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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 31

An RV table can do so much more than hold dinner—it can be your workspace, game-night hub, and extra prep surface in one tiny footprint. Keep the Classic Dinette-to-Bed Table Keep the classic dinette table—add a linen cover for fast nightly resets and no scratches. I’ve styled a few RVs where the dinette RV table drops down to make a bed, and it’s still one of the most practical setups if you host guests. My…

An RV bathroom can go from cute to chaotic fast, especially once you hit the road and everything starts shifting. Use Over-the-Door Pocket Storage Deep-pocket over-the-door organizer keeps RV bathroom essentials secure and counter-free. In my RV bathroom, I hang a slim over-the-door organizer on the inside of a cabinet door to stash lotion, hair stuff, and backup toothpaste without touching the counter. I learned the hard way that deeper pockets keep items from launching…

A modern electric fireplace is my favorite shortcut to making a small room feel instantly polished and cozy, without the mess or renovation drama. I’ve used them in multiple tiny apartments, and the right placement can turn even the most awkward wall into a clean, intentional focal point. Low, Long Fireplace Under a TV A low, long electric fireplace under the TV keeps a narrow wall balanced and beautifully calm. In a narrow living room,…

Turning a basic closet into built-in closet bunk beds is one of my favorite small-space moves because it adds real sleeping space without eating up the room. I’ve done versions of this in tiny apartments and guest rooms, and the “how did you fit that in here?” reaction never gets old. Three-High Bunks in a Tall Closet Triple bunks built into a tall closet—sleek Scandinavian lines with cozy boho warmth. In a super tall closet,…

Fitting two full-size beds in one room can look cozy and intentional—not cramped or dorm-y. Center the Beds on a Window for Symmetry Center the window between two full beds for instant symmetry—even in an awkward small room. When I’m craving that balanced look, I line up two full-size beds so the window sits centered between them like a natural focal point. Products that could assist: Bamboo Roman Shades: Add natural warmth and texture to…

A good bathroom bench is one of those small-space upgrades that instantly makes your routine easier and your bathroom feel more spa-like. Bench Paired With a Shower Niche A teak shower bench beneath an emerald niche—bottles up high, floor beautifully clear. I’m big on pairing a shower bench with a niche right above it, because it keeps bottles off the floor and within easy reach. I did this setup for a client who wanted a…

Powder rooms are tiny, but tile can make them feel like a full-on design moment. I’ve learned in my own small apartments that the right powder room tile choice can add height, light, and personality without taking up a single extra inch. 3D Textured Tile That Plays With Light 3D textured tile turns a tiny powder room into a light-catching statement wall, all day long. One of my favorite “small room, big impact” moves is…

Small horse trailer living quarters can feel shockingly cozy when every inch has a job and nothing is “just décor.” I’ve helped clients (and borrowed plenty of ideas for my own tiny homes) by treating these trailers like the ultimate small-space puzzle—compact, comfy, and built to move. Gooseneck Bed With Storage Steps Gooseneck bed + hidden storage steps: the calm, clutter-free upgrade for tiny trailers. If your small horse trailer has a nose area, I…

A small upstairs landing can feel like a “nothing space,” but it’s actually prime real estate when you treat it like a mini-room. Secret Storage Behind a Curtain Wall A ceiling-mounted linen curtain creates instant polish—and hides shallow landing storage. My most “how did I not think of that?” small upstairs landing idea is hanging a ceiling-mounted curtain to hide shallow storage shelves tucked against the wall. I tried it in a rental to conceal…

A small meditation room doesn’t need much square footage to feel like a true exhale. I’ve set up calming little zones in the tiniest apartments, and it always comes down to intention, comfort, and a few soothing details. Layer Rugs for Softness Layer a jute base with a soft wool rug to instantly warm up your mini meditation nook. Whenever my meditation nook feels cold or echo-y, I add layered rugs and it changes everything.…