The start of a new reform project can seem overwhelming. After all, there are so many details to consider that it can be challenging to know where to start when it comes time to articulate a vision for your final product.
With that in mind, we brought you four questions before starting your next renovation project.
Use them to help create a structure for your renovation:
- What would you change in space?
Before starting the renovation, remember how you would like the final result to be. Begin to develop this vision by thinking about all the problem points in space and how they are now. For example, you may not have enough room in your kitchen for you and your partner to work simultaneously, or you may not have enough storage in the bathroom to store all your toiletries.
Then, do your best to reflect on what you would like to see. Maybe you’ve always dreamed of having a bigger kitchen space, where you can cook and entertain all at once, or perhaps you want some built-in cabinets to store all your belongings.
What do you like about your current space?
Then, it’s time to think about what you like in your current space. This will help you get a sense of what can remain the same during the renovation. It will also give you a sense of how big the budget will be. An update of the bathroom with a new variety and new accessories will have a price very different from how you are expanding the room or changing the layout.
This will also help you decide how much help you need. If you’re making significant changes, you’ll probably want to hire a contractor, but if you’re only making a few small changes, you can do it yourself. This will also make a huge difference in your project’s timeline. Ensure you are realistic when thinking about how much work you are prepared to do on your own versus how much you are prepared to spend on labor cost.
3. How much can you realistically pay?
The next thing you need to do is set up a budget. Start by taking a look at how you plan to pay for the project. Will you use any money you have saved or finance it through something like a loan or a line of credit? Next, notice how much you can reasonably expect to spend. If you reach this value from pre-approval or your determination, make sure that this is your absolute maximum.
When you need to meet a budget, specificity is one of the best tools at your disposal. The more you inform your contractors about how you want the final product to be, the closer they will come to a realistic estimate of your final invoice. Ideally, your objective should be so specific that the only variations between each contractor’s estimate are costs and labor rates.
4. What is your personal style?
The last thing to determine is where your personal tastes are regarding an interior design style. This will help you start deciding what your final product will look like and what products you can use to bring your appearance to life. Reducing decisions like these is the key to starting your project.
If you are not sure what your personal style would be, there is a post here on the website to safely find your style. These questions will help you to identify your ideal aesthetic. Once you have that in mind, you can use websites to get design inspiration and start creating your vision for the project.
Layout ideas for Studio apartments
Dealing with a Studio apartment floor plan usually looks tiring and confusing. If you are like most people, you probably think that there will not be enough space for your things, and you will be confined in uncomfortable accommodations without privacy. But we are here to help with some layout ideas for this type of apartment. You will learn the essentials to make the most of your areas.
To start, a Studio is a one-bedroom apartment, where only the bathroom is separated by closed doors. Everything else (kitchen, living room, bedroom, office …) needs to fit in one space. This is generally not more than 46.5 m². Next, what is an Efficient Apartment? It is very similar to a Studio apartment; however, an Efficient Apartment is even smaller. Typically, you will find more kitchens and condensed bathrooms, as they are usually meant for one person. The challenge is real, and many people think they could never live in an Efficient Studio or Apartment. But we promise that your Studio design will become an absolute pleasure to live in!
Consider your lifestyle habits
Let’s be realistic: when we live on 46.5 m², you cannot accommodate everything that could fit in a home. So the first thing to do is decide what you need most. Do you have fun often? Then you will need plenty of seating. Do you work or study at home? Then you will need a table or a place to concentrate on your work. Do you use your Studio practically just for sleeping? Then the bed will be the most important thing. Ask yourself these questions to decide what you will prioritize when filling out the floor plan.
Separate your floor plan from the apartment
Even if a Studio has a single room, it doesn’t mean it needs to look like an available space. Studio’s number one design idea is to be creating separate areas. This will make the room appear larger and much more livable as well. The first strategy to achieve this is substantial area rugs, which also occupy zero vertical space. If you need more separation (for example, divide the sleeping area from the rest), use dividers and low cabinets. And for full-height partitions, choose a tall bookcase or even curtains.
Be considerate of color options.
A color palette can always create or break a design. In particular, when working with a studio floor plan, it can help with size. Light colors make space look more significant; you’ve undoubtedly heard it before, but it’s so true that it’s worth reaffirming! But what if you like dark colors? You can still use them, but with care. Maybe choose a single feature wall and make the rest lighter, or choose darker accessories with lighter colors for the most massive pieces in the room.
Maximize the light!
If there’s one thing that makes a space look big and airy, it’s the incidence of natural light. Therefore, for a better interior design for your Studio, be sure to maximize natural light. Choose thin curtains that let in lots of sunlight throughout the day. So, if you need to, you can add blackout curtains or use blinds to darken the space at night. When it comes to light, a real professional tip is to use mirrors. The mirrors reflect the light, multiplying the brightness of the space. So choose how to orient and where to place your mirrors, and this dark corner will be a thing of the past! If natural light is not always available, you can supplement it with artificial light. Remember to use layered light, floor lamps, table lamps, ceiling lights, etc.
Consider transparent furniture for your apartment layout
Another professional tip for your 46.5 m² floor plan is the transparent furniture. The use of glass or lucite products in your small apartment layout helps the space to be much more airy. When there is a lot of large, bulky furniture in a room, it can start to look cluttered and closed. You don’t have to worry about that with transparent furniture. Not to mention how beautiful it looks with any style of interior design .
Size matters for your apartment layout
Working with such a small space, you may be tempted to choose tiny furniture. But that is not always the best idea. Many small pieces add visual clutter, while a single part of the right size can maximize your space’s size. So, check all dimensions carefully and sketch your furniture. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but having everything drawn in proportion will be the ideal apartment layout planner to decide how the pieces look before buying anything.
Think multifunctional about apartment design
Retractable beds, coffee tables that turn into dining tables, folding chairs … Nowadays, there are many Studio layout ideas. These pieces will help you make the most of your apartment. In addition, they offer the flexibility of having a few extra chairs or a dining table that seats 6 people only when you need it.
With these tips, you will be fully equipped to transform your small space, making it efficient. But if you feel that you need some more guidance to plan your space or some help to acquire the perfect furniture, we are here to help.
