A studio apartment has long been a favoured option for those looking for a smaller home to rent or buy. Enduringly popular thanks to their affordability and often close to busy urban areas, studios remain an excellent option for first-time buyers or investors getting on the property ladder, as well as renters looking to start small or downsize.
Designed to be compact, merging living, dining and sleeping areas in one space, studios and the small house trend have helped inspire innovative design concepts including furniture that does double or even triple functional duty.
When it comes to decorating a studio apartment, size constraints don’t mean compromising on style or design elements, as these eight expert tips suggest.
Open up the space with a light colour palette
“Creativity and clever design can make a big difference,” says Mimmi Abdul Rahman, head buyer and creative director at luxury interior decor company Bloomr. “Using light colours on walls and floors, and larger furniture can visually expand the space. Avoid overwhelming patterns or dark colours that can make the room feel cramped.”
Light and neutral colours for walls and furniture reflect rather than absorb light, making the room feel brighter and airy. “Whites, light greys and soft pastels work well, but you can complement with dark accents to ground and elevate,” adds Samantha Nasser, managing partner at S95 Creative Solutions.
Keep things practical with double-duty furniture
Innovations in furniture design have seen an increase in multipurpose household items. Sofas that turn into beds and bookshelves that serve as room dividers serve to maximise living space while retaining functionality.
“Studio apartments are like blank canvasses where every square foot counts, so why not make it count twice?” says Nikita Chellani, lead interior designer at Roar design studio. “Multipurpose furniture is your secret weapon here. Think Murphy beds that make your living room transform faster than a magician’s trick. One moment, it's a chic lounge for hosting; the next, it exudes cosy bedroom vibes.
“And let’s not forget foldable dining tables,” adds Chellani. “These little wonders can moonlight as a breakfast nook, an ironing board, a dinner spot or even a pop-up bar when the party gets going.”
Make a statement with oversized mirrors and bold art
“Mirrors are like magic wands when it comes to opening up a space,” says Niya Nikolova, project designer at Roar design studio. “Use one or two oversized mirrors to bounce light around the room, and suddenly it feels twice as big.”
When it comes to hanging art, Niklova suggests thinking of it as a statement, not filler. “A big, bold artwork creates focus without adding clutter, while smaller pieces in excess can cramp the room’s flow. Be selective, and let your art breathe in the space.”
Targeted and ambient lighting creates 'zones' in the home
Using lamps, lighting dark corners and switching to ambient bulbs or dimmers can help create the illusion of additional space, and counter a lack of natural light.
“Strategic lighting illuminates dark corners drawing the eye upwards and enhancing the perception of height,” says Nasser. “Different light sources can help delineate functional areas within a small space, such as using a pendant light over a dining table or a floor lamp in the living area.”
Rahman adds: “Avoid large ceiling fixtures and opt for smaller, more targeted lighting. LED wall lamps can provide both ambience and functionality without taking up much room.”
Test raised furniture to create an 'open' feel
By their nature, studios are small spaces where every inch needs to be utilised carefully and considerately to avoid looking or feeling cluttered, so “keep the layout open to maximise flow”, says Nasser. “Use furniture to define areas without blocking sight lines, such as opting for low-profile furniture such as a low sofa or bench to create separation without obstructing views.”
Alternatively, freeing up space beneath furniture can give the same effect. “Go for leggy pieces,” says Chellani. “Raised furniture creates an airy feel, giving the illusion of more space while still being stylish.”
Keep things cohesive with a unifying rug
The type, style and size of rug can add visual square footage to a space. Lighter-coloured rugs create the illusion of a bigger space, while stripes should lay perpendicular to the long walls of a room to make it appear wider.
“Consider a larger rug size rather than a smaller one to unify the space and make it feel cohesive and expansive rather than fragmented,” says Yogesh Chaudhary, director of Jaipur Rugs.
“Ensuring that all the main furniture sits on the rug enables the space to be defined. Geometric patterns form a symmetry offering the illusion of continuity, thus making it ideal for a small space. Meanwhile, soft textures and patterns easily match all furniture, adding a dimension without cluttering the room.”
Invest in practical and versatile dividers
Clearly defining the areas in a studio can help with focus, comfort and sleep by delineating between workspace and personal space. “Bookshelves can serve as versatile dividers while also providing storage for books and decorative items,” says Rahman. “Adding in curtains is also a nice, easy and simple way to divide space.”
Chellani adds: “If you're looking for something more flexible, acoustic dividers are a genius solution. They're mobile, soundproof, and can totally transform the space.”
Rugs are another easy way to create defined zones. “Choosing different shapes or styles of rugs can help delineate spaces without the use of any bulky furniture or dividers,” says Chadhary. “By using different rugs, you can visually separate each area while maintaining a cohesive and stylish look.”
Curate your personal decor to tell a story
Books, knick-knacks and mementos will help to personalise a studio to create a more inviting ambience. Too many, however, can make it look cluttered.
“In a small space, your knick-knacks should shine, not overwhelm,” says Niklova. “The trick is to curate what you show off by picking a few standout personal items that tell a story and give them the spotlight. A floating shelf or a narrow, wall-mounted bookcase can work wonders, giving you space to display without eating into the room’s footprint.”
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
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Engine: 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbocharged and three electric motors
Power: Combined output 920hp
Torque: 730Nm at 4,000-7,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed dual-clutch automatic
Fuel consumption: 11.2L/100km
On sale: Now, deliveries expected later in 2025
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Young women have more “financial grit”, but fall behind on investing
In an October survey of young adults aged 16 to 25, Charles Schwab found young women are more driven to reach financial independence than young men (67 per cent versus. 58 per cent). They are more likely to take on extra work to make ends meet and see more value than men in creating a plan to achieve their financial goals. Yet, despite all these good ‘first’ measures, they are investing and saving less than young men – falling early into the financial gender gap.
