Creative tips on how to transform your small living space

Tiny apartments can be super cute, but having a small space to work with can be restrictive to decorate. It's tight, it's tricky, and if you're not careful, you might end up with a place that gives off a cramped grandma house vibe rather than a chic urban space.

Who wants that?

Certainly not you!

Your living space should reflect your style and personality, regardless of size. With all the right things in place, you can turn that little corner into a stylish sanctuary that's anything but boring.

We're here to help shake things up and show you how to transform your small space into a jaw-dropping creative home. So sit tight as we take it step by step.

What is considered a small living space?

The typical size of a small living space can vary depending on who you ask and where you're looking. Generally, though, a small-sized home is usually under 2500 square feet.

But what's considered a small home to you might be an average home to another—it's all in perspective. It's like how a cosy restaurant can feel intimate to one person and cramped to another.

Common examples of small living homes

Let's take a closer look at some common examples of small living spaces.

1. Studio Apartment

A studio apartment is a single-room unit consisting of just one room. In this type of home, your bedroom, living room, and kitchen are all rolled into one space. The only separate sections are the bathroom and toilet. The rent for a single-room apartment in Nigeria can range from 150,000 Naira upwards, depending on the location.

2. Mobile home

These are prefabricated houses built in a factory and transported to wherever you want. Such homes are available on e-commerce sites like Amazon and when purchased can be delivered to your desired location. How cool is that?

These mobile houses are also much cheaper than traditional houses, so if you're looking for a budget-friendly way to own your place, a mobile home might just be the perfect solution. 

However, since mobile houses are a very new concept in Nigeria, you might be lost on where to look. You can simply head to Karmod to see the prices and specifications of mobile houses.

3. Mini flat

Mini flats are a bit like the Goldilocks of living spaces; they are not too big, not too small, just right. It's typically a step up from a studio apartment, offering more space to stretch out while keeping things cozy.

In a mini flat, you'll usually find a separate bedroom, a living area, a kitchen, and a bathroom. It's the perfect option for someone who wants a bit more privacy but doesn't need a ton of extra room.

Challenges of decorating little spaces

It's not all sunshine and rainbows when dazzling up a petite living space. Here are some challenges to expect when decorating your small home:

1. Working with less square footage can make it hard to find the right balance for style without overcrowding the space.
2. Storage space can be a big challenge when decorating your tiny home. Finding spots to store your stuff without everything becoming a hot mess can feel almost impossible.
3. Small spaces can often feel dark and cramped, especially if you don't have a lot of natural light.
4. Every piece of furniture needs to pull double duty to balance functionality and aesthetics.

Now that we've shown you some common challenges you might encounter with decorating your tiny home, we can't just leave you hanging, "no-on, not on our watch!". 

Below, we put together some tips to overcome these hurdles and truly transform your small space.

Steps to Transforming Your Small Space

Transforming your tiny living space can be mentally draining, but don't be scared, we are here to hold your hands and guide you. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to switch up your tiny living space:

Step 1: Declutter like there's no tomorrow

For this first step, assess each item in your home and ask yourself, "Does this spark joy, and do I need this?" If the answer is a resounding "yes," it stays. If it's more of a hesitant "maybe" or a definite "nope," it's time to let go. Letting go of some of these items might make you feel sad, but hey, think of it as making room for fresh starts and exciting new adventures! 

Before you close this chapter, sift through your discard pile and find those items still in good condition. These are the gems waiting to find a new home. Donate them! Someone else might find joy in what no longer serves you, and it's always nice to give back to the community. So, grab those trash bags and donation boxes, and get on with it.

Step 2: Maximize all you can

When you're dealing with a tiny space, every little bit counts. So, how do you ensure you're getting the most out of your pint-sized pad? Well, first off, install vertical shelves on your wall. This shelving unit should go all the way up to the ceiling. Absolute lifesavers. You can stash books, knick-knacks, plants—whatever you desire—without sacrificing precious floor space. 

