Tips and tricks for a modern studio flat in a panel block

Studio flats have become the most popular type of home, especially in recent years. They suit older people who now live alone and don’t want to look after a larger flat, as well as students who prefer a small studio to university halls. But what should a studio flat actually contain?

What a studio flat can’t do without

A studio flat has to hold the zones that would otherwise have their own rooms, meaning a kitchen, a dining area, a sleeping area, a bathroom and a toilet. It also needs good lighting and plenty of storage. Combine all of this so the flat is comfortable to live in and you aren’t tripping over shelving units. It isn’t easy to fit everything into a studio flat, especially if it is only a temporary home, but you still have to tackle it.

Remember that in the kitchen, too, practicality must come before design.

Less furniture

In a small flat, choose mainly practical, simple and light furniture. Otherwise the flat will feel cluttered and won’t be cosy. Don’t be afraid to use the hallway of the studio flat and fit a floor-to-ceiling built-in wardrobe there. If you divide the inside well, it will hold most of your belongings, from bedding and clothes to your collection of holiday photos.

Remember that in the kitchen , too, practicality must come before design. Put utensils you don’t use every day on the highest shelves. For dining, stackable chairs and an extendable or drop-leaf table work well.

Where to sleep?

Sleep should be restful and good quality. You shouldn’t strain your back while sleeping, so sofa beds are not a good choice.  In a studio flat you can put in a loft bed or a raised bed. You can use the space underneath, for example, for a small work area, bookshelves or a sofa with a television. A big hit in recent years is the platform. During the day you can use it as a dining area, and in the evening you simply pull the bed out from it. It is a very elegant solution, but you need to allow for higher costs.

Keep it minimal

In a studio flat you always need to rethink how many things you really need at home. If you are only living there temporarily, store things you don’t need right now, for example in a self-storage unit you rent for a while.  A clear storage system will also help, so you always know where everything is.

Choosing the right colours and lighting

Pay close attention to your choice of colours. A studio flat always needs to look bigger, so go for light shades that brighten the space. Forget dark, bold colours, even on a single wall, because even this can be distracting. Ideally, choose one pastel colour and bring the rest in through accessories and decorations. Don’t forget a mirror.  Skip dark curtains or coloured net curtains on the windows as well. It is better to choose sheer, simple ones that let in as much sunlight as possible. You can also try fitting LED spotlights, which give good lighting and, thanks to their design, don’t stick out anywhere, so they don’t spoil the overall look of the room.

How to fit bookshelves in a small flat?

You don’t throw away paper books. It just isn’t done. And if e-readers aren’t your thing, you have no choice but to get made-to-measure bookshelves. They shouldn’t be too deep, but they should definitely reach the ceiling. You can find cheap bookcases at large furniture retailers.

Above all, keep it tidy

Everyone should keep their home tidy, but in a studio flat this applies three times over. So as well as regular cleaning, try not to build up piles of unnecessary things. Be careful with decorations, too.

A studio flat with style

We have chosen three styles that are ideal for such a small home. Of course, it always depends on your taste and mood.

Scandinavian-style living

If you want to give your studio flat a particular style, try Scandinavian. It focuses mainly on light colours, cream or mint shades and natural materials. It also stands out in a living room, bathroom or bedroom. You can forget about net curtains, because this style favours an airy, uncluttered space.

Retro style and small homes

Retro style takes the best from the 1950s to the 1970s. So if you like plastic furniture, metallic surfaces, period posters or vinyl records, don’t be afraid to go for it. Your studio flat will become truly original. Typical features are bold colours and colour combinations, imaginative patterns, retro kitchen accessories and materials such as chrome, plastic and vinyl.

French style in a small flat

Provençal style is very popular, richly decorated and elegant. Its key feature is a crystal chandelier, which you can hang in the living room or dining room. You can also try a large sofa with armchairs on small legs. And if you really want a little piece of France at home, visit a few second-hand bookshops, buy some old volumes and use them to complete the interior. Don’t forget curtains and wicker baskets either.  

And while you decide what your studio flat should look like, you can read our advice and tips for a child’s bedroom or job ideas for mums on maternity leave.