A great modular kitchen isn’t just pretty—it’s a smart system that makes your daily cooking feel easier in a small space. I’ve lived in tight apartments for years, and the right mix of layout planning and modular storage has been the biggest game-changer. Try a Compact U-Shaped Setup A compact U-shaped modular kitchen: dedicated prep wing keeps everything within reach. In bigger apartments, I’ve seen a U-shaped modular kitchen create that “everything within reach” feeling…
Teal is one of my favorite colors for a tiny bathroom because it adds instant personality and depth without needing a ton of decor. Glass Shower With Teal Behind It Frameless glass keeps teal tile in full view—making a small shower feel open and luxe. Whenever I can, I recommend a clear glass shower so your teal tile stays visible and the room doesn’t get visually chopped up. I switched from a curtain to glass…
An 8-foot ceiling can feel cozy in the best way, but I know it can also make a room feel a little boxed in if the details aren’t working with you. These ideas are the exact tricks I’ve used in my own small apartments (and with clients) to make standard-height ceilings look brighter, taller, and way more intentional. Create a “Dropped” Entry Moment A darker “dropped” entry ceiling and woven pendant create a cozy threshold—and…
A great kids bedroom layout isn’t about having more space—it’s about making the space you have work harder for sleep, play, and storage. I’ve lived (and designed) my way through plenty of tight rooms, and these ideas are the ones I keep coming back to when a kids room needs to feel calm, fun, and functional. Try a Loft Bed Work Zone A loft bed work zone creates a cozy “base” for play and homework—without…
That awkward corner you’ve been ignoring can be the perfect spot for a workspace that doesn’t swallow your whole room. I’ve squeezed desks into every weird nook imaginable, and these small corner desk ideas are the ones that consistently feel functional, airy, and cute. Wraparound Corner Desk Shelf Ledge A slim wraparound shelf ledge adds storage to a tiny corner desk without crowding the surface. For a surprising upgrade, I added a skinny wraparound ledge…
Bunk beds are one of my favorite small-space tricks because they turn “we don’t have room” into “look how much room we made.” The best designs don’t feel like an afterthought—they look like they were always meant to be part of the room. L-Shaped Corner Bunk Bed Layout L-shaped corner bunk bed in light oak—opens a cozy middle zone in the smallest rooms. An L-shaped bunk bed arrangement is my go-to when a room is…
In a small kitchen, the fridge can feel like the one appliance that bosses everything around. I’ve lived with fridges squeezed into the weirdest spots, and these ideas help you fit it in while keeping the kitchen cute and functional. Adjust Shelves to Fit Your Habits Adjust your fridge shelf heights to match what you buy—instant breathing room in a small kitchen. Every time I move into a new place, I immediately reconfigure adjustable shelves…
When you’re working with a small kitchen, extra prep space can feel like a luxury you’ll never get. I’ve stretched tiny counters in more apartments than I can count, and a smart kitchen countertop extension is hands-down one of the fastest ways to make cooking feel easier. Build a Two-Tier Bar Top Two-tier bar top extension: sleek prep space below, cozy perch above—made for small kitchens. I’ve used a two-level countertop extension when clients want…
When your bedroom has no closet, it can feel like your clothes are slowly taking over every surface. I’ve lived in more closet-less bedrooms than I can count, and these ideas help you create a “closet” that looks intentional and pretty, not like a last-minute fix. Use a Freestanding Clothing Rack A slim freestanding rack creates instant hanging space—keep it airy with a few favorites. In my first no closet bedroom, a slim clothing rack…
A studio kitchen can feel tiny fast, but a few smart layout and storage moves make it work like a real kitchen. Under-Cabinet Lighting for Instant Glow Warm under-cabinet lighting that brightens prep space and adds a cozy evening glow. I added simple under-cabinet lighting in my studio kitchen and it was a bigger upgrade than any decor piece I’ve bought. It makes prep safer, brightens dark corners, and gives that cozy “evening kitchen” vibe…
