New homeowners or college students know that feeling of walking into your new living space and not loving it. The walls are a pale beige, and you begin to wonder if you made the right choice. When I moved into my college dorm room, I realized I could treat my new living space as a place to express myself. Here are some tips I followed to accommodate my small living space that can help guide you in sprucing up your living space:
1. Know Your Habits
How often do you wake up early to make breakfast before work? Getting up for a late night snack? Understanding who you are (or the person you want to be) will help you decide what you need to feel comfortable. Think about the layout of your workable space and what is currently working for you verses what isn’t. For example, I told myself last year that I wanted to work out more. So, I moved my workout equipment to be the first thing I see in the morning instead of the closet.
2. Let There Be Light
Lighting is everything when it comes to waking up, getting out of bed, being productive, or even just lounging around. Lamps are a great way to set whatever mood you are in. You can generally swap out bulbs if they have the same base and fit the socket. The same goes for lamp shades. They can make or break a living space. Many thrift stores and places like and Home Goods have a variety of options for lamp shades such as this fun Cottage Core lamp on Amazon. Recently, I bought a lamp from Home Goods that is a lipstick and its adorable.
3. When in Doubt, Go Up!
The biggest issue with small homes is the limited floor space. Walls are an underappreciated way to save space. While paintings are lovely, the space could be used for something else. Recently, I crocheted a few tapestries that my necklaces hang on. Styling the room vertically with floating shelves, over-the-head storage, or tall, slender bookshelves, will not only make the room seem taller, but also more full. Bed risers or a lofted bed can also help with storage.
4. Add Your Personality
Furniture is expensive and you might not always be able to afford the style you’re going for. You may even like several styles that clash. To combat this, focus on little details that show your personality. Change out the knobs on your dresser or door for unique ones you can find on Amazon or play around with different textures of wallpaper, pillows, and picture frames to see what you like. Focusing on the smaller items can have a big visual impact on your home and be a great way to express yourself.
5. Get Into The Zone
If you are living in an open-concept space, at times it can seem everything is blending together. Even then, areas can be separated with dividers or rugs. Different lighting can set the tone for different spaces such as having fairy lights over your bed. Use rugs to divide different spaces such as underneath a desk to create a work or study zone. I make my own coffee in the morning, so I have a rolling cart that serves as my coffee station. This makes your room feel less cramped and more contained and helps attune your space towards your needs.
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