IKEA Finds Complete This 23sqm Studio Unit
Inspired by New York City micro-apartments, interior designer Angelo Aguilar turned a once bare space into a chic functional space
In renovating this 23sqm studio unit, interior designer Angelo Aguilar had to achieve a functional home where the owners can work, relax, and welcome friends. It helped that the owners knew what they wanted in terms of look and feel. “They wanted a Scandinavian style while also showcasing the feel of New York micro-apartments. We also made sure that every corner serves a purpose,” shares the interior designer.
With the help of Arvin Ramos, Angelo created a welcoming unit that oozes charm. Given the owners’ budget, they also had to look for quality and easy-to-assemble furniture, most of which they found in IKEA.
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See the rest of the modern Scandinavian unit below:
Entryway/Hallway
Angelo admits that this part of the unit lacked lighting. Since the wardrobe cabinet is located here, they decided to install track lights to illuminate the space. The door on the right from the entrance opens up to the bathroom while a TRONES shoe cabinet from IKEA takes up vertical space.
The space beside the wardrobe cabinet was meant for a washing machine. “The owners wanted to use it as a minibar and storage instead. One of the challenges we encountered involved the wine cooler they purchased. It was too small for the space so to save on costs, we reused the existing side table with a drawer as a table stand for the cooler,” explains the designer.
Kitchen
The cooking area used to have allotted space for a gas range. Since the owners wanted to use an induction cooker and to have extra storage, the design team decided to extend the countertop to create more space. They also incorporated a drawer cabinet completed with wire baskets where dinnerware and cutlery can be kept.
To make sure the users can cook efficiently, T5 lights were installed under the hanging cabinets as task lighting. Meanwhile, for easy maintenance, they opted to install white subway tiles as backsplash.
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Dining Area
According to Angelo, the owners requested a dining area that’s flexible enough to be used when entertaining guests or even as a workspace when needed. “Taking into consideration the space, we used a dining table from IKEA that’s easy to move and rearrange. We also completed the space with stackable stools they can hide under the table when not in use,” he shares.
Serving as an accent piece in the dining area and the unit’s focal point is the HÖNEFOSS mirror accent from IKEA. The design team also added LED strip lights in the area for additional lighting.
Living/Sleeping Area
This part of the unit functions as a living area where guests can seat comfortably and a sleeping area for the owners at night. Angelo furnished the space with the FRIHETEN sofa bed from IKEA that also has spacious storage space for pillows and blankets. Nesting tables that are ideal for entertaining and can be easily moved when not in use complete the setup.
“To separate the living/sleeping area from the kitchen, we installed a metal frame divider with tempered glass which comes in handy especially when someone is cooking,” Angelo adds.
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Facing the sofa bed is an entertainment cabinet from IKEA that holds select entertainment essentials and décor pieces. Angelo opted to paint this side of the unit in Aegean teal which works well with the brick wallpaper on the other side.
The folding table under the round mirror can function as a work or vanity desk depending on the needs of the owners.
The owners can easily create a bedroom setup come nighttime with soft furnishings. Angelo and Arvin installed matching wall lamps flanking the wall art to serve as mood/reading lamps.
Bathroom
To stay within the owners’ budget, the design team decided to install a shower curtain in the bathroom instead of using a glass enclosure. Completing the new look are additional glass shelves to hold toiletries and a small plastic cabinet from IKEA where other essentials can be kept.
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Balcony
To maximize the compact outdoor area, Angelo installed faux grass to cozy it up. He also added a customized clip table that the owners can easily hang and use whenever they feel like working here or simply enjoy some refreshments. The clip table can also be easily removed when not in use.
Click here to watch a video tour of the studio unit.
Interested to work with IDr. Angelo Aguilar? You can get in touch with him through email at acga.designs[at]gmail.com. You can also follow ACGA Designs on Facebook and subscribe to ACGA Designs’ Youtube Channel.
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