Maximizing Space in a Balikpapan Studio: Creative Interior Design Solutions
When tasked with rejuvenating a compact studio flat in Balikpapan, designer Sarah Dewi faced a challenging yet exciting project. Engaged by a local development firm, Sarah was responsible for overhauling the apartment’s layout, installing contemporary amenities, and sourcing elegant furnishings. “The apartment was incredibly small and in a state of disrepair, having remained unchanged for thirty years,” Sarah explains. Drawing from her rich experience in designing efficient spaces, especially in her native Indonesia, she knew how to optimize the layout. This transformation was designed with a professional in mind, blending functionality and style seamlessly. Explore Sarah’s approach to space-efficient interior design in Balikpapan, Indonesia.
Confronting Space Limitations
Spanning just 25 square meters with a separate bathroom, the studio presented significant spatial constraints. The primary challenge was the apartment’s compactness and the disruptive internal partitions. Additionally, the kitchen’s outdated and inefficient layout needed reworking. Being over 150 years old, the building also had the complication of relocating old plumbing. Positioned on the top floor of a building without direct road access, all materials had to be carried up manually, adding to the project’s complexity.
Innovative Layout Adjustments
To enhance the perception of space, Sarah removed several internal walls, resulting in a more open and streamlined layout. This redesign created a spacious area that can serve multiple functions, making the studio suitable for working, entertaining, and relaxing. Sarah’s strategy involved designing the compact kitchen first and then constructing the surrounding walls to integrate it seamlessly. For the bathroom, she opted for a diamond-shaped shower enclosure, which provided a sleek, space-saving solution. The choice of a wall-mounted toilet with a slim cistern allowed for a larger vanity, offering additional storage while preserving a minimalist look.
Elegant Decorative Choices
Benefiting from abundant natural light due to its top-floor position, the studio’s design featured a light color scheme to enhance the feeling of openness. Sarah added vibrant touches through a stylish rug and decorative cushions to introduce personality without overcrowding the space. The apartment’s original features, such as metal windows and a vintage radiator, were updated with a fresh coat of black and antique gold paint, respectively. Cost-effective yet stylish materials, like porcelain tiles with a marble-like finish, were used to create a luxurious feel on a budget.
Efficient Furniture Solutions
Selecting the right furniture was key to achieving a boutique hotel vibe. A wall-mounted, fold-down bed maximized floor space when not in use, while a versatile sofa that converts into a corner unit offered flexibility. Additionally, a collapsible six-seater dining table functioned as a console when not needed. Ample storage was incorporated with a spacious wardrobe featuring drawers, essential for maintaining organization in a compact space. The revamped Balikpapan studio now serves as an elegant and functional living area tailored to the modern professional’s needs.
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