Plus, these vertical shelves trick the eye into thinking your ceilings are higher, making your room feel more spacious.

Another game-changing thing you can do to maximize every inch of your little piece of heaven is to buy multi-functional furniture. This furniture isn't just practical; it has many adorable and innovative designs. 

And for the best part? You can totally flex it on your friends. Say something like, "Oh, you like my dining table? Yeah, it folds down into nothing." Then you wow your friends as you effortlessly fold it up—ta-da! It's both practical and impressive!

Step 3: Splash on some colour

Painting your walls can change the vibe of your space. So in this next step, think about colours that make you super happy with butterflies in your tummy. 

However, during your colour selection, keep in mind that if you want your room to feel bigger and more open, light and airy colours are where to go. Light colours like soft blues, gentle greens, or creamy whites will bounce light around, making everything feel more spacious.

But if you are more in your adventurous baddie era, why not go bold? A pop of vibrant colour can bring your room to life. Maybe you love sunny yellows, fiery reds, or ocean blues. It's your space, so go crazy!

Step 4: Make your tiny home truly yours

This fourth step is where you let all those little personal creative thoughts in your head come out. Begin by personalizing your space with photos that mean something to you. It could be a lovely shot with your furry friend or a heartwarming family portrait; these pictures are like windows into your soul. Anytime you look at them, they'll be reminded of the people and moments that matter most.

If just pictures on the wall are not enough for you, you can add an extra dose of personality by sprinkling in other elements that mirror your unique tastes and interests. It could be a collection of vintage vinyl records or a display of your favourite books. The key is to surround yourself with things that bring you joy and make you feel at home.

Step 5: Install a full-sized, breathtaking Mirror

For an extra touch of glam to take your tiny home to the next level, full-sized mirrors are your best bet.

Think about it, you walk into your space, and BAM! There's this stunning, full-sized mirror greeting you. 

That screams classy!

Not only does the mirror serve its practical purpose for outfit checks and last-minute touch-ups, but it also works wonders in making your small home feel more glamorous, spacious and airy - it's a three-in-one gig.

However, before you settle on a mirror, explore the different shapes available. There are round mirrors, oval mirrors, even funky geometric ones. By mixing things up, you're adding visual interest and personality to your space.

For an opportunity to look at an array of beautifully designed full sized mirrors, check out Pinterest.

Cute ways you can add a touch of Gen Z to your home

We can't deny it, Gen Z styled decors are really popping. They are vibrant, bold, and undeniably fun. There's a soothing breath of freshness that comes with embracing the aesthetic of the younger generation. Luckily, incorporating some Gen Z flair into your home is easier than you might think.

One easy way is to bring in those fabulous colours. Gen Zs aren't afraid to go bold with their colour choices, so why should you be? 

Think vibrant hues like electric blue, neon green, and hot pink. Whether you paint an accent wall or add pops of colour with throw pillows and accessories, injecting a little dose of brightness can instantly liven up any space.

Another Gen Z-approved trend to try is statement art. It could be a funky gallery wall filled with quirky prints or a bold, oversized painting that steals the show, adding a pop of personality to your walls is a surefire way to give your space that Gen Z edge. And don't be afraid to get creative; after all, home decor should be as fun and expressive as you are!

Lastly, let's not forget about plants—lots of plants. It seems like every Gen Z-designed home on Instagram or TikTok has an abundance of greenery, and for a good reason. Not only do plants bring a touch of nature indoors, but they also impart a sense of tranquility and calm. Plus, they make a fantastic background for Instagram content, so it's a big win-win.

Wrap up

There are so many creative ways to transform your small living spaces into your small living paradise—it's all in how you decorate it! We've shared some creative tips, from selecting the perfect colours to incorporating creative little pieces that add personality. 

So, whether you're dealing with a studio apartment or a mini home, remember that size doesn't matter when it comes to the heart of your space. Sprinkle some love into your decor choices, get creative, and watch your small home turn into a place you're proud to call home!