A living room of 20 m² is not uncommon in modern apartments. Not very large, but not tiny either, which remains the central room intended for relaxing and receiving guests. Often combined with a bedroom, library, study. You shouldn’t worry about the size of the room, because proper planning, arrangement of furniture, a good choice of style and design will allow you to implement all the intended functions, create a cozy corner, establish a special atmosphere, and preserve individuality.
Studio layouts 20 sq.
The layout, as a rule, depends on the format of the apartment, for example, if the studio has a rectangular shape with one window, it can be easily divided into several parts, including a corridor, bathroom, kitchen and living room area.
In the case of a square room, for more free space, they are limited to a partition, with the help of which the toilet is isolated, and the guest and kitchen sectors are left combined.
There are also irregularly shaped studio apartments that do not fit into accepted standards and often have sloping corners, curved walls or niches. For example, recesses can be arranged as a dressing room or a hidden closet, thereby turning this architectural element into an obvious advantage of the entire interior.
The photo shows the layout of a studio apartment of 20 square meters. m., made in a modern style.
In such a fairly small space, making repairs is much easier and faster. The main thing is to prepare for it competently, create a project and accurately calculate the area of each proposed site. It is necessary to develop a technical plan in advance and decide where communications will take place, ventilation, sockets, taps, etc. will be located.
The photo shows the design of a studio apartment of 20 square meters with a kitchen by the window.
Horizontal planes: principles of unity
Modern materials will easily allow you to implement a reasonable approach to the unity of the floor covering. This will add visual freedom to the studio apartment. Imitation of light wood on porcelain stoneware will provide practicality in the right areas, and laminate finishing of the main, living part will ensure budget-friendliness.
Warm floors in strategic areas (hallway, kitchen, bathroom) will not be superfluous.
The ceiling and the implemented lighting must be considered together. If the ceiling height does not exceed 2.5 m, leveling and painting with light paint are the best finishing methods. Stretch ceilings with built-in lamps will take away extra centimeters.
To avoid lowering the level, use:
- false beams;
- LED lighting along the upper perimeter;
- track systems, compact and not conspicuous.
If the ceilings are low, it is wise to abandon the usual type of chandeliers, especially above free passages. Fashionable lamps will play along with the zoning, and different lighting scenarios will create the necessary atmosphere, turning the living room into a bedroom.
Zoning studio 20 square meters
To zone a room, mobile partitions, folding screens or fabric curtains are used, which allow you to create a secluded atmosphere without affecting the surrounding design. Also, various furniture elements are preferred as a visual divider, for example, it could be a sofa, a wardrobe or a multifunctional shelving unit. An equally effective method is the option of delineating a room, due to color scheme, lighting or podium equipment.
Reflection game
In a small apartment, everything is aimed at visually expanding the available space. Glossy and reflective surfaces cope well with this task. Therefore, it would not be superfluous to place a wardrobe with mirrored doors instead of a regular wardrobe covering the entire wall, and hang several more mirrors in thin frames opposite.
Glass furniture, shelves, and tables are considered light and do not weigh down the interior. The composition will be completed by glossy metal tabletops or inserts on sofas and armchairs.
Sufficient lighting plays an important role, because darkened corners can significantly narrow a room. Built-in lamps, LED lighting, light wires, floor lamps and chandeliers - all this will add light, air and space.
How to furnish an apartment with furniture?
The design of this space should not contain bulky furniture or structures in too dark shades. Here it is reasonable to use transformable furniture items in the form of a sofa bed, wardrobe bed, folding tables or folding chairs.
It is also advisable to give preference to built-in appliances and storage systems, equipped in drawers under the sofa or in a free niche. For the kitchen area, the most silent washing machine, dishwasher and hood are suitable, which should not only work quite quietly, but also be very powerful. The sleeping place can be either a bed or a compact folding sofa.
The photo shows an option for arranging furniture in the interior of a studio apartment of 20 square meters. m.
For a studio apartment of 20 sq. m., it is better to select mobile and portable furniture on wheels, which, if necessary, can be easily moved to the right place. The most correct solution is to place the TV on the wall. For this, a bracket is used, which also allows you to rotate the TV device so that it can be viewed comfortably from any area.
