Transforming Swiss Studios To One-Bedroom Apartments: A Guide

If you're looking to convert a studio apartment into a one-bedroom, there are several creative ways to achieve this. Firstly, consider your layout. An L-shaped alcove or a studio/home-office layout can provide the opportunity to close off a designated space for a bedroom. Additionally, a large rectangular space with a wall of windows can be divided effectively to allow light into both the living and sleeping areas.

To create a visual divide, you can use furniture, curtains, or room dividers. A daybed or sofa that can double as a bed is a great option for saving space. Built-in storage and multi-functional furniture are also clever ways to maximise your area.

When it comes to colour, a cohesive look can be achieved by using one pattern, colour, or print throughout the studio. Alternatively, painting the walls white is a simple way to make a small space feel larger and brighter, especially when paired with light-coloured flooring.

Don't forget to utilise vertical space by building up rather than out, and always consider the ceiling height and natural light when planning your conversion.

Create distinct areas for sleeping, working, and hanging out

Creating distinct areas for sleeping, working, and hanging out in a studio apartment can be challenging, but there are several clever ways to achieve this without major renovations. Here are some ideas to maximize your space and create separate areas for different activities:

Use Room Dividers

Room dividers are an excellent way to create privacy and separate areas in your studio. You can opt for freestanding dividers such as tall bookcases or shelving units. For example, a large bookcase from IKEA can act as a room divider and create a defined sleeping zone. Another option is to use a combination of curtains and a folding screen panel to enclose your sleeping area. If you're looking for something more permanent, consider installing sliding doors or building a temporary half wall to divide the space.

Utilize Furniture Layout

Strategically arranging your furniture can help establish distinct areas within the studio. Place your sofa away from the bed to create two distinct spaces. You can also use a couch as the footboard of your bed to create a transition from the bedroom to the living area without taking up extra space. Additionally, a desk can be used to divide the space and separate the bedroom from the central living area.

Play with Colors and Accents

Using different paint colors or wallpaper to designate specific zones is a simple and affordable way to create distinct areas. For instance, painting an accent wall or using a wallpaper feature wall can enhance the sense of separation between the bedroom and living room. You can also use area rugs to distinguish the sleeping area from the rest of the space.

Invest in Multifunctional Furniture

Multifunctional furniture is a lifesaver in a studio apartment. Look for pieces that can serve multiple purposes, such as a bed that doubles as a sofa during the day or a dining table that folds into built-in cabinetry. Murphy beds are also a great option, as they can be concealed within a cabinet or closet when not in use.

Create a Bed Nook

If your studio has an existing nook or alcove, take advantage of it to create a designated sleeping area. You can use curtains, a folding screen, or a combination of both to enclose the space and create a cozy and private sleeping zone.

By combining these strategies, you can effectively create distinct areas for sleeping, working, and hanging out in your Swiss studio apartment, making it feel more like a one-bedroom home.

Use room dividers like curtains, sliding doors, or temporary half walls

Use Room Dividers to Create a Separate Bedroom in a Swiss Studio Apartment

Room dividers are an excellent way to create a sense of separation between the bedroom and living room in a studio apartment. Here are some ideas for room dividers that can help you achieve a distinct and private sleeping area:

Curtains

Curtains are a simple and effective way to divide space in a studio apartment. You can hang floor-to-ceiling curtains or drapes to enclose the bedroom area, providing privacy and a sense of enclosure. Curtains can be tied back during the day to open up the space and closed at night for privacy. This solution is ideal if you want something that can be easily adjusted or removed without making any permanent changes to your apartment.

Sliding Doors

Installing sliding doors is another option for dividing your studio space. You can hang sliding doors from a built-in track near the ceiling, as demonstrated by Facet 14 Studio in a New York City studio. This solution provides more privacy than curtains while still allowing you to open up the space when desired. Sliding doors can be a more permanent solution but can also be easily removed if needed.

Temporary Half Wall

If you're looking for a more solid division between your spaces, consider building a temporary half wall. This idea, spotted in a Scandinavian studio, is especially useful for renters who are prohibited from making permanent changes to their apartments. A half wall provides a sense of separation without completely closing off the space, allowing for a more open feel while still providing privacy.

When using room dividers, it's important to consider the layout of your studio and the amount of natural light available. You'll want to ensure that both your living space and bedroom area have access to natural light, so positioning your room divider in a way that doesn't block windows is key. Additionally, you can use furniture, such as a dresser or couch, to help mark off each space and create a clear division between your bedroom and living room.

Use furniture to divide space, such as a bookcase or transforming furniture

Dividing a studio apartment into multiple rooms can be done in several ways, but one of the most effective and simple methods is to use furniture. A well-placed bookshelf or a piece of transforming furniture can work wonders in creating distinct areas within a small space. Here are some tips on how to use furniture to divide your Swiss studio into a one-bedroom apartment:

Use a Bookcase or Shelving Unit as a Room Divider

A tall, open-back bookcase or shelving unit can be an excellent way to divide your studio space. Not only does it provide a physical barrier, but it also offers additional storage space. The IKEA KALLAX shelving unit, for instance, is a popular choice as it can be customised with add-on parts like drawers, baskets, and colourful storage boxes. You can fill the shelves with books, plants, and decorative items to give your space a personal touch. If you're worried about blocking natural light, opt for an open bookcase or one with a lighter colour palette.

