A Studio Apartment That Works

Small space living doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on style or functionality. Take the tour of a studio apartment that works in this Engineer Your Space video:

This 450 sq. ft. apartment has only one large and one small closet, and only the kitchen and bathroom were closed off.

An entryway was created by adding bookcases next to the door perpendicular to the wall. This provided space for coats, shoes and storage bins. The bookcases were anchored to the walls for stability and the backs covered with cloth. Stripes made of magnetic material were added to the door for visual interest.

The bed was placed on the other side of the bookcases, and the door of the adjacent closet was removed and replaced with a curtain on a tension rod. Panels hanging from the ceiling added at the foot of the bed complete the visual separation of the bedroom; they let light through and don’t take up floor space. Pendant lighting provides the finishing touch.

A gallery wall displays personal mementos, pictures and art as well as a hidden jewelry box.

The living area on the opposite site of the divider is accessorized with table lamps and wall sconces. An antique trunk does double-duty as a coffee table and storage space. An outdoor dining area for entertaining friends was created on the open balcony which has a great view of Manhattan.

Custom made panels with incorporated ligthing provides ambience as well as architectural interest in the dining area.

The office and work area is next to the kitchen. A shelving unit with a side pegboard stores tools and supplies. A whiteboard decal is hidden by a picture frame.

To cover up the dingy kitchen floor, colorful vinyl tiles were installed using double-sided tape. A long mirror on the back wall made the galley kitchen look bigger and brighter. Storage boxes for infrequently used items were placed in the space above the cabinets.