The studios are chosen mainly by young people without families, students, and creative individuals. The popularity of such housing lies in its relatively low price with a fairly spacious layout, as well as the ability to accommodate a wide variety of functional areas necessary for modern people. In this article we will figure out how to competently think through the design of a 25 sq.m. studio: create a general layout, choose a zoning option, style, color palette, as well as what to look for when buying furniture, arranging a kitchen and living room-bedroom.
Origin
The etymology of the name originates in North America. The beginning of the 20th century was marked by a large influx of immigrants to the United States. There was a serious shortage of housing for poor people. The newly minted Americans wanted to enjoy all the benefits of civilization for a reasonable price. Therefore, a compromise was found in the form of compact studio apartments. The small area included everything necessary for a normal life: a room, a kitchen space, a shower room with a toilet. Young families willingly chose this budget option.
Attention! The concept of partitions between functional areas was absent. Only the entrance to the room and the bathroom were equipped with doorways.
Over time, this type of housing conditions ceased to be considered budgetary. Design developments have made it possible to remove studio apartments from an unpresentable segment.
The idea of combining kitchen and living space into one whole did not find a response in the Russian Federation for a long time. The Soviet Union disowned capitalist fashion trends, building inconvenient Khrushchev buildings. The studio architectural solution became popular only in the late 90s. At the same time, you often have to do the redevelopment yourself: remove interior partitions and walls. This is largely due to the difference in views between designers and architects. There is still no official standard for such a layout in the Russian Federation.
There are options for arranging studios from one-room and multi-room apartments. Therefore, price categories may differ significantly. The location of the property also matters. A large area in the luxury sector will belong to the prestigious segment. The original zoning and popularity of the loft style make studio design expensive.
Lighting
The studio requires local lighting items to highlight each of the functional areas.
- Kitchen. Main overhead light plus LED cabinet lighting.
- Bedroom. The main light is wall lamps, which are convenient to turn on and off without having to get out of bed.
- Living room. The main light is a chandelier. Wall lighting is also an option if the bedroom is on the second level directly above the living room.
Important
. In the studio, decorative light elements can be used for zoning and in general for additional light zones. In this case, it is recommended to limit yourself to minimalist LED strips, light bulbs in niches and not to purchase oversized lampshades/plafonds.
Advantages of housing layout without partitions
Contrary to popular belief, the removal of partitions or walls is not only done to save usable space. Combining functional areas can be done to make the home stylish. A fashionable layout allows a person with a good imagination to demonstrate his refined taste and make a pleasant impression on guests. The studios are furnished by talented designers. Their design projects are popular in the architectural environment because they are distinguished by their individuality. Many designs are made to order. Redevelopment of housing implies ample opportunities to realize your imagination. In the studio space, experiments are allowed to create any style.
If you get down to earth and consider the everyday advantages of studio apartments, they will be as follows:
- The lack of useful square footage is compensated by the elimination of partitions and interior walls. Open space gives owners the opportunity to arrange the attributes of a furniture set as efficiently as possible;
- The space without restrictions is perfect for single people or a childless family. A bachelor can organize great parties to meet people of the opposite sex;
- The absence of many rooms allows you to arrange the interior of the entire apartment in one specific style. Architectural eclecticism is also allowed: when several styles are successfully harmonized, dividing the space into zones;
- Freedom of movement is complemented by fewer steps to reach the desired elements. You can quickly get from the chair to the refrigerator, without the need to open/close interior doors;
- The studio's great advantage is its ideal acoustics. Music lovers use this with pleasure, placing their favorite audio equipment. The same can be said about home theaters.
Creative individuals are often inclined to purchase studio apartments. The possibility of redevelopment to suit their needs inspires them to create a workshop in their living space.
Disadvantages of layout
Like any other design project, the studio option for furnishing an apartment has its drawbacks. Before you begin major repairs and redevelopment of the apartment, you should carefully weigh everything. Opponents of the demolition of partitions cite the following reasons:
- Not all houses offer the possibility of redevelopment. It is strictly not recommended to change the reinforced concrete structure of some panel buildings, since the interior walls may turn out to be load-bearing. Therefore, it is important to study the layout of the building before taking destructive actions towards it.
