Five Sexy Glamorous Translucent Seats With Faux Fur

Here are five inspirational vignettes where you can create a sexy glamorous translucent seat with faux fur. Allow yourself to feel really special when blogging, traipsing through the internet and just answering email in a Hollywood style setting. Or just add a bench or cube stool.

For a desk seating, it’s really quite simple: add a contemporary desk with a little jewel detailing such as the gold nob pulls; a contemporary lamp; a short bouquet of flowers (every major grocery store carries lovely flowers); clean contemporary desk organizers; and your favorite modern painting or a large portrait photo. If you have a window available to you, be sure to frame it with classy but simple draperies. No window, just add mirror over the desk. And of course, dress up the co-star: a translucent chair with faux fur. Who’s the star? Why you of course!

See what mean. No window. Not a problem. Add a lovely mirror over the desk. It will complement the co-star: your translucent chair with a comfy faux fur, your throne.

Here’s a fabulous bench with acrylic legs. The cushion is topped with a faux fur, of course.

No room for a bench? Try this acrylic cube stool softened with a beautiful faux fur. You can get it at Clayton Gray Home. See link below.

Ah, my very favorite: Louis Ghost Chairs by Kartell. I have four of them but had never thought to add faux furs. My apartment decorating plans includes a change to that scenario. My wish list includes a couple of faux furs my lovely Louis’.

Translucent or acrylic furnishings has really become quite popular. And I hope this trend extends to making them a classic piece of furniture to own. Adding faux fur to them is simply a marvelous decor and comforting touch. My personal recommendation would be purchase both pieces from a reputable dealer to insure you are getting quality.

For the faux fur, I would recommend wool as the content. Flokati faux fur in wool can be purchased from RugsUSA.com. I’ve had great service from this company. Still, there are of course other vendors.

For Translucent furnishings, I would always recommend a vendor that sells the Kartell collection. See my post on Designs That Fascinate: Translucent Furniture.

Looking to hear from you! And would love
to see your sexy glamorous transparent seat with faux fur.
I promise to share mine:)

Part II: 9 Elements to Create A Small Living Room That Inspires You Daily

In Part I: 9 Elements to Create A Small Living Room That Inspires You Daily, I covered these elements: wall storage units; the sofa and sectional; the side chair(s); and floor pillows, poufs, and ottomans. In Part II, I discuss lighting, area rugs, cocktail and side tables, texture and accents–and you. These are the elements that complete or rather give the finishing touches to that will inspire you daily.

Lighting

Many standard apartments come with ugly, boring dome-shaped lights that hug the ceilings. You may be asking why bother. To some extent, I agree. However, if you’re goal is like mine which is to create a home and not just a place to park belongings, then I say if at all possible, bother with replacing them. Of course, you can just try to ignore them and never turn them on. Focus your lighting scheme with table and floor lamps. Which ever you choose, here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting lighting for your apartment living room:

Lighting is described in three categories. General lighting or otherwise called ambient lighting and covers the general area in a room. Task lighting to illuminate a specific space, such as a desk for writing or home work or a table for sewing. Then there is accent lighting also for a specific area but focuses on such items as art, architectural features, even a plant.
Light up the corners of the room to eliminate cold uninviting shadows.
Floor lamp lighting is best when at 68″ from the floor. This will mask your eyes from looking into a glaring light bulb whether you are standing or sitting. Of course, that’s if you have a shade over the light bulb.
Lighting is now measured by “lumens.” For ambient lighting in the living room look to 1,500-3000 and for task lighting, such as reading, look to add 400 lumens.

HGTV, Lighting Tips For Every Room by Jill Connors HGTV HGTV

Area Rugs

Area rugs are especially great for defining your living space in apartments when sharing one large floor space includes the living and kitchen zones. Area rugs are particularly useful when that one large space is a studio apartment. Other advantages of adding an area rug allow you to do the following:

create a layered look;
enjoy additional comfort; and
anchor your color scheme.

Apartment LifeStyle.net Minimalisti.com

Tables and More Tables: Coffee Tables, Side Tables

There never seems to be enough space for these very useful furniture pieces. They’re gorgeous to have but more important, they have multiple functional uses from storage to displaying art objects and reading materials to providing additional seating in the case of some cocktail tables. Sides tables are often small and really pretty but are relegated to holding a light fixture and a few objects. But living in an apartment where storage rates premium, I say designers and manufacturers really need to create more sides tables that give storage and are also drop dead gorgeous like the mirrored storage chest below.

