Yesterday, I came across a interesting book entitled: Anatomy for Interior Designers. It was unique because it focused a lot on the value of space. It was written in 1948. At the time it was published people were looking into various living options.
It inspired me to make a comparison between what was happening in the housing market then, and what we see today. I wanted to share my thoughts on downsizing to a studio and how living in a smaller space could actually work.
One of the most affordable accommodations one can possibly find is a one room studio apartment. A popular efficiency apartment has many benefits worth mentioning, with the first two being, less time to clean and more affordable rent. Efficiencies require less maintenance and minimal monthly overhead expense. Unfortunately, there are drawbacks in such units, mainly a lack of extra space. But, with the rising cost of rental rates, we are seeing people in and outside of urban environments, scaling down and opting to move into more financially feasible living arrangements.
The good news is that a studio apartment does not need to be a cramped restrictive living space that robs one of the joy of a home. One only needs to be aware of the importance of certain features that make a room with four walls an ample breathing space. Apartments with high ceilings can accommodate a built-in loft, which can provide a functional bedroom space by adding another room and creating a fine distinction and a far more charming atmosphere.
Of course, there are certain specifics to consider, most importantly, ease of comfort, considerable natural or correct lighting (unless a darker space is preferred) and any necessary floor plan elements, the most essential being those that meet accessibility requirements, in particular, easy entry to bathroom facilities and to the kitchen area.
There are many proportional furnishing options available to persons who elect to occupy a studio space. Pieces such as sectional divans, dormitory style storage lockers stow hanging clothes compactly or semi-formal wardrobe cabinet’s house folded garments and numerous articles, while high-mounted shelves provide more surface area for books, CD’s and baskets filled with personal treasures.
In a studio space, day beds look like sofas. More space can be created by replacing standard furnishings with fold up card tables that can quickly vanish when not needed, and drop-leaf tables that can be pushed up against a wall when not in use. Screens act as inconspicuous room partitions, and pocket doors can function as dividers that slide into walls where they remain hidden and tucked in, completely out of sight.
Massive wall art of country scenes add to visual distortions, opening up optical fields of exaggerated square footage, which create the illusion of additional space. Track lighting can cast light on accents and draw attention to any number of accessories to create interest.
Unlike larger apartments, everything in a studio must have its own home. Smaller living spaces must be neat, orderly, and well-organized. Variations of console furniture can conceal television equipment and stereos if they are infrequently used and until it is time to enjoy them, when and if the occasion demands.
Special window dressings, mainly wooden shutters or aesthetically designed defusing blinds, make the one room residence cozier and block out the sun’s glare and control morning or mid-day brightness.
Efficiency apartments once thought to be nothing more than tightly compressed, temporary living quarters are now considered a sensible and economical option. As it turns out, efficiencies provide the type of residence that encourages a more minimal type of lifestyle, creating less demands on time and energy to maintain.
More on this topic –
How to Decorate a One Room Apartment
http://www.ehow.com/how_5699586_decorate-efficiency-apartments.html
Country Studio Decorating
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y27gb7RKer8
How to Chose Window Treatments
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jkKcZjrYYQ&feature=related
How to Create a Faux Headboard
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_a56E_BlBg&feature=fvwrel
How to Create Wall Art
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1We0MBuFSk&feature=related
Studio Examples
http://www.bing.com/images/search?publ=EE32EEEF-977B-490E-A63A-FE224D2F2717&FORM=MFEIMG&crea=STND_MFEIMG_FY11H2_BR_CusImg_1x1&q=studio+apartment#x0y863
Efficency Apartment
http://www.ehow.com/efficiency-apartment/
How to decorate a one room apartment
http://tinyhouseblog.com/tiny-house/ten-tips-for-decorating-a-small-studio-apartment/
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