Solution for individual areas of the apartment
Since most often the interior of an apartment is designed as a common space, it is important to competently approach the arrangement of each zone. Designers recommend discarding unnecessary pieces of furniture, leaving only the essentials.
The kitchen area can be equipped with a corner set. At the same time, the upper cabinets can be increased. If in an ordinary kitchen the storage areas are limited, then for the corner area you can order enlarged cabinets up to the ceiling. The color of the set can be an accent color; it is better to leave the finishing materials monophonic, without a pattern. The oversized dining table should be replaced with a bar counter. It will not only serve as a surface for eating, but will also help zone the space.
The sleeping area can be equipped with a small bed or a folding sofa. It is advisable to choose furniture with built-in storage spaces. Zoning of space in this case can be solved with the help of textiles.
If the apartment has a loggia, you can place a work area on it. To do this, it is enough to insulate and glaze the balcony. Instead of a stationary table, it is better to choose a folding option. A transforming table will relieve space congestion.
Recommendations for choosing colors
The choice of colors for the design of a small studio is quite a significant and decisive factor, so it is advisable to take into account the following nuances:
- It is preferable to decorate a small apartment in light colors with the use of small bright and contrasting accents.
- It is not advisable to use a colored ceiling, as it will visually look lower.
- When finishing the walls and floor in the same color, the room will look rather narrow and give the feeling of an enclosed space. Therefore, the floor covering should be darker.
- In order for the interior decor to stand out from the general background and not give the room a cluttered look, it is better to choose furniture and wall decoration in white shades.
The photo shows the design of a studio apartment of 20 sq. m., decorated in light gray tones.
Space zoning
Zoning is the key to proper use of space. Since the limited space of the studio does not allow for the installation of full walls, screens, curtains and pieces of furniture are often used to divide the space. Alternative ways to isolate space include lighting, the introduction of additional color, podiums and suspended ceilings.
A distinctive feature of a studio apartment is its single space. In such projects, monochromatic flooring is often found. Also, in the studio interior one main shade always prevails, but contrasting accents are acceptable.
Lighting options
For a studio design of 20 square meters, it is advisable to use better quality lighting in sufficient quantity. Depending on the shape of the room, too dark corners may appear in it; it would be better to equip each of them with additional lighting fixtures, thereby giving the environment air and volume, while making it more spacious. In order not to spoil the aesthetic appearance of the room, you should not install too many small lamps or light bulbs.
Color spectrum
There are few basic color options:
- white and its variations;
- calm natural tones;
- light pastel combined with a neutral background.
This does not mean that the apartment becomes monotonous, devoid of bright, rich accents: turquoise, lavender, berries, lemon.
But only if the preferred favorite color is evenly distributed over the entire area.
There are no less successful, harmonious combinations, the addition of which against the backdrop of extremely light, white colors will give your studio its own character and evoke pleasant associations:
- blue + chocolate or taupe;
- bright orange + calm mint;
- green apple + pure light blue.
Relevant. Light wood will add coziness, and whitewashing the wooden parts of the interior will allow you to preserve the texture without burdening the overall impression.
If you love change, then using colored accents for interior items such as textiles, rugs, posters is the best way to transform the design of a 20 m studio without major renovations as needed.
Kitchen design in the studio
In the kitchen, the set is usually placed along one wall or an L-shaped structure is installed, which is often supplemented with a bar counter, which is not only a place for a snack, but also a conditional separator between the culinary and living areas. Quite often in such an interior there are retractable, folding tabletops, roll-out cabinets, folding chairs and miniature appliances. In order not to visually overload the room, for the dining group, choose lighter or transparent furniture made of plastic or glass.
The photo shows the interior of a studio apartment of 20 square meters with a light L-shaped kitchen set.
You should not use an excessive amount of decorative elements in the design, and it is better to place all kitchen utensils in cabinets. To ensure that this area does not look overly cluttered, cabinets are also used in which small household appliances can be placed.
The photo shows the design of a kitchen area made in light colors in a studio apartment of 20 square meters.
New level and possibilities of furnishing
The second level, a variety of podium options allow you to add useful space to the living room:
- sleeping place - sufficient ventilation system and the ability to be in a sitting position;
- work area on the podium - roll-out bed below;
- modular systems , even from budget companies, serve as steps.