Estilogy Decor source source

On the matter of cocktail tables, I honestly believe these too should be multi-functional. Even in a small apartment, the larger the cocktail, the better because it can do so much more than hold a drink or a magazine. Getting one that invites extra seating for dining, playing games or even holding your laptop makes it multi-functional.

pinterest BHG BHG

Texture And Accents

Texture can be visual and textile. Both are key elements to creating a welcoming home. If all elements in your apartment decor are smooth or rough, this can be quite boring and dull. Even if you take a very modern approach of slick furnishings, you will notice that there is still some differences in texture. For example, the ultra modern apartment living room below has an abundance of smooth surfaces. Look closer and you will see a touch of rough texture in a single plant. Do you see another?

Iseecub Iseecub

Clearly, this modern black and white apartment living room, though restricted in color and lines, stunningly juxtaposes smooth and rough texture. The ornate black side chair is a wonderful counterpoint to the clean simple lines in the sectional, cocktail table and wall entertainment unit.

Citatona

Your accents are how you tell your story and who you are in more details. In many ways, it says who you are and what is important to you: your family, your first born, your dog, your hobby and your collected interests. Offer these up in your decor to greet you when you walk into your living room. They conjure up sweet memories, love, and happiness.

source source

I just had to add this dark moody living room. It’s part of an apartment renovation where the walls are dark, pops of pink are added, book collection wallpaper and interesting furniture collections. See the rest of the apartment on Soul Design Studio:

Moody apartment living room found on Soul Design Studio Blogspot

And Then There Is You

Are you like me, having downsized from the multitude of decisions, contractors and maintenance responsibilities of a home? Are you hoping to leave your rental and move into a home? Or are you just a very busy entrepreneur, a career or careers seeking millennium? It really doesn’t matter where you are in life, your home is where you end your day. A good chunk of your budget goes into it and you work hard to keep it. Don’t just park your belongings there, watch T.V. and eat and sleep there–make it the most magical place you can escape to and share if you wish with those you want to be with.

Sources for this post:

Excellent article on Lighting Tips For Every Room, Jill Connor for HGTV
Thomas Lighting

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Part I: 9 Elements To Create a Small Living Room That Inspires You Daily

Whether your home is a studio or small apartment, this is how you can create a tiny living room space that inspires you. It’s not how much space or ‘stuff’ you have but what you do with it that makes the difference between just a place to sit and a place that is home.

In Part I of 9 ways to create a small living room for a studio and apartment, I discuss the major elements: wall storage units; the sofa and sectional; the side chair(s); and floor pillows, poufs and ottomans. In Part II, I’ll discuss the cocktail and side tables; lighting; the area rug; and lastly, color, texture and accessories, and You.

Wall Storage Units

“Storage, Storage, Storage, Oh where are thou!!” (No, I’m not crazy but I do read Shakespeare now and then.) For many of us, storage is one of the biggest issues when living in an apartment. There is never enough storage. Consequently, clutter becomes the norm. Chaos becomes the decor theme.

This is why I’m a strong proponent for a modular wall unit. These units allow you to select the pieces you need; configure and reconfigure them as you wish; add new units as your budget allows; and easily move them around. Yes, you will give up some wall space but that’s not as painful as it may seem compared to what you gain. And yes, you MAY not be able to park the sofa against a wall. But who says you have to have a sofa up against a wall??

Source Source

This module nicely separates the studio apartment living room from the bedroom, providing storage for books and accessories–and it is attractive. Note how easy it is to reconfigure.

Source Source

The Sofa and Sectional

Cheap sofas are just that: cheap. They don’t last long neither in appearance or shape. In which case, they’re not really cheap because it won’t be long before you’ll need to replace it–or wish you could. I would rather sit on the floor with a bunch of pillows or just a rug and wait to purchase a sofa that will last and always look good. But then, that’s just me. That rant being said, here some things to consider:

Size – 2 – 3 seat cushions. When available space is priority, generally a 2 seat cushion will work.
Getting down to the important details, look for a sofa that has ……
Do consider sectionals. Yes, they do take up a good deal of space. However, really good sectionals often come with many seating and size options that will allow you to configure to the your space and needs.