- But even if the building plan allows for the demolition of interior walls, the apartment owner will still need permission from the local housing office. This authority rarely agrees to major changes in the house, since no one wants to take responsibility for the strength of the building's structure. This is especially true for old houses that are in poor condition. Solving the issue in a new building is a little easier. Monolithic houses do not require permits at all.
- The economic issue is of no small importance. Expensive repairs include not only the dismantling of internal structures, but also the complete replacement of electrical wiring. A new lighting arrangement will be required. Craftsmen will have to adapt to existing engineering communications. Therefore, the issue of finance often comes first.
Attention! The costs of converting a home into a studio space often exceed the owners' expectations. Sometimes it’s easier to buy a two-room apartment than to try to save usable space.
- The studio is ideal for a childless couple or a single person. However, it is not intended for those guys who want to have a baby. Since open space does not imply the presence of a children's room. And the presence of several people of different genders and ages in one place is fraught with irritation. Most of us require occasional solitude. But in a room with a studio layout, this is hardly possible.
- Redevelopment implies a serious attitude to the issue of air ventilation. The absence of a balcony forces you to give up cigarettes, and the combination of a kitchen and a room makes you think about a powerful hood. Air convection also plays a big role in the bathroom, since all the aromas will flow directly into the room. A new heating circuit will also be required, since drafts are common guests in open spaces. The best option seems to be a heated floor with good thermal insulation of the window opening.
- We will have to give up large representatives of the animal world. The pet will simply have nowhere to hide if guests arrive. Not to mention the fact that he a priori needs his own corner.
Making a two-room apartment from a one-room apartment
If the idea arose to make two independent rooms out of one room, then in the Khrushchev this option is difficult, but possible. A favorable factor in such a transformation of the apartment is the absence of a gas pipeline. In this case, you can completely rearrange the zones: move the kitchen into the living room, and place the work area along the wall on the back side of the kitchen. This will ensure the supply of water without moving communications, simply by expanding the pipes. So, the former kitchen is converted into a full-fledged room, and the living room is converted into a kitchen-studio, equipped with a powerful hood and built-in appliances. Sometimes the living room is combined with a corridor, which also significantly increases the usable area.
The corner version of the apartment is successful for redevelopment. This ensures unhindered air circulation and excellent lighting in all areas of the room. With a corner location of the apartment, there is a good opportunity to delimit the space due to the three existing windows. This illumination allows you to turn a one-room apartment into a cozy two-room apartment. To do this, it is not necessary to build a permanent wall; it is enough to install a sliding partition or shelving without a back wall. Suitable for zoning cabinets or armchairs. It is recommended to place the seating area by the window on the right side of the entrance.
Rectangular studio apartment
New buildings often suffer from the fact that they offer an inconvenient rectangular shape for furnishing a studio apartment. A narrow and cramped space is distinguished by its large length. Therefore, proper interior design is extremely necessary to provide residents with comfort. The key issue is the insolation of the room and a sufficient amount of light. Experienced designers know how to deal with this. They use the features of a rectangular studio apartment as follows:
- Functional areas are placed as close to the walls as possible;
- The living room is located near the window;
- The kitchen unit occupies one wall;
- The bathroom is separated from the sleeping area as much as possible. It is installed near the front door;
- To visually expand the space, reflective surfaces are used. These can be either kitchen furniture items or various partitions made of impact-resistant glass. In the hallway area, mirrors installed opposite each other are welcome.
Since there is only one window opening in such rooms, the illumination of most functional areas leaves much to be desired. Therefore, the organization of good lighting must be complemented by the correct selection of finishing materials. The classic option is to use white in all its shades. The predominance of light colors also creates the illusion of more space. This effect can be enhanced using a combined lighting system. The intensity of their light should increase as they move away from the window with daylight.
As for the style of the elongated space, there are no strict restrictions. Is it worth abandoning the pompous classics in the rococo style, since it involves many elaborate interior elements. Preference should be given to minimalist styles: high-tech, Provence, Scandinavian country. A furniture set should be characterized by mobility and functionality in order to take up as little space as possible. It is necessary to abandon everything that clutters the living space. Heavy curtains are also inappropriate in a narrow rectangular space. The amount of decor should be kept to a minimum.
Advice. Before ordering a design project from an architectural bureau, you should look at existing options on the Internet. This will allow you to decide in advance on your own vision of the future interior.
Rectangle
The rectangular shape of the room opens up the broadest planning prospects.
