How to Have a Minimalist, Old and Outdated Studio Apartment

Go with the 80/20 rule. This principle dictates that if you're going to mix two styles --- in this case, minimalism with old styles --- then one style should get 80 percent of the emphasis and the other element only 20 percent. Because of the small space in a studio, choosing the minimal elements over the old and outdated ones probably work best, because minimalism as a style embraces minimal clutter --- an important consideration in a studio space. Additionally, minimalist styles can be either modern or retro, allowing you to combine some of the older elements of retro into your designs.

Paint the room with a white color palette. Making a dramatic color statement isn't what it's about with this style. Instead, the whites take on just a hint of teal, green or coral if there is color at all, and the surfaces of the room are highly reflective. The advantage of using this color palette in your studio is that light-reflective colors make the room look bigger.

Look for furniture that features simple lines. Minimalist styles typically feature this.

Avoid the overuse of textures. Textures don't play a big role in minimalist decorating styles. Instead, smooth surfaces tend to be the predominant element.

Decide on the focal point. This element offers you an effective way to introduce some of your old or outdated features in your room's decorating plan. For example, choose the couch area as the place where you'll feature the older elements in the decorating style, then break a few of the minimalist "rules" and lay down a shag area rug and flank it with a couch that has a slight texture to it. These items can have a spot of color as well. Because these elements are different than those around them, they will draw the eye to them and help to create visual harmony.

Use your choice of accessories to allow you to bring in the old and outdated aspects of the style. For example, choose one or two large pieces of art in a style that has gone out of style. Place them in a plain frame and hang above your couch.

Separate the areas of your studio with simple screens if you crave privacy. Go with a Japanese shoji screen, as the colors and style of the typical shoji screen will match the minimalist elements in the room.