If the podium ideas don't work: a bed that folds up and turns into a wardrobe during the day is an alternative way to have a full-fledged sleeping space in the living room.
The window sill is actively used as a table or soft seating area.
The functionality of the furniture for a mini-studio is given a central place. Transformation, modularity – these are the principles without which it is difficult to place the necessary:
- Composite tables (like a matryoshka doll).
- Transparent dining furniture made of glass or modern plastic does not visually overload, while at the same time being a fashionable microtrend.
- Glossy MDF fronts are suitable for all furniture, making consoles and cabinets stylish and at the same time not so heavy.
Partitions are used next to a door or window: shallow shelves for books, or with beautiful drawers, baskets that organize storage.
In a bathroom combined with a toilet there is a similar ergonomic principle:
- built-in shower instead of a bathtub;
- the shower compartment is not rectangular, but with a beveled corner;
- ultra-thin heated towel rail;
- hanging plumbing;
- sliding door.
Arrangement of a sleeping place
For the sleeping sector, choose a bed equipped with drawers in which you can conveniently store bed linen, personal belongings and other things. Also quite often, the bed is equipped with a rack and various shelves that give this area special functionality. A fabric partition or a not too bulky cabinet, not reaching the ceiling in height, is appropriate as a space delimiter. The sleeping area should have free air circulation and not be too dark and stuffy.
The photo shows a single bed placed in a niche in the interior of a studio apartment of 20 square meters. m.
How to build a frame house
The good thing about a frame house is that it is easy to assemble and has an open layout. Layers are laid on the foundation, and a frame made of calibrated timber or metal is installed. They make a band around the perimeter. Then the house is assembled from ready-made panels with insulation inside, covered and a roof is erected. Sip panels are used as enclosing structures.
If necessary, the internal space is divided by panel or plasterboard partitions. The entire construction will take a little more than a month, after which you will be able to move into a full-fledged home.
A frame house with a small area will allow you to relax in comfort on your summer cottage. The small building will serve well as initial housing while more substantial apartments are being built.
Afterwards it can be reclassified as a guest house.
Ideas for a family with a child
To create a boundary between the nursery and the rest of the living space, various partitions are used. For example, it could be a movable structure, a tall piece of furniture in the form of a rack or cabinet, a sofa, a chest of drawers, etc. No less high-quality zoning is obtained using different wall or floor finishes. This area should be located near a window so that it receives enough sunlight.
For a schoolchild, purchase a compact desk or integrate a window sill into the tabletop, complementing it with corner pencil cases. The most rational solution would be a bunk loft bed, with a lower level equipped with a table or console tabletop.
In the photo there is a studio of 20 sq. m. with a children's corner for schoolchildren, equipped near the window.
For the whole apartment: a few tips
To visually expand the room you can:
- Give preference to glossy facades. Remember that dark gloss is not easy to clean - it is more likely to show stains, including fingerprints. They are not visible on a light gloss; regular light cleaning is sufficient.
- Do not distract attention to details - for example, doors can be made to match the walls, boxes can be left completely hidden.
- Pay attention to a track lighting system or spotlights - this way you can visually raise the ceiling.
To increase the functionality of the space:
- Purchase transformable furniture and use built-in storage systems/appliances.
- Hide large items in niches.
For the unity of the zoned parts of the apartment:
- Duplicate materials in different parts of the home. For example, use the same material for the kitchen countertop, cabinet and doors.
- Duplicate accent details - for example, pillows, curtains, rugs - in different parts of the apartment.
Work area design
An insulated loggia can be converted into a work office, so the studio will not lose any usable space. The balcony space can be easily decorated with a functional table, a comfortable chair and the necessary racks or shelves. If this solution is not possible, use various narrow, compact structures or transformable furniture that can be folded at any time needed.
The photo shows the design of a studio apartment of 20 sq. m. with a work area with a narrow white table, complemented by shelves and racks.
What is this apartment design?
The first thing I want to pay attention to is a budget option for decorating an apartment, intended for a family of several people. Such housing includes a kitchen, bathroom, and living space in a small area. The design of such an apartment does not include the use of partitions and walls. Experienced designers can turn any idea into reality, and interesting photographs are proof of this.
A modern room of this type looks unusual, and, despite its small size, can be comfortable.