Below is just one example of purchasing a sofa/sectional that offers

7 seating styles for multiple configuration: sofa, armless sofa, armless chair, corner chair, left or right chaise lounge, left or right arm sofa;
2 two seating depths; and
multiple fabric selections.

Restoration Hardware, the Maxwell Customizeable Sectional

Prefer something more casual?

Found on Pinterest for Ruemag

Some other companies with similar offers and in this medium price range are Calico Corners and Pottery Barn. At a higher end and with outstanding quality is Henrendon. Granted, there are many more companies but quality should be your primary concern. Why? Unless you have an unlimited budget, you can’t afford to just replace a sofa/sectional every couple of years.

Ever thought of using a chaise lounge for your apartment seating? Why not?

Apartment LifeStyle.net

If, however, you much prefer the single sofa, give it some pizzazz and make sure it’s comfortable.

Lisa Mende Design Skonahem.com

The Side Chairs

Side chairs are used to give additional seating and comfort. They also give an opportunity to add a splash of color and fun. They’re great for creating corner vignettes for reading or even adding two where a tête-à-tête is ideal. For serious comfort, certainly club and wing chairs are great candidates. Add an ottoman for total relaxation seating.

Custom Edward Chair from Mod Shop.com Velvet Lyre Chesterfield from Anthopologie Clarissa Arm Chair from AllModern.com My Domaine.com The Interior Sylist

Floor Pillows, Poufs and Ottomans

Poufs, ottomans and floor pillows are ideal for studios and apartments. They add the convenience of being easily moved around to accommodate where seating is needed. Poufs and floor pillows can also be stored away if necessary. Okay, this may be a stretch when considering storage space. Just an idea. Still, any one of these pieces offer an opportunity to add color and texture to the decor. Which ever design style you choose, you can find a pouf, ottoman and floor pillow to suit the overall effect.

Here, this style keeps it casual. It can translate to a bohemian even middle eastern style. Love the wall unit!

Source Source

But here, the contemporary decor style is accented with the additional seating of two poufs.

The Interior Stylist

When it comes to ottomans, I’m a strong proponent for one large one that offers multiple uses: seating, a place to rest your feet and even as a cocktail table.

Source Source Source Source

You may not want an ottoman this big but it’s just too, too gorgeous for me to pass up sharing it with you.
I love it!! Let me repeat, I love it!!

Source Source

If I have inspired you in any way to create a studio apartment or apartment that is a real home, giving you comfort and inspiration to meet the challenges of your daily lives, then I’m happy for you.

About me, well as you may know I’ve downsized from a house (and it was beautiful) to an apartment–but only after having moved and lived in two different states! Finally, my thoughts have turned to making my apartment more than just a place to park my belongings. I’m looking for comfort, drama and great style. As I’ve stated elsewhere, join me in this adventurous challenge. Share your thoughts and plans. I’d love to hear them.

Stay tuned for Part II 9 Ways to Create A Small Living Room. I’ll add a link here once it’s published.

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13 Stylish Kitchen And Dining Spaces For Studio Apartments

I’ll stop here and admit that on one hand I marveled over the challenges and fabulous solutions by people living in studio apartments. (See the further reading list below for other posts on decors for studio apartments.) On the other hand, I found many studio apartment kitchen and dining area on the internet depressingly boring. Unlike the stunning examples above and those to follow, I couldn’t help but feel there simply must be a better way to enjoy the real comforts of a home however small it may be.

And so I began to analyze how these examples here so successfully achieved lovingly small spaces to retreat to. Some I analyze how it works, others I suggest alternatives and challenge you to discover alternatives, and some I simply sat back and admire. Here are the 13 stylish kitchen and dining spaces for studio apartments.

Micro Unit Apartment

I Included the image below because, as well as a good design, it has strong interior decorating elements: contrasting colors, different shades or the sames color and a good selection of varying patterns mixed with solid colors. It has lots of good lighting that ward off dark, shadowy corners. Yes, the bed is really at the ceiling; still, it’s a fun and efficient layout.

