has an elongated rectangular shape, the short end walls and the entrance door are decorated in the same color. Otherwise, you can choose light colors that blend with the walls or a model with a mirror surface.

How to properly decorate walls, floors and ceilings in a small studio apartment

When decorating walls, floors and ceilings, you should build on the chosen interior design. But there are several rules that will help significantly increase the space:

  • Extend the walls: vertical stripes, small patterns on wallpaper - visually lengthen the walls; paintings placed at the top of the wall also cope with this task.
  • Decorate the floor: soft carpets will give a feeling of comfort and warmth, natural wood or laminate, linoleum made to look like wood can expand the space, tiles will also increase the area, however, such material is appropriate in the kitchen and bathroom area.
  • Raise the ceiling: multi-level ceilings are a modern solution; this technique is appropriate not only for small rooms, but also for large, commercial ones. Protrusions made of plasterboard on the ceiling, decorated with small lamps, can raise the ceiling.

Light wall decoration contributes to the visual expansion of space

Bathroom in a one-room studio

The bathroom in one-room studio apartments is usually combined, containing a compact shower, toilet, washbasin, mirror and small washing machine.

To decorate a room, tiles are usually used - a moisture-resistant, practical and relatively inexpensive finishing material. To make the room seem larger visually, you should use small tiles, such as mosaics.

There is an even more budget-friendly and simpler option for finishing a bathroom. For example, when finishing the walls and ceiling in the bathroom, you can use plastic panels, which are installed faster and less labor-intensive than tiles, but, however, they also look inexpensive. If the goal is to save money and quickly make repairs in the bathroom, then this option can also be considered.

Options for choosing and arranging furniture

In view of the layout features of a studio apartment, when choosing furniture, first of all you should decide on the location of the bedroom and living room. Once the location has been determined, you should proceed to measuring and purchasing furniture. More and more furniture options designed for small studio apartments are appearing on the market.

  • Sofa. It is recommended to choose a sliding one; this is the most convenient option for a small apartment.
  • Armchairs, poufs. In order not to overload the space, armchairs and poufs should not be massive. An armchair with thin legs and elegant poufs are an excellent solution for a studio.
  • Bed. You should choose depending on the needs of the home owners; the size of the bed may vary, but again you should choose multi-purpose products: the presence of sliding shelves, for example, will allow you to save on a chest of drawers.
  • Table. A bar counter can replace a dining table; also, for these purposes, you can purchase a small folding table, which can also be used as an interior element.
  • Chairs, stools. Stylish chairs and stools will fit perfectly into the design of a studio apartment; it is important that these pieces of furniture are not bulky and do not take up much space. Bar stools are a popular solution for a studio kitchen.


Furniture should be placed so that there are passages for comfortable movement

It is noteworthy that with the help of furniture you can achieve the effect of competent zoning of space.


It is best to use built-in wardrobes for storing things and clothes.

Vertical zoning

Owners of apartments with high ceilings can use non-standard solutions to organize space. A loft bed will move the sleeping area to the upper tier of the room and give its owners additional free square meters. Shelves and racks can also be placed directly under the ceiling.

View the project in full: “Design of a studio apartment of 15 sq. m. m with everything necessary for life"

Relaxation area organized under the loft bed

Arrangement of a studio apartment using zoning

There are several ways to zoning space:

  • Zoning with furniture: bar counter, sofa, bookshelf - can act as an element separating several zones.
  • Zoning with light: pendant lamps, table lamps, lanterns - elements that can be used to separate the bedroom from the living room, using dim light in the sleeping area and brighter light in the living room.
  • Zoning with partitions: to ensure that such division does not look cumbersome, it is recommended to use carved partitions. Also, they can be made of glass, wood and plasterboard.
  • Zoning with curtains: flowing chiffon can also serve as a partition; it is important to correctly select the density of the fabric and its shade.
  • Zoning with color: colored details can act not only as an accent, but also to delimit space.


The partition rack does an excellent job of separating and at the same time serves as a storage system.

Drawing conclusions, it can be noted that a studio apartment is a fairly convenient option for living. You just need to follow a few rules when designing it:

  1. Decide on a style: since a studio is a single space, the design of a small studio apartment should be made in the same style.
  2. You should decorate different studio rooms paying attention to their features: a hood for the kitchen, zoning for the bedroom, a blind door for the bathroom.
  3. You can visually increase the space through the play of light, color ensembles, geometric shapes, and interior items with glass surfaces.
  4. Furniture should be chosen that is multifunctional: sliding, with built-in shelves.
  5. You can zone the space not only with partitions, but also with furniture, light, curtains, and house plants.


The easiest way to separate the kitchen area from the rest of the room is with a bar counter

Advantages of a studio apartment


A studio is, first of all, about the layout, and not about the size of the area, as many people think. The main advantage, for which sometimes the whole adventure is started, is the ability to make the space as functional as possible and not overloaded. Now nothing will take away from you this feeling of freedom and spaciousness, which cannot be felt in an apartment with oppressive nooks and crannies.

When there is only one large room, rather than many small ones, it is much easier to decide on the interior style. If monotony is your worst enemy, nothing prevents you from experimenting with the design of functional areas (a place to sleep, a workplace, etc.). In general, the studio design has much fewer restrictions that owners of apartments with a standard layout often face. Here you can remake it to suit yourself and express yourself to your heart’s content.

The studio apartment is ideal for young people or families without children. Everything in it is literally at arm's length. Now, to get from the kitchen to the bedroom, you don’t have to go through other rooms, opening and closing doors, it will be limited to a couple of steps. The studios also have good acoustics, so setting up a home theater or placing audio equipment here is the sweetest thing.