Studio apartment design 30 sq.m. m. of rectangular shape is based on the formation of many functional zones, the general perception of which significantly expands the visual boundaries of fairly modest housing.
Studio design with one window
One window opening in a studio home imposes a certain responsibility on the designer. His project should arrange all decorative items so that the interior does not seem dark and cluttered. Because even the absence of interior partitions does not save you from the feeling of cramped space with a lack of light. A functional furniture set should be placed in the most compact way possible.
The design project of apartments with one window opening often contains an indication of the abundant use of mirrors. Various planes are covered with reflective surfaces. The glossy texture of the furniture set and various elements of kitchen utensils is welcome. The mirror itself is located opposite the light source. This significantly brightens the space.
Zoning of studio apartments with one window is carried out according to the principle of importance. The most significant areas are located closer to the light source. Usually this is a living room or study. To save usable space and financial resources, a wide window sill is used instead of a desk. The guest area is separated from the kitchen space by a bar counter or an oblong table. A kitchen island is only used if there is enough square footage.
Attention! A small apartment means combining a guest and sleeping area.
Since there is no space for a hallway in a studio apartment, its functions are performed by a universal wardrobe. Its device hides both clothes and shoes. This giant is located right at the entrance.
A variety of design projects suggests the possibility of arranging a sleeping area if the window opening is not located in the center of the wall. In this case, the bed is placed in the corner that is darker. It is separated from the rest of the space by lightweight, opaque textiles. You can also use a durable window sill as a seating area.
Hallway
The entrance hall of a studio apartment is a corridor with a storage room equipped with sliding doors. It is convenient to store clothes in such a wardrobe.
A traditional mirror in the hallway allows you to somewhat expand the cramped space. It is also appropriate to use very bright light sources.
Studio design with two windows
Two windows allow the designer to roam around. With their help, zoning is carried out:
- Near the first window there is a kitchen area;
- Near the second there is a guest room;
- The sleeping area comes after the dining room.
This functional interior option is possible if there are two windows on a wide wall. To separate the guest area and the work area, they are separated by small glass partitions. These partitions are used as racks for storing decorative accessories or books.
However, partitions are not the only decor option. Some designers do without them altogether. They use two sources of daylight to correctly arrange the furniture set. Opposite one window, a kitchen unit is grouped, and opposite the other - pieces of furniture for the sleeping area. The hallway area remains at the entrance.
You can often find the TV located between the windows, and the sleeping area opposite. This allows you to create a home theater with a starry sky. The functional areas are located on the sides, near the walls.
Features of a living room with 2 windows
When decorating a living room with two windows, it is important to consider the size of the room. It is difficult to furnish a small space with furniture. Therefore, special attention is paid to the choice of style and content.
The size, shape, location of windows are no less important details. It is important to present openings correctly in the interior. When choosing finishing materials and decor for window decoration, they act according to the circumstances.
The shape and configuration of the room can be of decisive importance. The main difficulties arise with non-standard layouts. The presence of projections, niches, and bay windows is a fundamental characteristic of the living room.
Zoning
Zoning of a studio apartment should begin with the bathroom. An open plan means that utilities have already been installed in the bathroom and toilet. Therefore, they are fenced off from the rest of the room. After this, they begin to arrange the interior of the studio.
Since an open plan means you can arrange areas at your own discretion, you need to use common sense. For example, you should not place a sleeping area near the bathroom. The same can be said about the work area. It is better to provide a kitchen area in this place. And move the sleeping area away from the toilet and entrance. It is also recommended to cover it with a piece of furniture or a thick partition to create the illusion of another room.
The dining area is decorated last. The original layout can squeeze it into any space. However, the area near the wall opposite the windows is considered suitable.
In addition to standard partitions, you can use more interesting zoning methods. These include glass aquariums, differences in height of the floor covering or ceiling surface, local lamps, and decorative elements. With the right level of imagination, it is even possible to provide a play area for a child.
Choosing a style
For the interior of the studio, you can choose almost any style or a combination of them. But you need to remember that you should not take everything from the solution you are using, but only some characteristic features in order to avoid the effect of oversaturation with details.
Neoclassicism
as a mix of classic and modern furniture, simple and technological finishing, textiles. In this case, you should give preference to plain light walls and moldings, carved furniture with upholstery in the same tone and the same non-colorful textiles.
