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,…

A cozy den is that little pocket of your home that feels like a deep exhale—soft, warm, and slightly tucked away from the rest of life. I’ve created dens in tiny apartments for years, and the magic always comes down to lighting, texture, and a layout that makes you want to stay awhile. Style a Soft Ottoman Table A soft ottoman + woven tray makes the coziest coffee table for small den spaces. I love…

A small narrow basement can feel like a bowling alley at first, but that long shape is actually a huge advantage once you lean into it. Sectional Along One Wall L-shaped sectional hugged to one wall—maximum cozy seating with a clear walkway in a narrow basement. My go-to for a long narrow basement is an L-shaped sectional tucked tight to one wall so you don’t lose your walkway. I’ve done this in my own small…

A good living room gym combo is all about keeping the room cozy enough to lounge in, but ready to work out in seconds. After years of tiny apartments, I’ve learned the secret is hiding the “gym” in plain sight with smart layout moves and pretty storage. Hide the Gym With a Ceiling-Track Curtain A ceiling-track linen curtain that glides shut—instantly hiding your living room workout nook. For clients who want a true living room…

A small movie room can feel just as immersive as a big theater if you get the layout, lighting, and sound right. I’ve built movie nooks in studio apartments and tiny living rooms, and the secret is using the walls and ceiling as hard as you use the floor. Go Dark on One Feature Wall A deep charcoal feature wall makes the white screen pop—instant cozy theater vibe in a small room. When I painted…

A small living room can still have a real-deal bar moment—you just need a setup that looks intentional and doesn’t steal precious floor space. I’ve built mini bars in some truly tiny apartments, and the right mix of smart storage and a little styling makes it feel effortlessly “host-ready.” Mirror-Backed Bar Display for Extra Depth Mirror-backed mini bar shelf that bounces light and makes a small living room feel larger. Adding a mirror backsplash behind…

Living rooms collect clutter fast because they’re where real life happens—movies, snacks, mail, laundry baskets, all of it. In my tiny apartments, the only way I’ve kept it cozy (not chaotic) is by using hidden storage and “homes” for the stuff you touch every day. Add Hidden Storage Seating A chic storage ottoman that hides blankets and games while doubling as extra seating. In my smallest studio, a storage ottoman held blankets and board games…

A corner TV setup is one of my favorite small-space moves because it turns an “awkward” spot into a real focal point. I’ve tried a bunch of corner layouts in tiny apartments, and the right one can make your room feel bigger, calmer, and way more put-together. Corner TV in a Room Divider Setup A corner TV divider console that zones a studio beautifully—storage included, clutter excluded. In a studio, I once used a low…

Floor seating is my favorite small-space trick because it instantly makes a room feel bigger, softer, and more inviting. After years of living in tiny apartments, I’ve learned that a few flexible pieces on the floor can host everything from solo reading time to a full-on friend hang. Floor Seating on a Raised Platform A raised platform turns floor seating into a built-in nook—minimal, cozy, and sunlit. A small raised platform (even just a sturdy,…

Tiny rooms can feel like a puzzle at first, but they’re honestly my favorite kind of space to style. With a few smart tweaks, you can make a small room feel calmer, prettier, and way more functional without spending a fortune. Make a “Secret Desk” Inside a Cabinet A cabinet that opens into a secret desk—then closes for instant calm in tiny rooms. For clients with truly tiny rooms, I’ve set up a hidden workspace…