Great Decor Below But Could You Improve Upon It?

The studio below is very nicely laid out. Colors beautifully contrast in neutral black and white and is then warmed up by the strawberry red wall in the sleeping area. I love the floor length draperies attractively finished with a box valance at the top. It gives vertical height and distracts from the smallness of the room. However, there are opportunities for improvement in the dining area. It’s looks lonely. So what can be done?

One option would be to add a narrow table or even a wall shelf above the heat register. Add plants, a glass collection such as vases or another but functional collection of items that would not fade from the sun rays. This set up would redirect heat and air conditioning towards the table which could be uncomfortable.
Option two: Continue with the first one but move the table closer to the sofa.
Option three: Add an area rug under the dining rug. Preferably, one that has texture. It could be a solid color or a pattern of colors (a conservative pattern) that compliment the whole room.
Option four: Because the white kitchen dominates a large area, add more of the color black to the kitchen counter. This can be done by replacing the items on the left with just one to three larger items in black, such as a black container holding wooden spoons, etc.

Other Studio Apartment Kitchen And Dining That Work

Here, notice how the wood tone is brought throughout the studio apartment. Is there room to bring the table away from the window wall? What do you think?

The studio apartment below is wonderfully designed with lots of light from a window wall. And the layout is nice. But how would you place the furniture? Do you see the dilemma in moving the TV so that it could be comfortably viewed from the sofa? Can you see how moving the sofa so that you’re not just looking at a kitchen? Would it be nicer to move the dining area to the window and frame it in a garden setting–a large tree, a few plants?

Of course, not seeing the whole floor plan is a disadvantage. Still, this is a great exercise in seeing how to define a dining area without having spent a dime.

In this next image, the white kitchen cabinets and stainless steel appliances stand out against black walls and and dark blue furnishings and linen. Mirrors on the sliding glass doors in the sleeping area reflects light and makes the room feel larger. Note the recessed lighting throughout the space, and particularly in the under counter kitchen lights–keeping the whole space from becoming dark and shadowy. (Pssst: you can easily install under counter lighting.)

Tips That Create Stylish Studio Apartment Kitchen And Dining

Okay, let’s stop here and talk about what makes these studio apartment work. Writing for this post, I found lots of very unattractive, in fact down right bleak studio apartments. I won’t include any of them here but what I noticed that distinguished the examples above from those I didn’t choose were these:

COLOR. Dark colors or light or warm or neutral or even repeating a color, the studio apartments above have lots of contrasting colors. Even one large-space accenting color brings inviting interest to a room
TEXTURE. For example, the one above, shows texture in the woven chair against the smoothness of the wood table and the high gloss white cabinets. The fabric too offers texture. The back splash and the wall opposite appear to be textured grass cloth. Even if it’s not, it appears so in design.
LOTS OF LIGHTING. The windows of course are a nice bonus, but where natural light is lacking, mirrors and lots of artificial lighting can be added, especially to brighten up those dark, shadowy corners of the room.
NO CLUTTER. Yes, this can be difficult to achieve in small spaces. But I would say, small cluttering items can be organized. Small matching storage units can be added. Even if it’s boxes, paint them all the same color and stack attractively.

More Inspirations to Give A Home Life to Studio Apartment Kitchen And Dining Space

I absolutely love the next studio apartment design for its creative island and how it picks up the color and texture of the divider screen opposite it. Behind the divider screen is the sleeping area.

As you will see in the next three images below, the floor plan, colors, selected furnishings and wall unit storage have all the elements of a real place to rush home to. This place is just gorgeous. Yes, small can be and is beautiful when done right.

Wall Units

And finally, I just had to show one more stunning wall. It not only dramatizes the studio apartment but its functionality makes it really worth the investment. Ikea units are wonderful sources because you can add to them as you budget allows. Note also in this next image, although you can only see a tiny bit of it, but in the upper right corner there is a loft bed. Below it is a sectional unit with an ottoman that can be use for an additional serving area, seating area, and a place to stretch out and rest legs and feet.

One more very important decorating design point is this: regardless of what the budget will allow, invest in at least one statement piece. Then design around it. Even the tiniest or largest studio apartment kitchen and dining area can be designed to give a feeling of a comforting home, a fun place to cook with a glass of wine–and even pack in a few friends.

