From those who live in large high-rent cities like New York or Hong Kong to university students and young adults out on their own for the first time to downsizing empty-nesters, most people are stumped when confronted with the compact confines of an efficiency or studio apartment. It all boils down to living in one room. That means that all activities except for those done in the bathroom will likely take place in a single room.

People generally tend to believe that the studio space can function as one room only. Rest assured that even the smallest studio can be designed to have the feel of more than one room — with careful and deliberate planning, of course!

One of the first decisions to make is whether you will want a bed or some other sleeping arrangement — sofa bed, futon or integrated pull-down bed system such as a "Murphy Bed." This is the most important decision you will need to make for your space. Some don't want to mess with opening a sofa bed, while others may not mind and prefer more of a living area. Your choice will affect your layout and how you use your space. How often and at what times of the day you are home will help you make this decision.

Screens, of course, are the way to go to divide your space and give some privacy where needed. How you implement your screens is up to you. Multipanel screens range from expensive antiques to affordable paper and wood from your local home decor store. Other creative ways to divide your space involves using fabric or drapes to create your "rooms."

Another method to create a screen that is very much au-courant is a green wall. These are created simply by hanging square or rectangular baskets as close to the ceiling as possible with ceiling hooks or brackets. Running thin metal wire and eyehooks from the floor to the ceiling provides indoor plants and vines, such as the philodendron and pothos, a structure on which they can thrive.

Because space is in high demand in studios, every inch has to be maximized for storage. This means creating storage areas wherever possible — underneath your bed, sofa and staircases, and in overhead space, as well. Cabinets or shelves can be placed over your doorways, over your toilet and even over the shower if there is enough room.

Studio living forces you to rethink what you consider essential, somewhat like living on a boat. Everything must be multifunctional. A table must function for eating, as a desk and as an ironing table, if need be. My suggestion is to add small casters to this table to facilitate moving it around. The same goes for any seating you may have. Any chairs must be used for more than one purpose, and consider a couple of folding chairs that can be stored in a corner of the room or closet. These will prove invaluable when guests come over.

Color can be your ally. It makes a great impact in studios. Of course, light colors are pleasing to the eyes and versatile, but they are also expected. Don't be afraid of darks colors. Specifically, if you will spend more time in the evenings than during the day in your studio, a dark color will make the walls recede, making the room virtually larger. And rich colors create an instant mood.

Don't hesitate to use one or two very luxurious items. An old family heirloom, a large work of art or a sumptuous cashmere throw will add a punch of style. Every home, no matter the size, deserves some chic. Some of the finest rooms I have seen are no larger than a 10-foot by 12-foot space. Design has the upper hand in these instances.

Joseph Pubillones is the owner of Joseph Pubillones Interiors, an award-winning interior design firm based in Palm Beach, Florida. To find out more about Joseph Pubillones, or to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

Photo credit: at Unsplash