Bathroom decoration
This small room requires the most functional and efficient use of space. Modern shower cabins with a glass design are a fairly ergonomic option that gives the environment a feeling of airiness.
The design of the bathroom should be made in light shades, have smooth color transitions and sufficient lighting. To create an unsurpassed ambience and increase the internal space, select white wall-mounted sanitary ware, showers with beveled corners, a thin heated towel rail, large mirrors and install a sliding door.
The photo shows the interior of a small bathroom in beige tones in the interior of a studio apartment of 20 square meters.
Photo of a studio with a balcony
The presence of a balcony provides additional space that can be used effectively. If, after dismantling the windows and doors, a partition remains, it is turned into a tabletop, a fully integrated loggia, without dividing structures, occupied by a kitchen unit with a refrigerator, equipped with a space for a study, a relaxation area with soft, comfortable armchairs and a coffee table, as well as they organize a sleeping place with a bed on it or place a dining group.
With the help of such a redevelopment and combining the loggia with the living space, an additional space is created, reminiscent of a bay window, which not only provides an increase in the studio area, but also makes it possible to create a rather interesting and original design.
The photo shows the design of a studio apartment of 20 sq. m., combined with a balcony, converted into a study.
Communications: how to arrange it correctly?
Since the kitchen and living room are combined, it is important to have good ventilation. Modern systems will allow you to maintain fresh and clean air in your apartment in any situation. The smell of fried cutlets will not permeate furniture and curtains.
Ventilation is thought through immediately after receiving documents for redevelopment. The issue of furniture placement is raised. Access to sockets should be free, and nothing should interfere with the sewer and water supply systems.
The kitchen should have good ventilation
Modern ventilation systems will prevent furniture and curtains from becoming saturated with unpleasant odors.
See alsoCombination of colors in the interior using the color wheel
Examples of two-level apartments
Thanks to the second tier, several functional zones are created without losing excess apartment space. Basically, the upper level is equipped as a sleeping area. It is most often placed above the kitchen sector, bathroom or above a place with a sofa. In addition to its practical function, this structure gives the design special originality and uniqueness.
Technical equipment
A modern home, and especially a one-room apartment of 20 square meters, cannot be imagined without household appliances. In a small room there is no place for wires or any kind of extension cords, so all technical aspects - sound insulation, ventilation systems, lighting, location of the required number of electrical outlets - are thought through at the initial stage.
The furnishings of the bathroom are planned separately. Thus, common methods of arranging a bathroom: built-in shower, mounted appliances, sliding door.
Interior options in various styles
Scandinavian design is distinguished by its snow-white color and is quite practical and cozy. This direction involves the use of decor in the form of black and white photographs, paintings and furniture made from high-quality natural materials, such as wood. Also, the eco-style has a special naturalness, which is characterized by soft light shades, living green plants and wooden lattice partitions, creating an extremely serene atmosphere.
The photo shows a two-level studio apartment of 20 sq. m. m., made in loft style.
The main feature of the loft style is the use of unplastered brick, deliberately rough beams, and the presence of materials in the form of glass, wood and metal. Lamps with long cables or spotlights are often used as lighting decor, which look especially advantageous in combination with concrete walls.
Distinctive elements of the high-tech direction are the interior in gray tones in combination with metal and glossy surfaces. For minimalism, monochromatic decoration and furniture that is simple and functional are appropriate. Here, matte designs look harmonious, in the form of closed shelving and all kinds of open shelves with a moderate amount of decor.
The photo shows the studio interior of 20 square meters, decorated in Scandinavian style.
Design techniques
Designers have a lot of tricks and life hacks in stock, designed for psychological deception and creating the illusion of a spacious area in the head:
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- Transparent furniture does not overload the interior;
- Select one large and expressive art object;
- All large furniture is moved to the walls, freeing up space in the center;
- By placing paintings at eye level, you can create the illusion of a high ceiling;
- Using partitions near door and window openings for shelves and racks;
- Glossy facades make the furniture stylish and light-weight;
- It is purposeful to leave several free cells and sections on the rack or shelf system.
By putting rationality, functionality and comfort first, you can easily and competently arrange twenty squares of available space.
Modern design discoveries, current furniture and technical developments, as well as imagination, ingenuity and some techniques and tricks will help in this matter.
