As a landlord and founder of Dwelling&Manor, I’ve always believed that property letting is more than contracts, compliance, and maintenance. At its core, it’s about presentation, perception, and the lived experience of a home. This is especially true with studio apartments. A studio isn’t just a compact floor plan — it’s a stage where life unfolds, and the way it’s designed and presented directly shapes its value as a small home.

With over a decade of professional experience in interior design, I’ve had the privilege of creating both real and virtual environments for a wide range of clients. That background taught me that design is not simply about aesthetics; it’s about strategy. In studios, every choice — from layout to lighting, colour to furniture — carries even greater weight. When space is limited, the smallest decisions influence how a tenant perceives the home and how they connect with it.

Recently, I had the opportunity to put this philosophy into practice with one of our studio properties. By reimagining the space through strategic interior design and professional photography, I was able to highlight its heritage character while introducing a fresh, contemporary edge. The transformation didn’t just enhance its appeal — it doubled the rental income, proving that thoughtful design and presentation can deliver tangible results, even in the most compact homes.

In an age where space is a luxury and design is a statement, studio living has evolved from compromise to canvas. At Dwelling&Manor, we believe that studios deserve grandeur — not in square footage, but in spirit, detail, and elevated living.

Choosing A Design Ethos

When we first approached the studio, we were working with a complete blank canvas. There was zero character to inherit — which, while a shame, also meant total freedom. With no constraints, we could shape the space entirely on our own terms.

We chose to embrace an all‑out contemporary look and feel. Clean lines, bold finishes, and a sense of modern sophistication became the guiding principles. The aim was not just to furnish a studio, but to make studio living itself feel aspirational and on‑trend.

Given its city centre location, this ethos felt especially fitting. Urban living demands a certain energy, and our design sought to capture that — turning compact square footage into a stylish statement. By leaning into contemporary design, we transformed the studio into more than just a place to live; it became a showcase of how modern design can elevate even the smallest spaces.

Layout is key

Planning the layout and journey though a studio apartment can make more difference than anything else.

Layout: Zones Within One Room

In a studio apartment, space is the most precious commodity. With only one room to work with, the challenge is to create a sense of separation without sacrificing openness. Our approach was to design distinct zones — areas for living, dining, working, and resting — so that the apartment feels layered and purposeful rather than a single, undefined space.

We achieved this through a variety of means. Room dividers were introduced to break up the expanse, adding bold lines that visually carve out different functions. These dividers don’t just separate; they frame, giving each zone its own identity while maintaining flow across the apartment.

It was equally important to make the kitchen feel as separate as possible. To achieve this, we tucked it neatly into an alcove, creating the impression of a dedicated cooking space rather than a corner of the main room. Despite the compact footprint, tenants still enjoy a full‑spec kitchen, a full bathroom, and a proper double bed. The only compromise was the absence of a coffee table — instead, we strategically positioned side tables to provide functionality without cluttering the lounge.

At the centre of it all, we made the lounge the heart of the home. Positioned as the anchor, it draws people in and sets the tone for the rest of the apartment. By prioritising comfort and cohesion here, the lounge becomes the social hub — a place to relax, entertain, and connect.

This zoning strategy is vital in studio living. It tricks the eye, making the apartment feel far larger than its footprint. Instead of one room, tenants experience a series of thoughtfully designed spaces, each with its own character, yet all working together to create a home that feels expansive, stylish, and complete.

The bathroom was conceived as a space where functionality and refinement coexist seamlessly. Every detail was carefully considered, from the choice of fixtures to the interplay of light and texture. To ensure cohesion, we developed a tile plan in advance—mapping out the exact placement of each tile so that lines, joints, and patterns aligned with architectural features. This level of planning allowed us to avoid the common pitfalls of mismatched edges or awkward cuts, resulting in a finish that feels intentional and harmonious.

The palette balances timeless neutrals with subtle accents, creating a calm backdrop that elevates the room’s atmosphere. By combining durable materials with a design-led approach, the bathroom achieves both practicality and a sense of understated luxury. It’s not just a functional space—it’s a statement of how thoughtful planning can transform everyday living.

Colours - Palette of Precision

For this studio, we deliberately chose a palette anchored in navy blue and black. These colours were not selected by chance — they were chosen to define the apartment’s personality and elevate its compact footprint.

Navy Blue brings depth and sophistication. It’s a colour that feels timeless yet modern, creating a calming backdrop that makes the space feel grounded. In a studio, where every wall and surface is part of the lived experience, navy adds richness without overwhelming.
Black introduces boldness and clarity. Used in accents, fixtures, and dividers, it sharpens the lines of the apartment and reinforces the sense of distinct zones. Black is a statement colour: it frames spaces, adds contrast, and ensures the design feels intentional rather than improvised.