Photo: Examples of arrangement of small studio apartments

What is included in the interior design project of a studio apartment?

Modern turnkey apartment renovation is done according to an interior design project, which includes the following elements.

3D interior visualization

In the photo: 3D visualization of the interior of a small studio apartment of 43 sq. m

Computer visualization is a unique opportunity to see the future interior of a studio apartment, evaluate the layout and color scheme proposed by the designer, and also consider the finishing. For each room, the project authors will make from two to four visualizations, which will give a comprehensive idea of ​​the interior.

Measurement plan

On the drawing: Dimensional plan of a small studio apartment of 43 sq. m

The technical part of the project begins with a measurement plan, which contains all the initial technical parameters of the studio apartment: explication of the premises, area, ceiling height, location of window and door openings, radiators, location of load-bearing and non-load-bearing walls.

Dismantling and installation plans

On the drawing: Dismantling plan

On the drawing: Installation plan

Dismantling and installation plans are necessary when carrying out redevelopment. They indicate structures to be demolished and new partitions that will be erected during the renovation.

Furniture layout plan

On the drawing: Furniture arrangement plan

A furniture arrangement plan is a schematic representation of a studio apartment with the optimal layout and furnishings. It clearly shows where the various functional areas will be and how the furniture will be placed.

Electrical installation plans

On the drawing: Layout plan for power and low-current sockets

On the drawing: Interaction plan between lamps and switches

For laying electrical wiring, installing electrical equipment, installing lamps, sockets, switches and low-current networks, special engineering diagrams will be required. They will indicate the mounting locations for chandeliers and sconces, connection of switches, as well as terminals for household electrical appliances.

Plumbing plan

On the drawing: Layout plan for plumbing equipment

The placement plan for plumbing equipment indicates the locations of pipes and installation of sinks, bathtubs, shower stalls, etc.

Floor and ceiling plans

On the drawing: Ceiling plan with fixtures attached

On the drawing: Floor plan

Floor and ceiling plans will help builders correctly lay floor coverings and install suspended and tensioned ceiling structures.

Wall developments

On the drawing: Wall layouts in the kitchen-dining room and on the balcony

On the drawing: Layout of walls in the bathroom and hallway

Complex wall design is a popular technique with which you can not only zone a space, but also adjust its geometry. And the layout of the walls for each room will allow you to accurately implement original design ideas.

Finishing sheet and repair estimate

In the photo: Repair estimate - finishing sheet

In the photo: Repair estimate - finishing sheet

In the photo: Repair estimate

In the photo: Repair estimate - list of rough materials

In the photo: Repair estimate - list of rough materials

The renovation estimate will give an exact answer to the question of how much it will cost to transform a typical small studio apartment into comfortable housing. A finishing sheet with an accurate calculation of the amount of materials required for each room will be a good help when purchasing wallpaper, tiles and parquet boards.

How to get a design project for your apartment for free?

Design project as a gift!

Everyone who orders a renovation from our company receives a design project as a gift!

15% discount when making 100% payment!

The discount applies if you are ready to pay the full cost of the design project when concluding the contract.

We will accept an apartment from the developer for free!

When ordering a design project or renovation, we will accept your apartment from the developer free of charge and identify all the shortcomings.

  • Free design project
  • 15% discount on design project
  • Acceptance of the apartment is free

Free design project

Design project as a gift!

Everyone who orders a renovation from our company receives a design project as a gift!
15% discount on design project

15% discount when making 100% payment!

The discount applies if you are ready to pay the full cost of the design project when concluding the contract.
Acceptance of the apartment is free

We will accept an apartment from the developer for free!

When ordering a design project or renovation, we will accept your apartment from the developer free of charge and identify all the shortcomings.
A design project with an optimal planning solution is a prerequisite for creating an aesthetic and functional living space in a small studio apartment. But the high cost of design work in Moscow prevents many from using the services of professional architects and designers. But you can get the project for free!

gives a design project to every client who orders an apartment renovation from us. You can submit a request for design development online or by phone.

The best studio apartment: interior layout and photos

There are many planning solutions for designing studio apartments. We offer you to look at interesting standard projects and a choice of styles for rooms of different sizes.

Layout of a studio apartment 30 sq. m: project photo

The main emphasis of this room is on the panoramic windows. The apartment in a modern style is designed for 2 people. The kitchen is made in light marble without handles, which is quite convenient for a small area. All appliances are built-in, the floor is porcelain stoneware. To save space, a shower cabin was placed in the bathroom instead of a bathtub.

The living room area is separated by a partition. It has a compact folding sofa, opposite which there is a workplace. There is laminate flooring. A wardrobe was used to highlight the bedroom. Lighting is natural, local and local.

Photo of the layout of a one-room apartment of 30 square meters. m.

Layout of a studio apartment 25 sq. m: photo of laconic design

In this room, a spacious living room is maximally organized and a well-equipped balcony. This is a separate independent space for relaxation. In the future, small sports equipment can be installed there. The apartment is designed for one person. A minimal area is allocated for the kitchen, only for small cooking. The workplace is a continuation of the modular wall. The recreation area is combined with the living room. The role of a bed is performed by a transforming sofa.

In the photo below you can see what a 3D design project of a studio apartment with finishing looks like:

The main emphasis is on the arrangement of the living room and workplace

Non-standard studio layout 20 sq. m.

The height of the ceilings of a small studio apartment made it possible to organize a sleeping and working space on the second tier. This left enough space on the ground floor to install a large kitchen. Glossy facades and local lighting fill the room with additional volume. The apartment is decorated in white. A yellow tint was used as an accent on the apron, textiles and decor.

An interesting design project for a studio of 20 sq. m.

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