Create a Visual Barrier with a Foldable Screen

If you want more flexibility, consider using a foldable screen as a room divider. You can unfold it when you need privacy and easily move it aside when you want to open up the space. Foldable screens come in various materials and designs, from natural rattan or wood to colourful patterned fabrics. They can add a touch of style and personality to your studio while providing the option of separation when needed.

Invest in Transforming or Multifunctional Furniture

Transforming furniture is a brilliant way to maximise space in your studio. Look for pieces that serve multiple purposes, such as a sofa bed, a coffee table with hidden storage, or a fold-out dining table. These items will not only help divide the space but also provide extra functionality. For example, ICOSA Design created a system that includes a loft-style bedroom above a multifunctional room, with a dining table that folds into the built-in cabinetry and a Murphy bed for guests.

Use a Platform Bed with Built-in Storage

Another way to divide the space is by using a platform bed with built-in storage. This not only elevates your sleeping area but also provides additional storage underneath. You can even add a mattress on top of the platform and style it as a daybed with pillows and throws, transforming it into a sofa during waking hours. This dual-purpose setup increases floor space and provides a clear division between your living and sleeping areas.

Create a Visual Separation with Colour

Using colour to define different zones in your studio is a simple yet effective method. Paint an accent wall or use colourful rugs to differentiate the spaces. For example, use a bright, patterned rug to anchor the living area and a softer, neutral rug to define the sleeping space. You can also colour-coordinate each living area with subtle tonal differences to create a psychological distinction between spaces.

By using these furniture arrangement ideas and creative solutions, you can effectively divide your Swiss studio into a functional and stylish one-bedroom apartment.

Use colour to define zones and create the illusion of separate rooms

Colour is a powerful tool to visually separate spaces within a room and create the illusion of distinct rooms. Painting walls in different shades and tones can designate various zones. For instance, in Project 26, Singapore, designers Jack and Jia Hui of Resistance painted the entrance and kitchen a dark army green, sharply contrasting with the minimalistic white living room, creating a "visual cue to slow down and rest".

This design strategy is known as "compression and expansion" in architecture. The intentional use of colour manipulation, lighting, and spatial design creates a unique sensory journey for those within the space.

When using colour to define zones, consider the following:

• Warm and Relaxing vs Bright and Energetic: Warmer hues and softer lighting can foster a sense of relaxation in sleeping spaces. In contrast, brighter lights and vibrant colours can promote a dynamic and energetic atmosphere in living and office areas, ideal for socialising or productivity.
• Colour Blocking: Colour-blocking can be used to visually separate spaces, such as the kitchen or dining area, from the rest of the studio.
• Create a Focal Point: Use colour to create a focal point or accent wall, adding a new function to the room.
• Consistency: Stick to the same colour palette to ensure a seamless and harmonious look throughout the studio.
• No-Paint Options: For renters who aren't allowed to paint, removable peel-and-stick wallpaper, removable wall tiles, murals, or wall art can create a similar effect.
• Lighting: Experiment with different lighting fixtures such as floor lamps, pendant lights, or fairy lights to complement your colour choices and enhance the ambience of each zone.

By using colour strategically, you can create a multifunctional studio apartment that caters to your various needs without compromising style or comfort.

Ensure you have permission from the building's board and any necessary permits

Before you start converting your studio apartment into a one-bedroom, it's important to ensure you have all the necessary approvals and permits in place. This process can vary depending on your location and the specific building you're in, so it's always best to check with your local authorities and the building's management. Here are some detailed steps to help you ensure you have the necessary permissions and permits:

• Check with your building's board: In most cases, you will need to get permission from the board of your apartment building. They may have specific requirements or restrictions that you need to follow. It's important to get their approval before starting any renovation work.
• Hire an architect: In some cases, you may need to hire an architect to assess the proposed conversion and create plans for submission to the local authorities. An architect can help you navigate the complex regulations and ensure your plans comply with all the requirements.
• Obtain necessary permits: Depending on the scope of the work, you may need to obtain permits from the local authorities, such as the Department of Buildings. This usually involves submitting detailed plans for approval. Make sure you understand the permit process and have all the required documentation in place.
• Comply with building codes: There are typically minimum dimensions and requirements for habitable rooms, including bedrooms and living rooms. Make sure your proposed conversion complies with these regulations to ensure it is deemed safe and habitable.
• Address light and air requirements: Habitable rooms must have sufficient natural light and air circulation. This often means having operable windows that provide natural light and air in specific proportions of the room's floor area. Understand these requirements and ensure your plans accommodate them.
• Avoid creating new non-compliances: When adding a new room, be careful not to create any new issues or non-compliances in other areas of the apartment. For example, altering a pass-through kitchen or blocking a window to the living room may be considered non-compliances.
• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors: When creating a new bedroom, you will need to install hard-wired smoke and carbon monoxide detectors inside and outside the bedroom. Ensure these are properly placed and comply with local regulations.
• Address electrical requirements: Building a new wall will likely require new electrical outlets. Familiarize yourself with the electrical code requirements for residential spaces, including spacing and placement of outlets relative to doors.
• Get approval from the management company: If your building has a management company or a Condo/Co-Op board, they may require their own approval process. They may hire an architect to review your plans before giving their recommendation and approval.
• File for approvals and permits: Once you have the necessary approvals from the building's board and management company, you can proceed to file for any required permits with the local authorities. This may involve submitting plans and waiting for approval before starting any construction work.

Remember, the specific requirements and processes may vary depending on your location and the particular building you're in. Always consult with local authorities, the building's management, and, if necessary, a qualified architect to ensure you have all the necessary permissions and permits before beginning any conversion work.

Frequently asked questions