After years of dreaming and planning, I’ve just made a big move — I relocated to the beautiful city of Porto, Portugal to begin a new chapter: pursuing a Master’s degree. It’s a season of change, growth, and fresh starts — and it all begins in a brand-new space I now call home.
Leaving the comfort of my family home behind, I’ve moved into a 17m² studio apartment — my own little corner of the city. It’s not a permanent choice (my goal is to eventually find a place where I can settle in fully — especially one that’s big enough to welcome my beloved dogs 🐶), but while I’m here, I want it to feel like home in every sense.
This space may be small, but I’ve made it my mission to turn every square meter into something both functional and personal, without sacrificing style. And with autumn just around the corner, I’ve been focused on creating a studio that feels cozy, elegant, and inspiring — a true reflection of who I am and the life I’m building here.
1. Start With a Mood Board
Before buying anything, gather inspiration. I love using Pinterest to collect color palettes, layout ideas, and small-space hacks. This step helps you stay focused and make intentional decisions, especially in a limited space like a studio.
Tip: Stick to 2–3 main colors and build your space around that palette.
2. Less Is More
When decorating a small space, the true magic often lies in what you choose not to include. Embracing a “less is more” mindset allows each item to stand out — creating a space that feels open, intentional, and beautifully balanced.
Instead of overcrowding your studio with too many pieces or decorative objects, focus on curated essentials that bring you joy and serve a purpose. Think clean lines, breathable layouts, and thoughtful accents that tell your story without overwhelming the eye.
Minimal doesn’t mean empty — it means editing with care, choosing quality over quantity, and letting your personality shine through the details.
3. Use Vertical Space Wisely
In small studios — especially ones under 20m² — every centimeter counts, and vertical space is one of the most underused (and underrated) design opportunities. By looking up instead of out, you can dramatically increase your storage capacity while keeping your floor space open and uncluttered.
Wall-mounted shelves, floating cabinets, and sleek pegboards are perfect for storing everyday essentials without adding bulky furniture. You can use them to display books, plants, or decorative objects — turning storage into a stylish design feature. Hooks and hanging rails are also incredibly versatile for organizing coats, bags, or even kitchen tools in tight spaces.
Another benefit? Utilizing vertical space helps draw the eye upward, which creates the illusion of height and makes the ceiling feel higher — instantly making your studio apartment look bigger and more open.
If you’re decorating a small apartment in the city, this trick is not just practical — it adds a feeling of architectural intention. It gives your space structure, rhythm, and flow, without sacrificing comfort or beauty.
4. Create “Zones” to Define Each Area
Even in one-room studios, you can visually separate spaces: a sleeping zone, a work corner, and a cozy chill area. Rugs, lighting, and small furniture can help “frame” each space.
5. Add Personality with Decor
No matter how small your space is, your decor is where the magic happens — it’s what transforms a functional studio into a true reflection of you. Once your layout and key pieces are in place, it’s time to layer in the details that tell your story.
Think indoor plants that bring life and movement, art prints that inspire you daily, books and magazines that reflect your interests, and cozy textiles that make everything feel warm and welcoming. These are the finishing touches that turn a minimalist apartment into a lived-in, loved-in space.
Best of all, these elements are easy to update seasonally. For autumn, I’m leaning into soft neutrals, warm textures, and elevated simplicity — think linen curtains, textured ceramics, and soft lighting that sets the mood.
Want to shop the look?
I’ve put together a curated list of my favorite pieces for a cozy, elevated studio — the exact items I’ve chosen (or would love to add!) to make my 17m² space feel like home.
Check out my Studio Decor Edit
Whether you're just starting to decorate or simply want to refresh your space for the new season, these finds are perfect for creating a home that's both stylish and personal.
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