A pallet headboard is one of my favorite ways to make a bed feel “finished” without eating up precious floor space or budget. Vertical Plank Pallet Headboard Vertical pallet planks in a matte finish—an easy headboard that makes small rooms feel taller. In one rental, I built a pallet headboard with boards running vertically and it made the wall feel taller overnight. I kept the finish matte so it looked intentional, not shiny and busy.…
A twin bed can look seriously sophisticated for adults when it’s styled with intention, not apology. I’ve used twin setups in tiny apartments and guest rooms, and they’re one of my favorite ways to save space without sacrificing that “put-together” feel. Go Symmetrical With Two Twin Beds Symmetry made serene: twin beds feel boutique when a crafted nightstand anchors the center. When I style two twin beds for adults, I almost always start with a…
A small bedroom can still feel sharp, calm, and totally “you” when the setup is intentional. I’ve styled a lot of compact spaces (including my own), and the best men’s looks always mix masculine minimalism with smart, space-saving choices. Choose a Low-Profile Platform Bed A low-profile platform bed keeps a small men’s bedroom airy, modern, and uncluttered. When I switched to a low-profile bed, my small bedroom instantly felt taller and less cramped. I also…
A small office can feel surprisingly legit when the layout does the heavy lifting, even if you don’t have a spare room. I’ve set up work zones in everything from studio corners to awkward alcoves, and a few smart moves can make your space feel calmer and way more productive. Desk Inside a Bookcase Frame A desk framed by tall bookcases creates a built-in office look—rental-friendly and chic. For a built-in look without custom work,…
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…
Small Scandinavian bathrooms are my favorite kind of design challenge because they’re all about bright light, calm vibes, and zero wasted space. After years of living in tiny apartments, I’ve learned that a few Scandi moves can make even the smallest bathroom feel airy and pulled-together. Keep the Shower Visually Open With Glass A clear glass shower screen keeps the room airy—tiny Scandinavian bathrooms feel instantly bigger. I once replaced a heavy curtain with a…
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…
Bay windows are basically the crown jewel of a room—tons of light, a great view, and that cozy little nook vibe. The tricky part is figuring out bay window curtains that work with the angles without swallowing the glass. Curtains as a Room Divider Around the Bay Extra-wide linen bay curtains double as a soft divider—cozy nook, instant privacy. This one’s a little unexpected: in a studio, I used bay window curtains wider than the…