Additional Readings on tips for Studio Apartment Decor:

Live in a studio apartment? I hope you were inspired. So now get creative and make it stylish home to “get real.” Let me know what you think. Leave a comment. Like the post. And you’re more than welcome to contact me with questions, ideas or just a chat.

The Best Place For An Animal Trophy Is In Art

Wildlife and nature painter Cathy Johnson

The best way to honorably hang the head of an animal on your wall is in a fabulous work of art! The stunning black and white zebra above is a charcoal rendition by Cathy Johnson. I’ve seen this one in person. It’s absolutely gorgeous in every detail from the thin hairs of the whiskers to the finely mane hairs on its head. I love how she captures the illusion of light that spotlights one side of the head, even to the glint of light in the eye. The work is dark, moody–and elegant.

Such art works make dramatic statements in the contemporary decors of apartments. Here’s one of my favorites: athyC

Apartment Therapy for Calvin's Naturally Stylish DC Home — Apartment Therapy for Calvin’s Naturally Stylish DC Home

Found on Pinterest, this is a magnificent image of a jaguar. (I see a painting here for Cathy.) “The last female jaguar in the United States was shot and killed in Arizona in 1963.” In a Huffington Post 2014 article, Finally Some Hope for America’s Rare Jaguars, it reports a come back for jaguars due to the setting aside of protected areas:

“Jaguars once roamed vast swaths of the American Southwest and parts of Texas and Louisiana.

But, like nearly all big predators, they had a hard time surviving the onslaught of humanity. As settlement moved west, forests were cleared and wetlands were drained and jaguars lost some of their most important habitat. Still more were killed out of fear for livestock.

The last female jaguar in the United States was shot and killed in Arizona in 1963. For a long time, it was thought they might never return.

But jaguars are persistent survivors, especially if we give them a chance.

That’s why it was so important this month that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protected nearly 1,200 square miles as “critical habitat” for jaguars in New Mexico and Arizona. This step, which comes nearly 17 years after jaguars were protected under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, should be a pivotal point for returning jaguars to the American landscape.”

— Noah Greenwald for Huffington Post

The elephant wall mural below must certainly be a blow up of a photo. It’s gorgeous and beautifully adds drama to the whole decor, capturing the grand elegance of this family of elephants with their ears flared and growing tusks. Note how its color contrasts with the white in the room and its size gives a visual balance to the large sectional sofa. See a close up of it in the next image.

Wildlife painter, Guy Coheleach has received many pretentious awards and recognition for his realistic paintings in wildlife. And he has experienced life threatening events to capture subjects to paint, as noted in Smashing Showcase:

“Guy Coheleach is an American wildlife artist. We have picked some Realistic Wildlife Paintings from his portfolio. He has been chased by elephants and has tracked eagles, lions and Cheetahs all over the world. Coheleach is an adventurer who loves to paint portraits in addition to his wildlife artwork.”

— Smashing Showcase

No special room must be preserved to mount images of these extraordinary creatures! An entryway, a living room, a bedroom and even a kitchen wall can be dramatized.

For centuries wild and domesticated horses have been the subject of artists whose works were adorned from caves to homes:

One of the most significant contribution that art makes is to capture the grandness of these animals. And they don’t have to be destroyed just for the egotistical and sadistic pleasure of a few. Am I referring to the atrocity of the murder of Cecil The Lion in Zimbabwe. Indeed, Yes!

But most important I want to emphasis that artists give all of us so much more when they paint or photograph God’s magnificent creatures. Their work records for humanity, generations to come and the passage of time the blessings of God. Are many of these animals dangerous to humans? Yes! They pose a danger when in search for food or when they want to protect their families or themselves. But humans who willy nilly destroy and take the lives of other humans and animals just for sport are more dangerous not only to the animals but to humanity, the balance of nature and thus the planet.

Here are a just a couple more of Cathy’s work that dramatically pose animals in motion:

Click on the images to enlarge.

In my dining nook, I have two prints of Siamese cats. They always make me smile with their “peeking” poses. And I’m thankful for the artist who created the prints. Artists often paint an original which of course will cost more. And most artists offer giclee copies for those of who have smaller budgets but who still have an appreciation of their work. I’ll never understand the attempt or need to prove oneself by killing another species just for sport.

