studio apartment

my cute, newly married sister in law and her husband recently moved into a studio apartment in washington dc.  she sent me a floor plan of her new spread and asked for my help.

they really like a warm modern look, and wanted to make the apartment function for many things. they occasionally entertain, as my SIL is a fabulous cook, but they also need to maximize the storage and wanted to create a sense of privacy for the bedroom area.
here's the floor plan:

so, i got to work, and drafted up the 
living/dining/sleeping area of the apartment. 
(since i don't have the drafting program that i normally use 
installed on my computer, i used this free one online.)
when i first saw the floor plan, i initially thought that the best place for the "bedroom" and "living room" would be closer to the window, making the
 dining area closer to the kitchen. 
but here's what i found out after placing the furniture:

there was no room for the couch.

and no sense of privacy in the bedroom.

and DANG, is that apartment small!!

no, this layout was not going to work...

so, i swapped the living area and placed it 
closer to the kitchen, and voila!
 all of the sudden, there was room for a "bedroom", 
and "office",a "dining area" and a "living room".

here's the final floor plan i sent her, 
as well as an "idea board"
 for possible furnishings.

as you can see, i managed to fit in 4 separate-feeling living areas:

the living area consists of:

a sofa, a coffee table, a side table with lamp,

large dresser with tv above, 
a small plant stand, and a side chair

the dining area consists of:

a pedestal table with 2 small chairs,

a long storage bench and a hanging "plug-in chandelier"

(the chandelier which will help define the space.)

the office area:

a desk, a chair (which can be pulled into the main 
living area when guests come over),

a floor lamp, bookcase, and shelves above 
the desk for additional storage.

the bedroom area:

the bed, 2 night stands with lamps,

a privacy panel/folding screen

since their budget is tight, i made sure that each 

of these items is very affordable.

they are from places like, overstock.com, west elm,

 ballard designs, ikea, and cb2.

***

i made sure to specify items that added some 

personality and texture into the space.

I also felt that making things contrast was important.

for instance, in the office area the desk is white with 

very clean lines, so i suggested a 

darker, more traditional chair with a nailhead trim.

 i believe this type of 

contrast can really help

to make a space more interesting.

 i suggested something similar in the dining area:

very modern, white chairs paired with a wood topped table,

with a damask print drum-shade chandelier hanging above.

**my sister-in law and hubby have already purchased the

clear table (#9), as well as a grey sofa (#15), and a bed.

 it may take a very long time for them to

completely furnish the apartment...

(as in years)

but at least they have a plan.

so,basically what i am saying is:

don't hold your breath for the "after" shot on this one.

:)