Together, navy and black create a contemporary aesthetic that feels both stylish and urban — perfectly suited to a city‑centre studio. The palette makes the apartment feel curated, turning compact living into a design statement. Instead of blending into anonymity, the space asserts itself with confidence and character.

The Interplay of Light and Texture Together, navy and black thrive when paired with texture. Matte finishes absorb light, creating intimacy, while gloss or metallic accents reflect it, adding sparkle and dimension. This interplay prevents the palette from feeling flat or oppressive. Instead, it feels layered — a sophisticated canvas that enhances both the tactile and visual experience of the studio.

Urban Identity Finally, the palette speaks to the apartment’s city‑centre location. Navy and black are colours of confidence, aligning with the energy of urban living. They make the studio feel less like a compromise and more like a statement — a compact home that embraces bold design rather than shying away from it.

By leaning into these tones, the studio achieves a balance: moody yet inviting, compact yet expansive, contemporary yet timeless. The palette doesn’t just decorate the space; it defines its identity.

Furniture: Scale, Symmetry, and Style

In studio living, furniture is not just functional — it’s architectural. Every piece has the power to shape the perception of space, so choosing the right sizes and colours is absolutely vital. Oversized furniture can overwhelm, while undersized pieces risk making the apartment feel temporary or insubstantial. The goal is balance: furniture that fits proportionally, enhances flow, and reinforces the sense of distinct zones.

Correct Sizing Scale dictates how the apartment breathes. A full double bed anchors the sleeping area, while slimline side tables replace a bulky coffee table to preserve openness. Sofas and chairs were selected with compact frames but generous comfort, ensuring the lounge feels inviting without encroaching on circulation space.
Colour Cohesion Furniture colours were carefully matched to the palette of navy and black. Upholstery in deep tones complements the walls, while lighter accents — wood finishes, muted textiles — soften the scheme and prevent it from feeling heavy. This harmony ensures that furniture doesn’t just occupy space, but integrates seamlessly into the overall design ethos.
Functional Elegance Beyond size and colour, furniture placement was strategic. Each piece contributes to the zoning concept: the sofa defines the lounge, the bed frames the sleeping area, and the dining setup subtly transitions into the kitchen alcove. Together, they create a rhythm that makes the studio feel larger, more intentional, and more complete.

Technology & Smart Living: Intelligence in Every Detail

Modern studio living isn’t just about design — it’s about integrating technology that makes life easier, safer, and more efficient. At Dwelling&Manor, we’ve equipped our studios with cutting‑edge systems that elevate compact living into a truly smart experience.

Environmental Sensors Advanced sensors constantly monitor temperature and humidity, alerting residents to potential damp or mould before it becomes a problem. This proactive approach ensures healthier living conditions and protects the integrity of the apartment.
Smart Heating Heating is fully smart‑controlled, adapting to your lifestyle rather than demanding manual adjustment. With geo‑fencing technology, the system knows when you’re home and when you’re away — automatically warming the apartment as you arrive and conserving energy when you leave. Comfort and efficiency, perfectly balanced.
Compact Water Heating There’s no bulky boiler taking up valuable space. Instead, water is heated through a super‑compact, powerful, and energy‑efficient unit hidden neatly in the kitchen cupboard. It delivers full functionality without compromising the apartment’s sleek aesthetic.
Smart Lock Access Entry is keyless, thanks to a smart lock system. Residents never have to worry about losing keys, and landlords can remotely change access codes between tenancies for added security and convenience. It’s a seamless solution that matches the pace of modern city living.

Technology in these studios isn’t an afterthought — it’s integral to the design ethos. By combining sensors, smart heating, compact water systems, and intelligent access, we’ve created homes that are not only stylish but also responsive, efficient, and future‑ready.

Lighting: Layers of Warmth and Definition

In a studio apartment, lighting is not just functional — it’s transformative. With limited square footage, the way light is layered and directed can completely change how the space feels, expanding its perceived size and shaping its mood.

Lamps for Atmosphere Lamps were essential to soften the environment and create intimacy. Unlike overhead lighting, which can flatten a room, lamps introduce pools of warmth that make each zone feel distinct. They allow tenants to control ambience, shifting from bright task lighting to a more relaxed glow in the evenings. In a studio, this flexibility is vital — lamps help the space adapt to different routines and emotions.