Interested in learning more about incorporating art into your apartment decor. Here are some further readings:

Selecting Art To Match Your Existing Decor by interior designer Michelle Baser
Art: Love It, But Afraid?

I hope you share my sentiments and

Support Artists – Local And Everywhere

How To Create A Stylish Vignette In Your Apartment

So when you enter your apartment or any room in your apartment, what do you see? A big sofa, a blank wall and dull, maybe even dark creepy corners? Let’s talk about changing that. Those blank walls, that dark creepy corner is the perfect place to create a stylish vignette.

Select Your Space

Consider a wall, such as an entry wall and space above a sofa or chair with the seating anchoring the vignette
Consider a corner of the room where you can add a chair, table and lighting
Incorporate a theme — a wall gallery, a collection of sculptures, even electronic gadgets and a garden space
Layer it with your decor elements

The image below beautifully illustrates a corner vignette with a chair, a collection of framed pictures behind the chair, and floor light. The straight lines of the brown leather chair are softened by the fringed throws and white pillow. Also behind the chair off to the left a sculpture and plant on the window sill gives balance to the whole of this corner vignette. All of these items in color, shape and texture contrast and warm of the sterile background of the white wall, wonderfully highlighted by the large bare window. Note how the elements are layered.

The corner vignette compliments an overall living room decor. Here too, you can better see the small rug in front of the chair, its color picking up the color of the throw and a couple of the pillow on the sofa. Imagine how boring the total room would look with only a chair in the corner!

Let’s look at a few more gorgeous examples of vignettes:

Home Portfolio for Jamie Herzlinger, the designer

Note, below you’ll see that you don’t need a big budget to create a vignette! A gallery wall can easily be created with family photos, your dog images, your bad photo images. Place it above a furniture element. Scour garage sales, consignment and antique shops for frames. Paint them. Take risks, be bold, be different but be you.

The wall and sofa vignette below is rich in texture, particularly with the wood-board wall. How could you create something similar that dramatizes your sofa-wall space and creates a vignette? Paint. Plants, even one large plant. A simple, solid color sofa. Decorative Pillows. Simple lighting. And of course, one bold work of art.

When using plants, especially for an apartment, dare to add at least one very large plant to a corner for a very dramatic effect:

By now you may be thinking what about that 27 inch monitor you love, what about that big T.V. screen and all of the entertainment paraphernalia! The same principle applies. Select your wall space, organize it, color it and layer it.

A sofa doesn’t have to hug a wall. Create a dramatic vignette by using that wall for book cases, entertainment units and a desk. Your modules could simply cover half the height of the wall with a T.V. mounted on the wall. Space would be left to create a gallery, etc. Stores such as Ikea have inexpensive units that can be added to as the budget allows. The sofa is pulled away but faces the wall similar to the furniture placement below:

Convinced yet? Share your thoughts. Would love to hear from you!

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What Are Your Top 10 Must Have Kitchen Small Appliances And Gadgets?

Recently, I read an article declaring top must have kitchen gadgets. One item was a pair of goggles for cutting onions. I couldn’t stop laughing. The first image that came to mind was the character Carrie Bradshaw from Sex And The City wearing those googles, rubber gloves on hand while standing in a pair of Christian Louboutin stiletto heels. (Oh, but she didn’t cook did she. I digress.)

Well, I made up my own list of essential kitchen small appliances and gadget that I need. Then I became curious about you. Here’s your chance to weight in on this. Given this list of what you can have or need, which of the top 10 out of the 15 here would you choose? Don’t see one listed, just add it at the end or in the comment below. (Note: “Other” is also included in the 10 count.) This poll ends October 30, 2015.

How did you do? Already have these in your kitchen?
Or do you need to go shopping?

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Anatomy Of A Studio Apartment Decor

Typically, a studio apartment is one large room. It combines living, sleeping and cooking spaces. Often the bathroom is a separate room which of course opens into the main one room. Floor space can be very large or even very small, often one wall with window(s) and eight-foot ceilings (or with high ceilings if you are fortunate).

When a studio apartment presents itself to you, there are five things you will want to look for according to an article written by Niccole Schreck USA News, My Money.

