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City Chic Decor

THE BLOG

My 450 SQFT Studio Apartment Reveal

I'm

CHELSEY

Welcome to your home for budget-friendly design, renter solutions, and small-space solutions.

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UPDATE: These photos are from September 2018. If you want to see an updated design of the apartment, head to my Instagram: https://instagram.com/citychicdecor

GET THE LOOK

Live in a small apartment and don't know how to decorate it? Or on a tight budget and feel like you don't have the money to spend on new furniture? Struggling to find studio apartment ideas? Well, you can finally erase those fears! Learn how to decorate turn a small space into a chic home WHILE staying on a budget! #studioapartmentideas #tinystudioapartmentideas #studioapartmentdecorating #decoratingonabudget #smallapartmentideas

The moment you’ve been waiting for: The reveal of my new studio apartment! Yes, you heard me correctly, it’s a studio! ?I wanted to keep a similar style to my last apartment but have more unique statement features. In addition, I wanted to complete the entire design & move on a tight budget which I was successfully able to do!

Live in a small apartment and don't know how to decorate it? Or on a tight budget and feel like you don't have the money to spend on new furniture? Well, you can finally erase those fears! Learn how to decorate turn a small space into a chic home WHILE staying on a budget! #studioapartmentideas #tinystudioapartmentideas #studioapartmentdecorating #decoratingonabudget #smallapartmentideas

One of my favorite parts of the apartment is the view from the entryway. I absolutely love how you can see both my mirrors & my new neon sign. .

Live in a small apartment and don't know how to decorate it? Or on a tight budget and feel like you don't have the money to spend on new furniture? Struggling to find studio apartment ideas? Well, you can finally erase those fears! Learn how to decorate turn a small space into a chic home WHILE staying on a budget! #studioapartmentideas #tinystudioapartmentideas #studioapartmentdecorating #decoratingonabudget #smallapartmentideas

Live in a small apartment and don't know how to decorate it? Or on a tight budget and feel like you don't have the money to spend on new furniture? Struggling to find studio apartment ideas? Well, you can finally erase those fears! Learn how to decorate turn a small space into a chic home WHILE staying on a budget! #studioapartmentideas #tinystudioapartmentideas #studioapartmentdecorating #decoratingonabudget #smallapartmentideas

I love pretty much everything in my apartment except for the console under the TV. Unfortunately, it came damaged, and I needed to glue many parts to make it stand! I’m going to eventually need another console.. just extremely lazy right now ?I do like how much storage is in it though! I linked it below just because I know many people who purchased this item had wonderful experiences with it. The reviews are pretty good!

I absolutely LOVE these geode knobs from Anthropologie, even though they were a bit pricey at $28 per knob. I painted my pulls to try and match the knobs but it’s not 100% there yet. I am going to hold off until I get a console. I am hoping I find one where I can still use my Anthro knobs!

ALSO- let’s talk about this neon sign. Isn’t it A M A Z I N G? I know I’ve always said no to quote decor, and I still agree with what I said, with some exceptions. I’ve been addicted to neon over the last year and so happy I finally gave in!                  .        .

I know you’re probably asking yourself, “why didn’t she put her desk facing the wall?” There are two reasons: First, I wanted a view while working. Secondly, I absolutely hate desks that face a wall! I believe all desks are meant to float. I know, it’s a major OCD problem ?. I realize it’s not common to put a desk behind a sofa, but I actually really like how it looks in this space! In addition, I am planning on running the extension cord down the wall so it doesn’t stick out as much. That’s a project for this weekend!

I am also SO happy I was able to bring my Ballard’s etagere with me. You all know how much I  l o v e that shelving unit! I pretty much styled it the same way as it was in my last apartment because well, I actually really liked the way it was styled!

