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Decorating a new home is always a ton of fun and comes with its fair share of challenges. Designing the interior of a studio apartment is even more difficult. You have to decide what deserves to fit in the limited space you're allowed, and what theme really speaks to your personality and your guests. At Rustic Kitchen and Bath, we take pride in our ability to give our guests and customers the resources to create their dream home. In this blog, we will give you every tip you need to know how to decorate your studio apartment.
Hide Your Bed
Most studios don’t offer the space for a bed and a sofa for guests, so what do you do? You surely don’t want to sleep on a couch, and you don’t want your guests to feel uncomfortable sitting on your bed. Consider purchasing a trundle bed! A trundle bed is a bed in a hidden compartment on wheels under either a sofa, wooden platform, or another bed to make something similar to a bunk bed. This will create more room for socializing with guests, and make your bedroom seem less personal and more like a common area!
Use Small Kitchen Appliances
In studios, most people will make the mistake of choosing larger kitchen appliances because they don’t believe small appliances offer the same functionalities and aesthetics as they do. We’re here to debunk that theory. ZLINE’s Studio Collection is not only super affordable, but they are created with the intention of giving you the most out of your kitchen space.
Our favorite appliance for studio apartments is the ZLINE 24 in. 3.2 cu. ft. Paramount Induction Range with 3 Element Cooktop and Electric Convection Oven in Stainless Steel (SINR24), which is sleek in design and equipped with ZLINE’s advanced anti-scratch glass, engineered with nanotechnology for long-lasting resilience to maintain a flawless cooktop surface, so it’s super easy to keep clean.
Included in the Studio Collection are 24-inch Range Hoods, 18-inch Dishwashers, and 24-inch Microwaves, all created to fit seamlessly into your studio kitchen! Not only are they affordable and fit really well, but these stainless steel appliances also add more value to your home.
ZLINE 24 in. 3.2 cu. ft. Paramount Induction Range with 3 Element Cooktop and Electric Convection Oven in Stainless Steel (SINR24)
$2,889.99
$3,399.99
Luxury isn’t meant to be left desired—it’s meant to be attainable. The ZLINE 24 in. 3.2 cu. ft. Paramount Induction Range with 3 Element Cooktop and Electric Convection Oven in Stainless Steel (SINR24) combines the versatility of a nanotechnology-reinforced anti-scratch… Read More
Use One Paint Color
We recommend using a single paint color throughout the studio. Too many colors can create an invincible divide in your home, making you and your guests feel crammed. Dark colors usually do the best when trying to create the illusion of having more space in a room. Using the same black or gray paint throughout the studio makes it feel cohesive and put-together. The pops of color among things like your furniture or kitchen make those specific areas distinct.
Make it Your Own!
One thing that makes a living space unique and comfortable is making it something you enjoy! Without creating a comfortable space for yourself to live, you’ll feel more like a visitor and less like a resident. Whether it’s filling the walls with art, hanging colorful curtains, or altering the lighting, describe your personality to your guests however you’d like! Usually, furniture pieces that involve self-expression are the smallest types of objects, like pictures or wall art, so you don’t have to worry about them taking up too much physical space.
We hope we were able to give you the resources to feel like you successfully know how to decorate your studio apartment, and that you’re excited to begin transforming your new space! Every week, we look forward to passing on our experiences and expertise to our readers, and we hope you enjoyed reading!
Don’t forget to keep up with us on social media, so you can stay up to date on everything Rustic Kitchen! We’ll see you next week.
FAQs
Why is decorating a studio apartment more challenging than a larger home?
Studio apartments require every piece of furniture and decor to serve a purpose within a single, open space. Because there are no separate rooms, design choices must balance functionality, comfort, and visual cohesion without making the space feel cramped or cluttered.
How can I hide my bed in a studio apartment?
One of the most effective solutions is using a trundle bed or similar multi-functional sleeping setup. Trundle beds tuck away beneath a sofa, platform, or frame, allowing your sleeping area to disappear during the day and freeing up space for entertaining and daily living.
Why is it important to separate sleeping and social areas in a studio?
Separating these areas helps your apartment feel less like a bedroom and more like a complete living space. It also makes guests more comfortable by keeping personal areas discreet while maintaining a functional common area.
Are small kitchen appliances really practical for studio apartments?
Yes. Compact appliances are specifically designed to deliver full functionality while saving space. Brands like ZLINE Kitchen and Bath offer studio-sized appliances that perform like full-size models without overwhelming a small kitchen layout.
What types of appliances work best in a studio kitchen?
Slim, space-conscious appliances such as 24-inch ranges, smaller dishwashers, compact microwaves, and appropriately sized range hoods integrate seamlessly into studio kitchens. These appliances preserve counter space and improve flow without sacrificing performance.
Why is using one paint color recommended in a studio apartment?
A single paint color creates visual continuity, making the space feel larger and more cohesive. Multiple contrasting colors can visually divide the apartment and make it feel smaller or more crowded.
Should I avoid dark paint colors in a studio?
Not necessarily. Dark, consistent tones like charcoal, black, or deep gray can actually enhance the illusion of depth when used uniformly. The key is consistency, allowing furniture, artwork, and decor to provide contrast.
How can I add personality to a studio without taking up space?
Personal expression works best through small-scale elements such as wall art, framed photos, lighting, textiles, and decor accents. These items add character without consuming valuable floor space.
What mistakes should I avoid when decorating a studio apartment?
Common mistakes include oversized furniture, too many paint colors, excessive decor, and appliances that overpower the space. Each item should be carefully chosen for both scale and function.
How do I make a studio apartment feel like home instead of temporary housing?
Intentional personalization is key. Thoughtful furniture placement, cohesive color choices, and decor that reflects your personality help transform a studio from a temporary space into a comfortable, lived-in home.
Is it possible to add value to a studio apartment through design?
Yes. Smart layouts, cohesive design choices, and high-quality compact appliances can increase both daily livability and long-term value, especially in urban or rental-focused markets.