Plenty of vertical space — to counter the small horizontal space
Ample storage — a solution to clutter in the main room which makes the room appear large
Natural light to make the room appear larger — and preferably with windows facing east or west
Full-sized appliances — especially if you enjoy cooking. And hopefully, though it not often offered, a dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer
Liveable space — sufficient for a living area, sleeping space and kitchen that doesn’t make you feel like you are in a cubby hole.

I would add a sixth item to look for and that is a bathroom with a door. You will definitely want privacy when you have guests. And there is no reason you shouldn’t enjoy the company of your friends in your own home space–however small it may be.

hotpads.com greenduo.net Greenduo.net

Have you noticed what really makes these studio apartments work in that they are lovely examples of a well-decorated room? I selected these examples just for these reasons:

Functional spaces are clearly marked in each of them.
Well made, beautiful beds
The rooms are small; yet, furnishing pieces we would expect to be in the designated living areas are included, such as coffee tables and window treatments
Storage pieces that do double duty
No clutter, everything has its place (Okay, you may be saying, “Sure everything is in its place because of the photo shoot!”)
A beautiful complimentary color palette
Patterns mixed with solid colors where the eye can rest
Wonderful accessories that warm and personalize the room: decorative pillows, books, lots of art pieces, and flower arrangements
Excellent central lighting but lighting that also illuminates the corners of the room
An area rug (excluding the last one above)
As you’ll see below, draperies and bookcases are used to create “zones”

Let’s look at a few more studio apartment decors:

Brit + co

Don’t you just love that chandelier in the “dining” area? What a fabulous unexpected touch! And of course, the herringbone flooring is to die for!

Brit + co Brit + co

This is such a beautiful white room with the freshness of the bed and being able to wake up to a warm sun on your face. The yellow pillow and flowers offer just enough color splash to invite a happy feeling.

Gravity Interior Tumbler

Here’s another white studio apartment decor. The white sheer drapery used to mark off the sleeping area. doesn’t provide complete privacy and that’s intentional. It does, however, screen off the sleeping area and retains the openness of the room.

Free Home Decorating Ideas

This studio apartment is distinguished with bookcases that further mark the functional “zones.” Note the use of beautiful pieces of art.

This Perspective.com

And finally, I just want to point out how the dramatic city view is complemented by the large, dramatic painting. This studio apartment has a spacious feel, it’s modern and just downright classy.

Living in a studio apartment? Make the most of it. Make it beautiful. Make it happy and classy to live it. Size doesn’t really matter, it’s what you put in it:)

I would love to hear from you
if you or someone you know lives in a studio apartment!
Share the experience and the decorating scheme. Have a dilemma? Share that too!

40 Foot Ceiling London Clock Tower Apartment

When opportunity knocked for a chance to live in the historic clock tower at St. Pancras, London, UK , Peter Thompkins didn’t hesitate for a chance to make it his apartment home. The building was completed in 1860, featuring a clock tower that has 40′ ceilings, Gothic windows, exposed beams, and amazing views. Mr. Thompkins modernized the space for apartment living, highlighting these key elements.

In the series “You Live In What?,” Mr. Tompkins opened his doors for HGTV to share his treasure apartment. See the video link below. (Of course you’ll have to wait through the ads but you’ll be glad you did.)

40′ Clock tower apartment video video by HGTV “you live In What?” found on house beautiful

http://pshared.5min.com/Scripts/PlayerSeed.js?sid=281&width=480&height=401&playList=518920394
London Clock Tower Apartment Has 40-Ft Ceilings & Amazing Views

I hope you enjoy the video. I’ve watched it at least 4 times.
Congratulations to Mr. Thompkins’ for imagining the possibilities!

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5 Gorgeous And Versatile Modern Sleeper Sofas

You may be like many of us who are expecting summer guest(s). Or perhaps you are expecting your guest(s) to come in this fall or winter, particularly for the holidays. However, space is a serious issue when you have only a one bedroom apartment. Even more challenging is receiving guest(s) when you only have a studio apartment. The usual solution to a sleeper sofa is to purchase one of those big heavy clunky fold out beds. But there are other options: a modern sleeper sofa.

