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Lily Chen

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Lily Chen, Small Space Designer
Small Space Designer

Lily Chen

Lily has transformed hundreds of compact apartments into functional, beautiful homes across major cities from New York to San Francisco.

  • Small Bedroom Ideas
  • Compact Living Rooms
  • RV & Camper Ideas
  • Tiny Bathroom Design
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Articles by Lily Chen – Page 16

RV windows do a lot of heavy lifting—privacy, temperature control, and making your tiny home-on-wheels feel actually cozy. Woven Wood Shades For Warm Texture Add instant warmth to your RV with a woven wood shade—texture that softens every surface. Whenever an RV interior feels a little flat, I add woven wood shades to bring in that warm, natural texture. I’ve used them to balance out vinyl and plastic finishes, and suddenly the whole space feels…

A small den can be the coziest room in your home when it’s set up with intention, not just leftover furniture. These small den design ideas are the exact tricks I’ve used in my own tight spaces (and for clients) to make a den feel layered, functional, and totally you. Try a Compact Corner Sectional Compact corner sectional = maximum lounge space, minimal footprint—your small den’s cozy upgrade. A corner sectional gives you maximum lounge…

Small cabin decor is all about that sweet spot between rustic warmth and everyday function. I’ve styled a lot of tiny spaces over the years, and these ideas are the ones that consistently make a small cabin feel like a cozy little retreat instead of a cluttered box. Hang Outdoor-Inspired Wall Art One oversized landscape print adds depth and calm—instant cabin vibe without visual clutter. I go for landscape art or simple nature sketches because…

A corner stove is one of my favorite small-space tricks because it turns an awkward angle into a hardworking focal point. Whether you mean a cooking range in the kitchen or a cozy heater in the living room, the right corner setup can free up walls, widen walkways, and make your layout feel instantly calmer. Frame It With Matching Wall Panels Frame your corner stove with matching slat panels for a built-in, architectural look. When…

When you’re living small, the fastest way to feel cluttered is letting bulky, dirty gear creep into your RV’s living space. Add a Slide-Out Tray for Easy Access Add a slide-out cargo tray so heavy gear glides to you—no crawling into the RV bay. The first time I used a slide-out cargo tray in an exterior compartment, I couldn’t believe how much time it saved my back and my patience. I keep the heavy stuff…

A great window bench turns that awkward strip under a window into the coziest seat in your whole home. Bay Window Bench That Fills the Curve A curved-cut cushion turns a straight base into a dreamy bay window bench—rental friendly. In one rental, I faked a curved bay window bench by using a straight base and a custom-cut cushion, and it instantly made the bay feel intentional. You get that dreamy “sit and stare outside”…

An office with a sofa bed is my favorite small-space flex because it lets one room do double-duty without feeling chaotic. Use a Rug to Define the Sofa Bed Zone A textured rug under the sofa bed instantly defines a cozy lounge zone in a tiny office. A single area rug under the sofa bed instantly made my office feel like it had a separate lounge corner. You’ll be shocked how much “intentional” a room…

In a small dining room, your window is basically your secret weapon—it can make the whole space feel brighter, bigger, and way more inviting. I’ve lived with plenty of awkward little dining corners, and the right window setup has always been the difference between “cramped” and “cozy-chic.” Tuck a Bistro Set Into a Sunny Window Corner A sunny window bistro table turns a tight corner into a café-style dining nook. When a full dining table…

A mobile home master bathroom can feel just as luxe and spacious as any high-end build—you just need a few smart, small-space moves. Try a Split Wet-and-Dry Zone Slim oak slat divider defines a split wet-and-dry zone, making a tiny master bath feel serene One of my favorite upgrades in a mobile home master bathroom is a split layout where the shower and tub (or shower and vanity) feel like separate zones. I’ve watched it…

A small dark blue bathroom can feel like a little jewel box—moody, cozy, and surprisingly bright when you balance it right. Moody Wallpaper Above Dark Blue Wainscoting Moody wallpaper over navy wainscoting brings cozy drama to a small bath—add warm brass glow. For extra personality in a small dark blue bathroom, I love wallpaper on the upper half with navy wainscoting below. I’ve done this in a powder room, and the pattern kept the dark…