Live in a small apartment and don't know how to decorate it? Or on a tight budget and feel like you don't have the money to spend on new furniture? Struggling to find studio apartment ideas? Well, you can finally erase those fears! Learn how to decorate turn a small space into a chic home WHILE staying on a budget! #studioapartmentideas #tinystudioapartmentideas #studioapartmentdecorating #decoratingonabudget #smallapartmentideas

Live in a small apartment and don't know how to decorate it? Or on a tight budget and feel like you don't have the money to spend on new furniture? Struggling to find studio apartment ideas? Well, you can finally erase those fears! Learn how to decorate turn a small space into a chic home WHILE staying on a budget! #studioapartmentideas #tinystudioapartmentideas #studioapartmentdecorating #decoratingonabudget #smallapartmentideas

The main event of this home feature HAS to be my sofa. I mean, isn’t it GORGEOUS?? The best part about the sofa is that it’s 1. velvet and 2. a FOAM pull out sofa. Yes, you heard me correctly! It’s a foam mattress and not one of those uncomfortable spring ones! I linked the apartment size sofa down below, which is the one I have (74 inch wide), however, I linked the version without the pull-out mattress.

Another favorite element in this new space is my new curtains. They are absolutely fabulous and pool perfectly onto my floor. They are blackout curtains with tulle in front for an extra glam touch. Unfortunately, I ripped a bit of the tool when moving in; however, I don’t think anyone will notice! I honestly might buy 4 more panels just to stock for a future home, because I love them that much??.

Live in a small apartment and don't know how to decorate it? Or on a tight budget and feel like you don't have the money to spend on new furniture? Struggling to find studio apartment ideas? Well, you can finally erase those fears! Learn how to decorate turn a small space into a chic home WHILE staying on a budget! #studioapartmentideas #tinystudioapartmentideas #studioapartmentdecorating #decoratingonabudget #smallapartmentideas

BEFORE/AFTER

I know you all are wondering why I made the decision to have my bed come out vertically versus push it up against the wall horizontally for more space. The reason? I didn’t want my bed in a corner anymore! I wanted symmetry on both sides of the bed which I thought was worth giving up the extra walking space. To be honest, I actually really enjoy this layout as there is TONS of room on the left side of the bed to hide miscellaneous items ?If I eventually feel like it’s too crowded, then I can always turn my bed around. For now, I love the way it is. Also, you can’t really tell in the photos, but I have a decent amount of walking space between the bed and my closet (about 4 feet!).

Ok, let’s talk about my nightstands & wallpaper. The wallpaper is from AccentuWall, and the nightstands are from Urbansize. I love the wallpaper because it adds a stunning feature to the bed area. I actually love how it helps separate the area from the living space. The nightstands are probably one of the best pieces of furniture I’ve ever owned, as they are built for small spaces.

GET THE LOOK

Live in a small apartment and don't know how to decorate it? Or on a tight budget and feel like you don't have the money to spend on new furniture? Well, you can finally erase those fears! Learn how to decorate turn a small space into a chic home WHILE staying on a budget! #studioapartmentideas #tinystudioapartmentideas #studioapartmentdecorating #decoratingonabudget #smallapartmentideas

And there you have it! Over the next few months, I’ll decorate my balcony (yes, I have a balcony!) and do a feature on that. Do you all love the new space? Let me know down below!

xx Chelsey

Read the Comments +

  1. Penelope White says:

    Oh Chelsey it’s soooooo beautiful and I’m so extremely jealous. I just love what you’ve done. A studio though! Who would’ve thought?

  2. Michelle says:

    Love the new place !
    What color is the couch ?

  3. RHONDA says:

    I was so very pleased to hear how EASY the unpacking went. Lucky you!

  4. RON says:

    I was so very pleased to hear how EASY the unpacking went. Lucky you!

  5. Thanks for sharing this wonderful article, I really like it.

  6. Vanessa says:

    While this looks absolutely beautiful, I’d hardly call this having a tight budget. You paid like $2000 for a small couch alone, $500 for just a headboard, $150 for a small desk, $150 for a tiny little storage chair, $250 for a bookcase $550 for a TV stand… I mean nothing fits a “tight budget” description. a $5000 budget to decorate a studio is not tight, it’s more than enough. That being said… I LOVE your style and I love your creativity. I’m definitely going to get some ideas on space utilization from you.

