Melanie works at LinkedIn and is “obsessed with my job and the company! It’s a place where I can be my best self every single day and not feel burnt out … ever, because I’m doing what I love to do … helping others.”

But just because she’s a corporate girly, she’s not interested in bringing work home to her small space. “My home is where I host (I’m obsessed with hosting), live, and, most importantly, unwind and ROT!”

This is actually the first time Melanie has lived alone, and had to tackle a number of challenges, such as making a small space work and working within a budget. “I knew I had to focus on space-saving solutions that wouldn’t make the space feel cluttered,” Melanie begins.

“I HATE clutter, but I love sentimental things, which is a TOTAL oxymoron. I’ve spent quite a bit of money at The Container Store and IKEA to make those two happen. I swear by The Container Store and I (humbly) feel like I am their poster child/ideal customer — they have a solution for every one of my crazy storage needs down to the millimeter.” She also “decorated everything I bought” from IKEA with “removable wallpaper to make it feel more personal.”

But Melanie hasn’t just customized her small studio for herself. “I wanted to give Tay (my pride and joy) a safe, cozy spot as well,” Melanie begins. “So in any spare area, including on the walls, I added a pillow cover and some soft toys so she can nap in a new place and explore.”

• All wallpaper — Amazon
• Mostly thrifted shelves

Thanks, Melanie!

This tour’s responses and photos were edited for length/size and clarity.

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