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

By: Laurie March

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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.

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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Before: Solitary Confinement

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

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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After: Bailed Out

Purposeful furniture choices and arrangements transform this formally cramped room. Simple, gorgeous style elements welcome guests into all of the new space.

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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Before: Basic and Bland

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

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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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!

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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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.

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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Magnetic Memories

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

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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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.

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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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.

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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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.

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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Design Detail

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.

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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You Gotta Vent

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

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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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.

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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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.

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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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.

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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Brass Tracks

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.

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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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.

Photo: Bethany Nauert

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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.

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

Before: Solitary Confinement

After: Bailed Out

Before: Basic and Bland

Now We're Cooking

High Hopes

Magnetic Memories

Hat's Off

Work Life Balance

Take A Look At Nooks

Design Detail

You Gotta Vent

Line It Up

Great Graphics

Big Piece, Big Purpose

Brass Tracks

Eye-Catching Efficiency

Shoe-In

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