Studio Apartment Decorating Ideas On A Budget

3. Smart Shopping

When designing on a small budget, visit flea markets, exhibitions and look for sales. This is your best bet to get things that are interesting and well-priced. According to Hardik Shah of Studio Lagom, narrowing your search to micro level markets or local markets like Chor Bazaar can help source real gems on a budget. "Old and refurbished furniture can be purchased in these spaces, and combined with contemporary design elements." Apart from local markets, one can also look at online stores for décor inspiration.

Keep a lookout for things at exhibitions and flea markets. Photo courtesy of Montse Garriga/Smita Khanna, NOTE

One way to revamp your home is to invest in one or two statement pieces and then incorporate smaller, cheap décor items. Another way is to reupholster existing furniture with luxurious looking fabric without having to buy a brand new, expensive piece.

4. Adaptable Elements

Since space is at a premium, make your furniture do double duty so you can save space and get more uses out of one. Things like beds with storage underneath, tables and chairs that can be folded and easily moved to accommodate more space, coffee tables or ottomans that have hidden storage, work best for studios. Don't forget the walls—add shelves and hooks and use them for extra storage. For room dividers, opt for curtains or screens that can be opened to make different spaces flow into each other.

Opt for multifunctional furniture. Photo courtesy of Enjoy Home Studio

5. Choose Style and Colour

Just because your home is small doesn't mean it can't be stylish. Consider bringing in good bedding, rugs and curtains that showcase soothing colours and interesting prints. "Table, as well as floor lamps or sculptural hanging lights, are another way to make your space look luxurious and well styled," adds Khialani. Remember though, in small spaces, soft, muted hues make a space look larger and bold; deep colours make it look small. So choose shades that help open up the space.

Choose soft tones to make your home look bigger. Photo courtesy of Bajirao Pawar/CASA NOVO