A 25sqm studio with a bedroom separated by glass blocks

Can a small apartment under 30 square meters accommodate a real bed, a sofa, and a desk without compromising on space? This 25sqm studio answers “yes” with great efficiency. Interior designer Alisa Apukhtina designed it for a young resident who wanted clearly defined spaces. Here, no one has to unfold the sofa every night. In this studio, the bed, the living area, and the workspace have each found their permanent place.

The furniture is arranged along the walls, leaving a comfortable walkway in the center of the room. A glass-block partition separates the sleeping area without depriving the living room of natural light. When it comes to colors, the interior designer chose a neutral palette of light gray and beige. Mustard yellow, deep blue, and oak then add a pop of color to the space.

The living room

The living room occupies the center of the studio, between the kitchen and the sleeping area. A compact beige two-seater sofa fits snugly against the glass partition. Its rounded armrests and low profile are perfectly suited to a small space. Two ecru cushions make it even more comfortable.

The lighting consists of two unique metal wall sconces with a vintage look. This eliminates the need for side tables with table lamps, which wouldn’t have fit anyway.

Beneath the TV, a long blue wall-mounted cabinet runs along the wall. It offers plenty of storage without touching the floor, just like the adjacent desk, for a more airy look. Near the living room entrance, a tall, open oak bookcase provides space for books and decorative items. Its blue-painted side ties in with the TV cabinet. At the window, long linen-colored curtains hang from the ceiling to the floor. A white sheer curtain with a subtle pattern filters the light and preserves privacy.

The kitchen

The linear kitchen extends to the back of the studio, facing the living room. Its upper cabinets reach all the way to the ceiling and make full use of the wall’s height. Their smooth mustard-yellow cabinet fronts immediately catch the eye upon entering. The backsplash mimics dark stone veined with white and adds texture. At the bottom, the blue-gray cabinet fronts contrast with the bright yellow that illuminates the room.

In front of the kitchen, a narrow solid-wood counter separates the food preparation area from the relaxation corner. It serves both as a table for two and as an additional work surface. This dual purpose compensates for the short length of the countertop on the furniture side.

One end rests on a glass-block pillar, the other on white legs. The glass blocks echo the aesthetic of the partition in the sleeping area. Two mustard-colored velvet stools slide under the counter after a meal, freeing up the passageway and echoing the color of the cabinets.

Chrome pendant lights with retro charm

Two chrome pendant lights hang above the counter. Their saucer-shaped shades and metal spheres pay homage to 1970s design. They cast a warm glow over the wooden countertop. On the ceiling, recessed light rails illuminate the kitchen as needed. This combination of light sources allows the ambiance to be adjusted according to the time of day and specific needs.

The bedroom

The sleeping area is partially concealed behind the half-wall made of glass blocks built next to the sofa. Its lower section, solid and painted, hides the bed from view in the living room. The upper section allows light from the window to filter into the living area. The undulating texture of the glass blurs silhouettes and protects the occupant’s privacy. This solution provides a real, fixed bed without partitioning off the studio. In such a small space, this is undoubtedly the project’s most successful idea.

This bedroom area is backed by a midnight blue, padded headboard with rounded edges. Two mustard-colored fringed cushions echo the color of the kitchen cabinets. The white bed linens with a fine check pattern and an ecru comforter add a light, natural touch.

Next to the bed, a tall, narrow oak shelf rises to the ceiling. It provides space for books and features built-in outlets. Its shelf, positioned at a convenient height, serves as a nightstand and saves precious centimeters. Above the bed, a white, cocoon-shaped pendant light casts a soft glow.

The bathroom

The bathroom features the studio’s signature material. Glass blocks form the side walls of the shower. They delineate the wet area while allowing light to circulate throughout this narrow room. The shower pan extends the floor covering. Part of the walls is covered with the same gray terrazzo-effect tile.

Blue tiles that catch the light

The back of the shower and the wall behind the sink are covered in small blue tiles. Their glossy, domed surface creates a highly graphic ribbed effect. Inside the shower, the blue deepens to almost midnight blue, while it lightens around the mirror. A large backlit mirror visually enlarges the bathroom. A strip of lighting also runs along the edge of the ceiling, highlighting the texture of the tiles. In the evening, this low-angle light transforms the room into a small blue gem.

The wall-mounted oak vanity features a veined black stone top. Above the wall-mounted toilet, the interior designer makes use of the wall with an open, illuminated oak niche. The washer and dryer are stacked in a column.

Entrance

The entrance is located at the end of a narrow passageway, running alongside the kitchen columns. Its dark blue front door complements the shades of the TV cabinet and the headboard. Light rails recessed into the ceiling guide the eye toward the living room. The tall anthracite cabinets lining this hallway blend seamlessly into the decor. This dark passageway highlights the entrance to the main room, which is bathed in light.

Our take on the decor

A studio designed for real living

This studio is remarkably well-designed. The interior designer didn’t settle for just a sofa bed, as requested by the owner. Each activity has a clearly defined space. The bed, desk, and kitchen coexist harmoniously. Wall-mounted furniture frees up floor space and creates a sense of lightness. The glass-block partition brilliantly addresses the issue of privacy. It separates the sleeping area while still allowing light to flow into the living room.

A cheerful and well-balanced color palette

The mustard and blue combination works wonderfully. These two colors recur from room to room, creating true visual cohesion. The very understated light gray and beige backdrop lets them take center stage. The oak warms up the entire space and adds an essential natural touch. We also love the attention paid to lighting, with wall sconces, pendant lights, and string lights. Glass blocks, a truly timeless material, add texture and shimmer throughout this 25-square-meter studio. The blue-and-gray bathroom is very pleasant and comfortable to use.

A style that's easy to adopt

This studio will appeal to all owners of small spaces in major  cities. The glass blocks have a touch of Art Deco that we can’t help but love. They’ve been making a strong comeback in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. The perfect use of available space is also worth emulating.