While the women surveyed report spending 36 per cent less than men, they have far less savings than men ($1,267 versus $2,000) – a nearly 60 per cent difference.
In addition, twice as many young men as women say they would invest spare cash, and almost twice as many young men as women report having investment accounts (though most young adults do not invest at all).
“Despite their good intentions, young women start to fall behind their male counterparts in savings and investing early on in life,” said Carrie Schwab-Pomerantz, senior vice president, Charles Schwab. “They start off showing a strong financial planning mindset, but there is still room for further education when it comes to managing their day-to-day finances.”
Ms Schwab-Pomerantz says parents should be conveying the same messages to boys and girls about money, but should tailor those conversations based on the individual and gender.
"Our study shows that while boys are spending more than girls, they also are saving more. Have open and honest conversations with your daughters about the wage and savings gap," she said. "Teach kids about the importance of investing – especially girls, who as we see in this study, aren’t investing as much. Part of being financially prepared is learning to make the most of your money, and that means investing early and consistently."
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Sheer grandeur
The Owo building is 14 storeys high, seven of which are below ground, with the 30,000 square feet of amenities located subterranean, including a 16-seat private cinema, seven lounges, a gym, games room, treatment suites and bicycle storage.
A clear distinction between the residences and the Raffles hotel with the amenities operated separately.
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Favourite vegetable: Broccoli
Favourite food: Seafood
Favourite thing to cook: Duck l'orange
Favourite book: Give and Take by Adam Grant, one of his professors at University of Pennsylvania
Favourite place to travel: Home in Kuwait.
Favourite place in the UAE: Al Qudra lakes
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While the taste of beans and freshness of roast is paramount to the specialty coffee scene, so is sustainability and workers’ rights.
The bulk of genuine specialty coffee companies aim to improve on these elements in every stage of production via direct relationships with farmers. For instance, Mokha 1450 on Al Wasl Road strives to work predominantly with women-owned and -operated coffee organisations, including female farmers in the Sabree mountains of Yemen.
Because, as the boutique’s owner, Garfield Kerr, points out: “women represent over 90 per cent of the coffee value chain, but are woefully underrepresented in less than 10 per cent of ownership and management throughout the global coffee industry.”
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China and the UAE forged even closer links between the two countries during the landmark state visit after finalising a ten-point agreement on a range of issues, from international affairs to the economy and trade and renewable energy.
1. Politics: The two countries agreed to support each other on issues of security and to work together on regional and international challenges. The nations also confirmed that the number of high-level state visits between China and the UAE will increase.
2. Economy: The UAE offers its full support to China's Belt and Road Initiative, which will combine a land 'economic belt" and a "maritime silk road" that will link China with the Arabian Gulf as well as Southeast, South and Central China, North Africa and, eventually, Europe.
3. Business and innovation: The two nations are committed to exploring new partnerships in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence, energy, the aviation and transport industries and have vowed to build economic co-operation through the UAE-China Business Committee.
4. Education, science and technology: The Partnership Programme between Arab countries in Science and Technology will encourage young Emirati scientists to conduct research in China, while the nations will work together on the peaceful use of nuclear energy, renewable energy and space projects.
5. Renewable energy and water: The two countries will partner to develop renewable energy schemes and work to reduce climate change. The nations have also reiterated their support for the Abu Dhabi-based International Renewable Energy Agency.
6. Oil and gas: The UAE and China will work in partnership in the crude oil trade and the exploration and development of oil and natural gas resources.
7. Military and law enforcement and security fields: Joint training will take place between the Chinese and UAE armed forces, while the two nations will step up efforts to combat terrorism and organised crime.
8. Culture and humanitarian issues: Joint cultural projects will be developed and partnerships will be cultivated on the preservation of heritage, contemporary art and tourism.
9. Movement between countries: China and the UAE made clear their intent to encourage travel between the countries through a wide-ranging visa waiver agreement.
10. Implementing the strategic partnership: The Intergovernmental Co-operation Committee, established last year, will be used to ensure the objectives of the partnership are implemented.
MATCH INFO
Inter Milan 2 (Vecino 65', Barella 83')
Verona 1 (Verre 19' pen)
Brief scores:
Scotland 371-5, 50 overs (C MacLeod 140 no, K Coetzer 58, G Munsey 55)
England 365 all out, 48.5 overs (J Bairstow 105, A Hales 52; M Watt 3-55)
Result: Scotland won by six runs
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The story in numbers
18
This is how many recognised sects Lebanon is home to, along with about four million citizens
450,000
More than this many Palestinian refugees are registered with UNRWA in Lebanon, with about 45 per cent of them living in the country’s 12 refugee camps
1.5 million
There are just under 1 million Syrian refugees registered with the UN, although the government puts the figure upwards of 1.5m
73
The percentage of stateless people in Lebanon, who are not of Palestinian origin, born to a Lebanese mother, according to a 2012-2013 study by human rights organisation Frontiers Ruwad Association
18,000
The number of marriages recorded between Lebanese women and foreigners between the years 1995 and 2008, according to a 2009 study backed by the UN Development Programme
77,400
The number of people believed to be affected by the current nationality law, according to the 2009 UN study
4,926
This is how many Lebanese-Palestinian households there were in Lebanon in 2016, according to a census by the Lebanese-Palestinian dialogue committee
FIXTURES
All kick-off times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Brackets denote aggregate score
Tuesday:
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Manchester United (0) v Sevilla (0), 11.45pm
Wednesday:
Besiktas (0) v Bayern Munich (5), 9pm
Barcelona (1) v Chelsea (1), 11.45pm
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
