No matter the size, lofts and studio apartments have more in common than not. Nearly all lofts and studios are short on built-in storage, need furniture scaled just-so, and then of course there is the bed-in-the-living-room to contend with. Read on for 12 tips for planning your space for maximum comfort, style, and flexibility.

1. Plan a cohesive color scheme. When you can see your entire living space in one sweep of the eye, having colors that all work together is key. There is something about looking at a space where the colors are in harmony that makes the entire space feel neater, cleaner and more pulled together.

2. Consider how your furniture goes together. An eclectic look can work well, as long as it's intentional — having a tight color scheme, as described above, helps. If you are feeling unsure, sticking with one furniture style, like midcentury modern, is a great way to pull your whole space together.

3. Use lighting at different heights. Use pendant lights hung lower where you want to create a more intimate feel — over the dining table and over a sitting area, for instance. Hang them higher in more "public" spaces like the entry hall and kitchen work zones.

4. Define "rooms" with area rugs. It's one of the oldest tips in the book, but it's still worth repeating because it works. The most common mistake is using area rugs that are too small for the space. Ideally, choose rugs large enough that all of the furniture in the arrangement fits on top of it; you can always layer a smaller rug on top to add color and softness. In the dining room, get a rug big enough that you can pull your chair out from the table without bumping over the edge of the rug.

5. Set up proper storage. Closets tend to be in short supply in lofts and studios. Build in your own storage by taking over one entire wall for the purpose. Fill the wall from floor to ceiling with shelving, cabinets or closets. Even if the cost seems high, this is something that makes life easier and more pleasant every day, so it's well worth it in my book.

6. Divide space with open-backed shelving. One of the easiest ways to create a room-within-a-room is by using open-backed shelving placed perpendicular to the wall — and it works equally well in small and large spaces. The trick is to arrange open shelving so that it looks good from both sides. Stack books horizontally rather than vertically; place items in baskets that look good from all angles; and mix in plenty of pretty objects such as vases, candles and bowls. Also be aware of safety: if you have young children, or live in earthquake country, you will need to secure the shelving to a wall and/or the floor.

7. Add casters for flexibility. The storage piece shown here holds a library on one side, and wardrobe on the other — and because it is on casters, the entire unit can be twirled around or moved aside easily. While there are some great pieces on the market with casters, they can also be added to nearly any piece of furniture you already have. Think about how handy it would be to simply wheel your sofa, bed or bookshelf out of the way in a matter of minutes!