Lily has transformed hundreds of compact apartments into functional, beautiful homes across major cities from New York to San Francisco.
A small camper van interior is basically a tiny apartment puzzle on wheels, and the layout is what makes it feel easy (or impossible) to live in. One-Wall Galley With Clear Center Aisle One-wall galley kitchen keeps the center aisle clear—instant airflow and a longer-looking van. My favorite starter layout is a galley kitchen on one wall with a clean center aisle, because it makes the van feel longer and easier to move through. I’ve…
In a small living room, curtains aren’t just “window stuff”—they’re one of the easiest ways to make the whole space feel taller, brighter, and more pulled together. Go Short When Furniture Sits Under the Window Short linen curtains keep a small living room airy—perfect when a console or radiator sits below. I’ve lived with radiators and consoles under the window, and short curtains kept everything functional without bunching up. For a small living room, this…
A corner bed can be the easiest way to steal back precious floor space in a tiny room without giving up comfort. I’ve done this move in more than one small apartment, and it instantly made the whole layout feel calmer and more functional. Gallery Wall That Wraps the Corner A wraparound gallery wall turns a corner bed into a curated focal point for small rooms. I once wrapped art around both walls above my…
A small log cabin kitchen can feel insanely cozy, but all that wood can make it feel darker and tighter than it needs to. I’ve lived in plenty of tiny spaces, and the trick is balancing rustic cabin charm with smart, space-saving function so you can actually cook comfortably. Build a Slim Island That Doubles as Dining Slim cabin island: prep ledge by day, cozy breakfast bar by morning—small space perfection. Even in a small…
A blue vanity is one of my favorite small-bathroom cheats because it gives you a bold focal point without needing a ton of decor. Match the Blue Vanity to a Tiny Accent Tile Band Echo your blue vanity with a slim tile band—tiny repeat, big custom feel in small baths. I once echoed my blue vanity with a skinny strip of blue tile in the shower, and it looked custom without overdoing the color. That…
Adult bunk beds can be seriously stylish when you treat them like built-in architecture, not childhood furniture. I’ve used bunks in tiny apartments and client guest rooms to add beds, storage, and personality without eating up precious floor space. Triple Sleep With a Trundle Tiny room, big hosting: adult bunk bed with a hidden trundle for a chic triple-sleep setup. If you need one more spot without widening the bunks, add a trundle under the…
A small den can be the coziest room in your home when it’s set up with intention instead of extra stuff. Use a Storage Coffee Table A sleek storage coffee table keeps small den essentials hidden and the vibe calm. In my small den, a coffee table with storage is the difference between cozy and chaotic. I stash remotes, cords, and game night stuff inside so your surfaces stay clear and relaxing. Useful items to…
A mobile home renovation can be seriously dramatic—in the best way—especially when you focus on light, flow, and finishes that don’t scream “builder basic.” Add a Clean, Simple Backsplash A crisp, wipe-clean tile backsplash instantly makes a small mobile home galley feel brand new. One weekend, I installed a crisp tile backsplash in a client’s mobile home galley kitchen, and it instantly looked more modern and intentional. I like choosing something classic and easy to…
A work office can go from “I can’t find anything” to “I’m on top of everything” with just a few smart zones and some vertical thinking. Go Vertical With a Wall Shelf Ledge Go vertical: a slim wall ledge keeps essentials handy and frees up desk space in small offices. Adding vertical storage above my desk gave me back more workspace than any drawer ever could. I use a shallow shelf ledge to hold notebooks…
A good adult reading nook isn’t about having a huge house—it’s about claiming one small, comfy spot that feels like yours. Make an Under-Stairs Adult Alcove Transform under-stairs space into a sleek, cozy adult reading alcove with built-in book storage. The space under stairs can be awkward, but I’ve seen it become an insanely cozy adult under-stairs reading nook with a bench, pillows, and tight book storage. Add a focused light and it feels like…
