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Good things come in small packages. Living in the compact environment of a studio apartment doesn't have to mean tight, cramped quarters. With a few simple techniques, you can make the most of your limited studio space and create a home with sophistication and style.

Define your Areas
You can maximize the functionality and livability of a studio apartment by defining and dividing separate areas of the room. For example, you'll likely need a sleeping area, a living area, a kitchen/dining area, and a workspace. Create definition between these areas with color schemes, furniture placement, area rugs, and room dividers. It's generally a good idea to place your sleeping area furthest from your front door, as this will allow you a greater feeling of privacy. Obscure the bed with a solid room divider, bookcase, or floor-to-ceiling curtain. A small sectional sofa is always a great option for a studio apartment, as the L-shape of the sofa helps to close in and define a specific living area. There are lots of creative solutions for small space work areas, such as cabinet desks. These compact units can house all your computer equipment and feature cabinet doors that close, completely concealing any workplace clutter. The kitchens in studio apartments are very efficient, offering you all the amenities of a full kitchen in a smart, compact space. However, the tightness of the kitchen can make finding space for an eating area challenging. A great solution is a wall-hung, fold down table. These tables are attached to the wall by hinges and can be raised or lowered with ease. This allows you the comfort of having a defined eating space without monopolizing valuable space with a large table and chairs.

Storage
Storage is essential! Studio living requires organization and having a great storage system is the best way to keep your space clean and livable. Storage boxes that fit under the couch or bed are a great option. Such boxes are cheap and allow you to maximize every inch of your apartment. Another storage solution is storage benches that not only provide hidden storage, but also an attractive seating area. The kitchen cabinets will also need to be maximized with handy drawer dividers, dish racks, and even lazy susan' rotating cabinet systems.

The Walls
Studio apartment walls should be decorated fairly simplistically. Rather than displaying a multitude of small photos or pieces of artwork, choose one larger feature for each separate living area. These larger wall features will avoid a messy, cluttered wall look and also serve to define the separate living areas. Walls can also be used as added storage space with the addition of shelves or hanging magazine racks.

Use Every Inch
Don't let the small space intimidate you into thinking that "less is more." You don't have to compromise your taste by decorating sparsely or blandly. Use an eclectic flare to create a hip, cool space filled with the objects that inspire you. If you are utilizing storage techniques and area definition, you can have as much furniture as you like without the space looking cluttered.

Studio apartment living is the epitome of smart style in this age of rising living costs. By maximizing the space of a studio apartment, you can have big, bold style in a small, smart space.

Learn more about this author, Kay Fair.
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