Art Deco
distinguished by contrasts and varied decor. For a 25-meter apartment, it is worth taking a monochrome finishing palette from this direction with a beige / white base. And create a contrast with bright textile elements - these can be emerald, purple, burgundy, chocolate and other solutions. Possible additions are a chandelier, a mirror of unusual shapes.
Provence
appropriate when choosing beige/white colors for wall decoration. In this case, you can give preference to blue, lavender, mint furniture and textiles to match, but with a floral print. Furniture slats in Provence can be crossed - this creates a feeling of lightness and spaciousness.
Loft
With brickwork and a wide color palette, it fits very well into limited space. The brickwork in the studio can be painted white and used as decoration for the walls of the kitchen or one of the walls of the living room. Wooden boards are good for the floor, and the furniture can be in light gray, white, or wooden tones. For decoration they use posters, intricate lamps, unusual clocks, figurines, and plant pots.
High tech
the studio will feature predominantly black, brown and white accents with an occasional splash or lack of bright accents. Finishing nuances include gloss, metal, clear lines and right angles. For visual space, it is recommended to use gray tones as a basis.
Minimalism
perfect for oversized apartments. No more than 3 colors are used in the interior, for example, white + gray + brown. However, bright inclusions in decor or textiles are acceptable. Furniture is preferably simple, devoid of carvings, and plain.
Studio design from 14 to 25 sq. m.
A very small area accommodated a living room, a mini-dressing room and a kitchen. The entrance area is separated from the rest of the room by a curtain and a wardrobe. A corner of the living room is also covered by a refrigerator. The dining table in the room performs several functions at once: it can be folded and turned into a couch for guests. The chairs on both sides are hollow inside for storage. The sofa bed is also equipped with a pull-out shelf. All details of the set are made of natural wood. They go perfectly with the achromatic decoration of the studio. Designer splashes of turquoise and lemon color enliven the decor. And the mirror surface of the cabinet visually expands the tiny space of the apartment.
Studio design from 25 to 30 sq. m.
A rectangular layout with one window poses certain difficulties. However, the designer found a suitable solution. The key element of the design project was a translucent partition between the guest and sleeping areas. Insolation softened the achromatic interior decor. In the living room area there was a place for a sofa, a dressing table and a TV panel. In the sleeping area there is a large bed and an ottoman. The kitchen area is separated by a compact bar counter. The bathroom is located right next to the entrance, and the closet is located along the wall of the hallway and kitchen. Pastel colors disguise built-in appliances.
Studio design from 30 to 35 sq. m.
Since the window opening of this apartment was not large, the designers carefully disguised it with blinds. And the illumination was increased through local lighting under the ceiling. To expand the visible space, glossy and mirror surfaces were also used. As for the layout, several successful solutions were found here: the wall protrusion became a work area, and the furniture set became a multifunctional partition.
Kitchen
Design of a one-room apartment of 32 sq. m. is designed in a rather strict style, but at the same time filled with details that give a joyful mood. A kitchen with a checkerboard floor, a glossy apron made of white bricks and bright chairs looks elegant and festive.
A folding table saves space, and its wooden surface softens the whiteness of the interior and gives the kitchen coziness.
What partitions can be used to divide living space?
Better - made of frosted glass with a reflective effect. The reflection effect helps to visually enlarge the space. And if the sliding mechanism of the partition is attached to the ceiling, then you can do without a threshold on the floor. It is both ergonomic and convenient.
Studio design from 35 to 42 sq.m. m.
Zoning of this studio apartment was carried out using a color scheme. The contrasting black color in the interior harmoniously combines with light shades of wood and porcelain stoneware finishes. The floor covering is unusually duplicated on the wall, and a soft ottoman is used instead of an armchair. A colorful black curtain was used to separate the private area. Proper organization of lighting in the form of stylish lamps favorably emphasizes the color scheme of the decor. The compact kitchen area is separated from the guest area by a traditional bar counter. The cabinets are located on one side only.
Furniture
The main difficulty when choosing furniture is the need to combine different items in one room. Preference should be given to compact furniture.
There should be open space between pieces of furniture, sufficient for free passage
For a small studio, the optimal solution would be transformable furniture
When choosing plumbing fixtures, preference should be given to narrow products and elongated shapes. If there is a shortage of space, the dining table should be abandoned; it can be replaced with a bar counter. All furniture should be as functional as possible.