Hanging Light with Warm Orange Glow At the centre, we installed a hanging light that emits a rich, warm orange tone. This was a deliberate choice: the colour temperature evokes comfort and hospitality, counterbalancing the sleek contemporary palette of navy and black. It creates a welcoming focal point, drawing people into the lounge and reinforcing its role as the heart of the home. The warm orange glow also enhances textures, making surfaces feel tactile and inviting.
Deep Soft Spotlights To complement the hanging light, we added deep soft spotlights, carefully selecting the shade to perfection. These spotlights provide clarity without harshness, illuminating specific areas while maintaining a gentle diffusion. Their depth ensures the light feels embedded rather than exposed, adding sophistication and preventing glare. They highlight key features — from the kitchen alcove to the room dividers — while preserving the overall harmony of the apartment.

Lighting in this studio is more than illumination; it’s design strategy. By layering lamps, a warm hanging light, and precision‑shaded spotlights, we created a dynamic environment that feels larger, richer, and more versatile. It proves that in compact living, light is as important as layout or colour — it defines how the space is experienced.

Why Lighting Matters:

Scale and proportion: Fixtures must suit the room’s dimensions — oversized chandeliers overwhelm small spaces, while understated fittings disappear in grand rooms.
Tone and colour temperature: Warm light enhances wood and heritage features, while cooler tones can feel stark.
Layering: Combining ambient, task, and accent lighting creates depth and flexibility.

Ultimately, lighting is about storytelling. It guides the eye, sets the mood, and ensures that every design decision — from colours to furniture — is seen in its best light.

Accessories & Finishing Touches: Character in the Details

No studio design is complete without accessories — the finishing touches that transform a space from functional to memorable. These elements may seem small compared to layout or lighting, but they carry immense weight in shaping personality and atmosphere.

The Large Black Planter A bold, sculptural planter grounds the room and introduces a sense of organic balance. Its deep black finish ties seamlessly into the palette, while the greenery it holds adds life, movement, and a refreshing contrast to the contemporary tones of navy and black.
The Sculpted White and Gold Vase This high‑spec piece acts as a statement accessory. Its crisp white form and gilded accents bring elegance and refinement, catching the light and adding a touch of luxury. Positioned strategically, it elevates the apartment from stylish to sophisticated, proving that even compact homes can carry grandeur.
The Signature “Bum” Vase In the bathroom, we introduced our cheeky signature piece: the “Bum” vase. It’s playful, humorous, and just a little irreverent — a reminder that design doesn’t have to take itself too seriously. This touch of fun breaks the formality, sparking a smile and making the space feel more human and approachable.

Accessories are more than decoration; they are punctuation marks in the design story. They highlight, soften, and sometimes surprise. In a studio apartment, where every inch counts, these finishing touches are vital. They ensure the space feels curated rather than generic, layered rather than flat, and ultimately, lived‑in rather than staged.

The result? A space that felt not just liveable, but desirable.

Who Is Studio Living For?

Studio living is often misunderstood as a compromise — a temporary stopgap before moving on to something larger. At Dwelling&Manor, we see it differently. A well‑designed studio is not just a stepping stone; it’s a destination in itself.

Studio living is for those who value intentionality over excess. It attracts people who appreciate design, efficiency, and the poetry of precision.

Urban Professionals: For those working in the city centre, a studio offers proximity and convenience without sacrificing style. It’s a home that matches the pace of modern life.
Creatives and Thinkers: Compact spaces encourage clarity and focus. Studios become canvases for expression, where every detail reflects personality and taste.
Minimalists: For those who prefer quality over quantity, studios embody the idea that less can be more — when designed with care.
Anyone Seeking Connection: A studio is not about isolation. With clever zoning and thoughtful design, it becomes a social hub, a place to welcome friends, host conversations, and feel part of the city’s rhythm.

Ultimately, studio living is for people who want their home to feel curated, not cluttered. It’s for those who believe that elegance isn’t measured in square footage, but in how a space supports life, routine, and creativity.

Doubling the Rent: Design as Value

One of the most powerful outcomes of this project was financial. By reimagining the studio through strategic design, we didn’t just enhance its aesthetic appeal — we doubled the rental income.

The transformation proved that compact living, when executed with precision, can command premium value. Tenants aren’t simply paying for square footage; they’re investing in the experience of a home that feels curated, stylish, and complete.

Presentation Matters: Professional photography and a contemporary design ethos elevated the perception of the property.
Lifestyle Appeal: Zoning, lighting, and accessories made the studio feel larger and more versatile, attracting tenants who value both function and flair.
Smart Living: Technology and efficiency added tangible benefits, making the apartment not just beautiful but practical.

This result demonstrates that thoughtful design is not a cost — it’s an investment. By treating the studio as a canvas for creativity and innovation, we unlocked its full potential, proving that even the smallest spaces can deliver outsized returns.