apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Small spaces work best when clutter is controlled. Jessica and Alex's home office (and the rest of their home) is clean and organized, and her inspiration board keeps her thoughts in order.

Create storage wherever you can. Dana's coffee table doubles as a library for large-format books.

Don't discount oddly shaped spaces. Nicole and Brandon used this hallway nook to make a reading corner.

In Karl's Mid-Century Home, curtains extend into the corners of a small room, making the window seem larger and expanding the sense of space.

In Sa's hallway, built-in shelving houses her CD collection without occupying a large footprint.

White walls and floating shelves keep Jim and Kari's kitchen feeling airy. The stainless steel surfaces also reflect light, further opening up the space.

Glorily and Jeremy's dining room makes use of some classic small-space solutions: pale walls and furniture, a mirror that reflects light, and built-in shelving.

Modular furnishings provide flexibility in a small space. If you rearrange a room, these Cubits can be reconfigured. Photo: Melissa and Matt's Design Lab

Dave's place incorporates unexpected storage. The salvaged lockers lining the wall add character and space to hang clothes.

In a tight space a pedestal table can fit more seating than a leggy one. Photo: Emily and Craig's Logan Square Rehab

In Alex's apartment, a loft bed is stacked above the bathroom, leaving the rest of the space open for living room, dining room, home office and kitchen.

Christy and John's bungalow makes use of every oddly shaped nook. They found a spot for bathroom storage under the skylight.

If you don't have a dining room or space for a kitchen table, an island/bar can double as counter space and an eating area. Photo: Kathleen and Alex's Guest-Ready Condo

Amy's Retro Ravenswood Apartment proves that dramatic patterns can work in small spaces. The black-and-white color scheme also helps to coordinate different areas.

Meg and Ross' living room solutions: a low bookshelf under the window, side tables with storage, and a clear coffee table.

Using a curtain to conceal the closet can save a lot of space by reducing the floor area that would otherwise be needed to open a door. Photo: Arthur's Long-Distance Home