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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 39

Mobile homes can feel incredibly cozy, but the storage can disappear fast once real life moves in. Hang An Over-The-Door Organizer Over-the-door organizer = instant mobile home storage—pockets keep essentials off the floor. An over-the-door organizer is one of my favorite mobile home storage ideas for shoes, toiletries, or cleaning supplies. I’ve used them inside closet doors to free up floor space instantly. May just do the trick: Linen Over-Door Storage Pockets: Store books, toiletries,…

Your camper van bed is the one feature you’ll use every single day, so it deserves a little extra brainpower up front. Pop-Top Roof Bed for a Second Sleeping Level A pop-top roof bed adds a second sleeping level—freeing the main floor for storage and seating. A pop-top bed creates an entire extra sleep zone without consuming your main floor plan, which is such a clever small-space move. I’ve always loved how it keeps the…

Loft walls can feel intimidating because they’re so tall and so visible, but that’s exactly why they’re your biggest design opportunity. In my small apartments, the right loft wall setup has always been the fastest way to add storage, define zones, and make the whole place feel intentional. Try a Glass-and-Metal Partition Wall A black grid glass partition wall: loft separation with maximum light and sleek architecture. If you want separation but still crave light,…

That awkward attic crawl space can feel like wasted square footage, but it’s honestly one of the easiest places to turn chaos into calm. I’ve helped so many tiny-home clients (and my own small-space self) turn these low, sloped zones into storage gold or cozy little hideouts. Labeled Bin Zones for Seasonal Storage Crawl-space friendly seasonal storage: one clear bin with bold labels you can read at a glance. In my own attic crawl space,…

A loft library is the easiest way I know to turn “extra vertical space” into a cozy, book-first retreat. With the right shelving, lighting, and a little safety planning, your loft can feel like a private reading hideaway instead of a forgotten perch. Spiral Stair Access to the Loft Library A space-saving spiral stair that adds loft access and frees room for one more shelf run. In one client project, switching to a spiral stair…

A small camper can feel a little boxy at first, but the right decorating moves make it feel like a cozy little home on wheels. I’ve styled enough tiny spaces to know it’s all about warmth, texture, and smart choices that don’t steal precious inches. Create a Cozy Sleeping Nook Layered bedding + a chunky knit throw turns a tiny camper bed into a cozy boutique nook. In small campers, I always treat the bed…

Small cabins have this magical way of feeling like a total escape, even when the footprint is tiny. I’ve learned that the coziest cabin vibes come from smart layout choices and a few rustic-meets-modern details you can actually live with. Built Into a Hillside for Drama A tiny cabin tucked into the hillside—split-level serenity with a bold terracotta door. One of the most striking small cabins ideas I’ve seen is a cabin built into a…

Thinking about adding some solar panels to your RV roof? It’s a fantastic way to harness the power of the sun while you’re on the go and ensures you’re never short on energy. Adhesive-Only for Flex Panels Streamline your RV with adhesive-mounted flex solar panels for a modern, low-profile look. For flexible solar panels, adhesive-only mounting is a sleek option. I’ve used this on a friend’s RV, and it offers a smooth, low-profile look. Some…

Hey there, fellow DIY enthusiasts! If you’re dreaming of transforming your van into a cozy home on wheels, let’s talk about something that often gets overlooked: the ceiling. Wooden Paneling Transform your van into a cozy retreat with the timeless charm of wooden paneling. I’m a sucker for the warm, rustic charm of wooden paneling. It’s amazing how just a few slats can turn your van into a cozy cabin, making you feel right at…

Hey there, curious crafters! Let’s dive into a world where creativity meets everyday objects—specifically, cans. These can construction ideas will have you seeing your pantry staples in a whole new light. Patriotic Flag Raise a toast to creativity and patriotism with this star-spangled can masterpiece! Celebrate in style by arranging cans into an American flag. I made one for a Fourth of July picnic, and it was the star-spangled highlight of the day. Might be…