Lily has transformed hundreds of compact apartments into functional, beautiful homes across major cities from New York to San Francisco.
If your bathroom door is constantly bumping into a vanity, towel bar, or hamper, a slider can feel like you just gained extra square footage overnight. I’ve used sliding bathroom doors in tiny apartments and client homes for years, and they’re one of my favorite ways to fix flow without a full remodel. Hidden Track Slider for a “Floating” Door Effect Hidden track sliding door for a seamless floating look—clean, calm, and perfect for small…
Bunk beds are amazing for small spaces, but the lighting can get weird fast—shadowy corners, blocked ceiling lights, and not a single spot to read comfortably. LED Strip Under the Top Bunk Warm LED strip under the top bunk gives the bottom bunk a cozy glow—no bulky lamp needed. For bottom bunk comfort, I’ve had the best results with an LED strip tucked under the top bunk slats for clean under-bunk lighting. It made the…
A small room can still feel like a grown-up, guy-friendly space when the layout is smart and the vibe is clean. Go Big on Under-Bed Storage Ditch the dresser: one big under-bed drawer keeps a small room clean and guy-friendly. In my 450 sq ft apartment, under-bed storage basically replaced a dresser. Use bins or drawers for off-season clothes so your small room stays minimal and guy-friendly. Give these a look: Under-Bed Rolling Drawers: Maximize…
Living room paint can totally change how your space feels, especially once the sofa, rug, and real-life clutter move back in. I’ve painted my way through tiny apartments for years, and these are the color ideas that consistently make a lived-in living room feel bigger, brighter, and more “you.” High-Gloss Color Blocking for Wow Factor High-gloss color-block arch behind a neutral sofa—instant rental-friendly wow factor. For a rental-friendly statement, I’ve done color-block paint behind the…
A shed kitchen is one of my favorite small-space makeovers because it turns an overlooked backyard box into a cozy place to cook, snack, and hang out. With the right layout and a few smart choices, even a tiny shed can feel surprisingly functional and totally charming. Install a Fold-Down Prep Counter A fold-down prep counter adds instant workspace to a tiny shed kitchen—then disappears. My go-to trick for a shed kitchen is a fold-down…
A small guest house can feel like a full-on retreat when every inch is planned with intention. Treehouse-Style Guest House for a Wow Stay Treehouse-style guest house: minimalist wood cabin with a bold teal door and a view-facing bed. A treehouse guest house is such a fun surprise—adults love it just as much as kids when it’s done with real comfort in mind. I helped a client plan the layout so the bed faced the…
Mobile homes can look wildly more modern with the right flooring swap, even when the layout is small and a little quirky. I’ve redone floors in tight spaces for years, and the magic combo is choosing the right material for movement + moisture, then keeping the look light, seamless, and easy to clean. Two-Tone Vinyl “Runner” Inlay Two-tone vinyl runner inlay: a sleek hallway upgrade that hides dirt and looks custom. I once created a…
A futon can look just as polished as a regular sofa while doing double-duty in a tight living room. I’ve styled futons in tiny apartments for years, and a few smart tweaks make them feel intentional, cozy, and totally grown-up. Design a Movie-Night Futon Wall A chic futon-to-screen setup: minimal wall, soft lighting, and the coziest seat in the room. I once set up my futon facing a blank wall with minimal decor so it…
Eaves can feel like that awkward, slanted “dead zone” where stuff goes to disappear and dust bunnies thrive. I’ve lived with enough weird roof angles to promise you this: eaves storage can be some of the most satisfying square footage you’ll ever organize. Eaves Wardrobe With Short Hanging Space A short-hanging eaves wardrobe keeps shirts and jackets tidy—practical storage without wasted height. A built-in wardrobe under the eaves doesn’t need full-length hanging to be useful—I…
Camper doors are one of those tiny surfaces that can change the whole vibe of your space fast. I’ve learned that a simple door upgrade can make a camper feel more like a real home without stealing an inch of floor space. Fresh Paint on Camper Doors Fresh matte paint and brass hardware turn a camper door into a calm, cohesive statement. When I want the biggest impact for the least effort, I do a…
