Renter Turns Studio Into a Cozy One-Bedroom Feel With Painted IKEA Shelves
A Washington, D.C., renter transformed her 480-square-foot studio by using large IKEA shelving units painted pink to divide the space into a separate sleeping area. She already owned the Elvarli storage system and added extra shelves to maximize storage while keeping room for a queen bed and walkways. The project created a darker, cozier bedroom zone without making the apartment feel cramped.
Ashley Buchanan's 480-square-foot D.C. studio relied on a single IKEA Elvarli system she already owned, requiring only a few extra shelves to complete the division. She painted the units Behr's "Pink Taffy" and positioned them to carve out a bedroom zone that accommodates a queen bed with walking space on both sides. The project also incorporated Tempaper & Co.'s blush faux grasscloth wallpaper behind the headboard, which served as her design starting point. Her bedding came from Target, with Anthropologie accents including goldenrod pillowcases, a teal throw, and a scalloped lampshade. The result created a darker, more intimate sleeping area while preserving open storage throughout.
This project could resonate with the millions of renters living in studios, particularly in high-cost cities where square footage comes at a premium. It demonstrates that rental-friendly transformations don't require permanent construction—just strategic furniture placement and removable finishes like peel-and-stick wallpaper. The approach may inspire others to rethink how they use vertical space and storage systems, potentially improving mental well-being by creating distinct zones for rest and daily living within a single room.