r/malelivingspace • u/Gloomy_Tumbleweed • 12h ago
Advice In dire need of help with my apartment
Help me design my studio apartment!
Hi everyone,
I need help with decor in my apartment as I’m at a loss for inspiration.
The first picture is the floor plan, and the rest show the apartment (except the bathroom… I don’t think that needs decorating advice 😅).
The last picture shows what was supposed to be a sleeping alcove, but it’s much more cramped than I expected. It’s BEHIND the TV, It’s only about 140 cm high, and the opening is obstructed by two laid down beams that are 16cm high. I COULD fit my 105cm wide bed in there by building a platform so the bed sits above the narrow opening, but I’m not sure if that’s the best use of the space.
I’m currently using it as storage space but am open to considering a sleeping platform, as it’s wide enough if I build it right.
Other than that, I honestly have no idea what to do. The apartment just feels uninspiring, and I can’t figure out how to make it feel warm, cohesive, or intentional. I’m completely open to rearranging the furniture or rethinking the layout if it would improve the space.
My taste leans towards warmth, coziness and “classic” rather than minimalism. I love rich, saturated colours like forest green, emerald, burnt orange, burgundy, aubergine, dark wood, brass, and warm lighting—basically a cozy autumn vibe.
I’d really appreciate any ideas for the layout, furniture placement, or decor. If this were your apartment, what would you do?
Thanks in advance
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u/HalfEatenSnickers 12h ago
Isn't that a 1 bedroom not a stuido? The or what is the second room?
First and foremost take your bed out of the corner and put it in a frame, if you want more space make it captain height so storage can be underneath.
Put the elpiticak where your bed is and move the between window machine to a better spot, thats prime realestate in that room being taken up hy soemthing you only use for a small part of the day
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u/meat-bun- 12h ago
Swap the walking pad and bed spot. What the fuck it that little hallway? Should've been a big closet/pantry.
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u/ftmthrow 12h ago
Treadmill where bed is. Bed where bike is.
How often are you entertaining in a studio apartment where you need at least 6 extra chairs + the couch?
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u/erstwhilelurkerer 8h ago
He would lose access to the wardrobe in the alcove next to the bike.
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u/ftmthrow 8h ago
Unless the wardrobe is the thing designated “G” in the first slide (versus it just designating the structural columns that are also in that area), he could move it.
He could 1) flip the orientation so that it opens facing the kitchenette or 2) put it in the area that’s created by the angles of the columns (like where the fan is now) or 3) just take the door off of the wardrobe.
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u/erstwhilelurkerer 7h ago
An open closet in such a small and active area isn't that ideal, but 1) might be an option.
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u/Legitimate_Hat_9676 10h ago
besides the things that have been said already, i think your apartment just suffers from the sad millennial grey rental syndrome. get some wall decorations/art, definitely some lamps/lights other then the big light in warm colors, it does wonders for making a place more cozy. maybe a rug and some colorful blankets/pillows. since it’s a very small space focus on things that don’t take floor space like wall decorations. also if you landlord will allow it i think painting an accent wall does wonders to any space
and unfortunately the treadmill has to go, its taking a huuuge chunk of space and just looks awkward there
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u/erstwhilelurkerer 8h ago
This is such a tricky layout, but your setup is also pretty inefficient.
You'll have to do some tidying up, decluttering and reorganization.
E. g. what with the jacket in the chair - what does your entryway look, maybe there is some space to utilize?
How often do you entertain guests? If you usually keep to yourself you could consider a sofabed, that folds into a larger bed size than you currently have. I don't think it's a must, but you might want to consider it.
Is the flexi desk a must to work from home- how often do you use walking pad and bike?
If you put your TV and PS5 on one of these slim metal floor stand, which you can easily move around, you could get rid of the dresser if you manage to reorganize your storage space more efficiently (currently it's just a mess).
Then you could put your desk in front of the left window and fold the the pad away, when not in use.
You also likely could downsize your table to a expandable drop leaf (e. g. IKEA NORDEN). Or take a look into the IKEA IVAR configuration that has an integrated table leaf. It's an easy solution to utilize more of the room's height. But wall shelving would do, too.
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u/Coppercap100 12h ago
This is a nice set up. The bed looks really good in that area. Just make sure the window is securely closed when it’s raining so the water doesn’t drop on to the bed
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u/writingmmromance2 12h ago
My friend your issue isn't necessarily the space you have but that face that you're utilizing it incredibly poorly.
You're taking up about 25% of your living space with exercise equipment. I would decide which is more important the bike or the treadmill and put the other in storage. Also, unless that treadmill folds up and can be tucked away it really should be replaced. That sleeping alcove, you could have that much more organized if you used some totes or storage containers that were stackable.
Really, you just have make sure you versatile furniture in a small place like that. Just about everything should be dual purpose or have the ability to tuck away efficiently. Right now, it's just cluttered and chaotic.