    • Vita says:

      Thing is furniture should not be cheap, it takes a LOT of resources to make and cheaper equals bad quality that don’t last more than a couple of years, poor ergonomics from day one for the user and bad news for the planet. That’s why I don’t buy new furniture a less I can afford decent quality. DIYing second hand pieces and salvaging existing furniture may take more time but it surely give you more pleasure and saves lots of precious resources!

  7. Linda says:

    Yeah, I have to agree with Vanessa re your budget and your decorating style. Your home looks fabulous! Great job! And I love that your bed is not shoved into the corner. 🙂

  8. Ajeesh kumar says:

    Great article, Actually I have a plan to buy a new studio type apartment. After reading this I got many informations. Thanks for sharing.

  9. Elizabeth says:

    Chelsey never said “tight” budget she did say “budget” and that’s something you set for yourself. I live in a studio but I’m 40 with no kids and I can afford a $5,000 budget I just don’t want to lol.
    I wouldn’t get caught up on the exact pieces she used…look for ones that are within the budget you set for yourself that resemble the ones you like.
    I simply adore Chelsey’s use of space and airiness of her design and have begun implementing them but on my $1,000 budget.
    Honestly, I have no problem shopping at IKEA and Goodwill for a lot of the fixtures, bookcases and covers. A can of gold spray paint goes a long way.

    • Chelsey B says:

      That is so sweet of you! I am beyond happy you got inspiration from this post. And it makes me even happier than you are doing it under $1000! Thank you 🙂

    • Dee says:

      You are %100 correct on those statements and they are great tips (I mean that even thought what I mahout time say is rude-ish?) EXCEPT she states in bold letters at the beginning “tight budget” and it’s def not tight Budget but it is beautiful

  10. Deborah Lindsay says:

    The bedroom is stunning and the before/after has me gob-smacked!

  11. Adeline Addy says:

    Amazing! It is an attractive, i love it.

  12. Adeline Addy says:

    Thankyou! It’s so attractive furniture but i am sure it is costly.

  13. Adeline Addy says:

    Thankyou! Furniture is so inving but i am sure it is costly.

  14. Adeline Addy says:

    Thanks for sharing this article! Furniture is so inviting.

  15. Isabella says:

    Great vast content. The studio apartments are my fav. but getting the aesthetic right is as difficult.

  16. Thanks for sharing this wonderful article.

  17. Crystal says:

    That was a fun read. I enjoyed going through this and will be copying some Ideas.

  18. Aquantuo says:

    Nice! thanku for sharing this article.

  19. Aquantuo says:

    Amazing post I learned a lot through this.

  20. Thanks for sharing this wonderful article, I really like it.

  21. Thanks for sharing this wonderful article.

  22. Amazing post I learned a lot through this.

  23. Thanks for sharing this useful piece of content ????

  24. Renment says:

    Thanks for sharing this wonderful article, I really like it.

  25. Joey says:

    Loving it Chelsey. Everything looks gorgeous and functional for a studio! Not mentioning about the “budget” yet.

  26. Tina says:

    Loving your work I have the challenge of doing up a 3m x 7m studio sitting on my lifestyle block in new Zealand from Scratch I have lined the entire rectangle with V board and I’m currently painting it white Hello Nurse am I going to fit in a toilet hand basin and kitchen/lounge and a bed. The challenge is on

  27. Lorrie says:

    Love it! You are a girl after my own heart. My bedroom is basically white and gold too. It’s just such a clean look. Of course, that sofa is awesome, but the link didn’t work, so I’m assuming it’s no longer available. It’s exactly what I’ve been looking for – high side walls. Lol. I’m sure you’re very happy in your new surroundings (who wouldn’t be?) and can’t wait to see your balcony.

  28. Thanks for sharing ????! I learned a lot through this

  29. Verge Legal says:

    Great post, I learned a lot through this! Thank you so much

  30. Thanks for sharing this information. I really like your post very much.

  31. This is a great article. Tips are pretty much helpful. Thanks a lot for sharing this.

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Hi, I'm Chelsey

I’m an interior decorator, author, and “heirloom hunter”, discovering and returning lost family artifacts along my search for home accents. I'm also a dog mom, and very well aware there are some people who just follow me for him.

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