When it comes to our concept of what constitutes a home - its living room, its bedrooms, its dining areas - it really depends on how we grow up. The suburban child may grow up with her own bedroom, canopy bed, and private en suite bath while a child in the city is used to sharing a bedroom with her sister and a bathroom with her parents. But still, most of us find the maximum comfort level with walls that separate the distinct areas of the home, particularly the bedroom. The designs featured here take the comfortable idea of a separate bedroom and challenge it. They are studio apartments with living and sleeping areas closely intertwined, if not completely overlapping. The designers have managed to make this concept comfortable through the use of meticulously chosen furniture, cozy design elements, and careful consideration as to how the residents of these homes will move through and exist in them comfortably, without the need for more walls.
The first apartment, from designer Artem Shelipov, is a 33 square meter (355 square feet) studio designed for a young man living by himself. The main room acts as both living and sleeping room with a large convertible piece of furniture taking center stage. It can easily move from sofa with central coffee table to relaxing bedroom with just a few motions.
Because of the small space, the designer has chosen to use only a few different materials, creating comfort rather than clutter. The minimalist design is keeps everything from the walls to the lighting simple and sleek.
The small kitchen, with its retro-inspired bar chairs and ultra-minimalist cabinetry is just enough space to cook for one or two, with no unnecessary accoutrements.
A simple bathroom stays true to the design style, but utilizes warm wood and chrome that sets it a bit apart from the rest of the home's dark grey and cream elements.
The second apartment comes from visualizer Taner Candan and is much brighter and more feminine than the first. The focal point of this beautiful studio is a cozy bed that sits perched atop a custom wood window box, meaning the lucky owner gets to wake with the sunrise everyday. The window box also gives the illusion of a separate bedroom without closing off the small space at all.
Soft textures and boisterous patterns keep the spirit of the small apartment lively and celebratory at every turn.
This third apartment, from visualizer Anjey Babych, has some similarities to the last but with even more colorful and artistic elements. Although the studio layout still leaves the bedroom and living areas connected, the design here allows for temporary separation, through the use of curtains and half walls.
The natural wood flooring and paneling, coupled with the whimsical art on the walls, keeps the feeling light and airy, making the entire space seem quite large.
The final apartment is from designer Tomas Scikala and almost marries the calming and monochromatic atmosphere of the first apartment with the colorful splashiness of the next two. The furnishings and walls are largely neutral, with the slanted roof beams being a highlight of the space.
However, splashes of color and pattern throughout bring in a bit of life and personality. Further, a wood slat room divider keeps the bed separate from the small living area, making everything quite cozy and inviting.