From Hive Modern comes this design by Niels Bendtsen for Bensen.
It’s visually stunning, a statement piece with clean, straight lines.

From Room Service 360 Degree comes Pierrot Modern Sofa Bed by Bonaldo. Designer is Glenn Thomas. It’s a “smart solution doubles as a sofa and a bed without taking up a lot of space.”

modern sofa bed by bonaldo, designed by glenn thomas

Room Service 360 Degree also brings this origami modern Italian sleep sofa by Cattelan Italia.
The design was inspired by the Japanese art of folding paper into shapes.

From Bassett Furniture here is a pit shaped sectional sofa.
Pieces can be purchased separately for multiple configurations and uses:
single chair, sofa, chaise, daybed and of course just as you see it here.

Here’s a fun video that takes you through the many possibilities:

From Viesso comes this exquisite modern translation of the chesterfield style in a sofa bed.
It’s versatile with a bi-fold back that can be configured as a single seat on one side but reclined on the other.
Or it can be configured for a complete bed. Comes in leather, other fabrics and a variety of colors.

Oldschool Chesterfield Sofa Bed in brown leather by Vesso

Oldschool Chesterfield sofa bed in a single reclined back

White leather oldschool Chesterfield sofa bed in bed reclined position

And please, don’t overlook a modern bed for your four-legged best friend!

Elegant modern dog day bed from glamour mutt.com

NOTE: I’m not affiliated with the companies I chose above. And so I cannot guarantee or speak to the quality of the constructions. I include these sofas for their lovely modern designs, versatility, appropriateness for apartment living, and availability,

Looking to hear from you! And would loveto see your sexy glamorous transparent seat with faux fur. I promise to share mine:)

Lighting

Area Rugs

Tables and More Tables: Coffee Tables, Side Tables

Texture And Accents

And Then There Is You

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Wall Storage Units

The Sofa and Sectional

The Side Chairs

Floor Pillows, Poufs and Ottomans

Related Posts:

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Micro Unit Apartment

Great Decor Below But Could You Improve Upon It?

Other Studio Apartment Kitchen And Dining That Work

Tips That Create Stylish Studio Apartment Kitchen And Dining

More Inspirations to Give A Home Life to Studio Apartment Kitchen And Dining Space

Wall Units

Additional Readings on tips for Studio Apartment Decor:

Live in a studio apartment? I hope you were inspired. So now get creative and make it stylish home to “get real.” Let me know what you think. Leave a comment. Like the post. And you’re more than welcome to contact me with questions, ideas or just a chat.

I hope you share my sentiments and

Support Artists – Local And Everywhere

Select Your Space

Further reading and ideas:

Convinced yet? Share your thoughts. Would love to hear from you!

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How did you do? Already have these in your kitchen? Or do you need to go shopping?

Liked this post? Let me know. Share with a friend too!

I would love to hear from you if you or someone you know lives in a studio apartment! Share the experience and the decorating scheme. Have a dilemma? Share that too!

I hope you enjoy the video. I’ve watched it at least 4 times. Congratulations to Mr. Thompkins’ for imagining the possibilities!

Liked this post? Let me know and click on the like button below. The comment box is open. Share the post with a friend!

Happy modern sofa bed hunting! Which would you choose or add to your dream list??

Like this post? Let me know and click on the like button below. Leave a comment. Or share with friends.

Looking to hear from you! And would love
to see your sexy glamorous transparent seat with faux fur.
I promise to share mine:)

Did you like this post? Let me know! Would love to hear from you.
Share it with a friend too!

Liked this blog? Subscribe to my monthly newsletter
to get more ideas and inspirations on apartment living.
Share this post with a friend.

How did you do? Already have these in your kitchen?
Or do you need to go shopping?

I would love to hear from you
if you or someone you know lives in a studio apartment!
Share the experience and the decorating scheme. Have a dilemma? Share that too!

I hope you enjoy the video. I’ve watched it at least 4 times.
Congratulations to Mr. Thompkins’ for imagining the possibilities!

Liked this post? Let me know and click on the like button below. The comment box is open.
Share the post with a friend!

Happy modern sofa bed hunting!
Which would you choose or add to your dream list??

Like this post? Let me know and click on the like button below.
Leave a comment. Or share with friends.