6 Smart Storage Hacks Made a 300-Square-Foot Studio Feel Twice as Big

“Before moving in, my studio apartment had a cold, impersonal feel — very hotel-like but without the luxury,” Elise describes of the Toronto apartment she owned. “The walls were a predictable millennial gray, making the space feel flat and uninspired. The lighting was harsh, and the overall vibe was blank and lifeless, lacking warmth or personality. It had all the essentials but felt more like a temporary stay than a home.”

Elise says she was inspired by the idea that successfully living in a small space doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or comfort. She used things like “thoughtful design, creative storage solutions, and a cozy, maximalist aesthetic” to make her tiny studio feel and function like a home.

After her design touch, the apartment was “filled with color, texture, and personality — a far cry from the cold millennial gray it once was,” thanks to things like “curated decor, layered textiles, playful textures, and bold-yet-warm color palettes.”

She says her home’s walls weren’t just blank canvases; they featured “art that sparks joy, a mix of travel finds, and pieces that tell a story,” Elise describes. “There’s also a sense of versatility in how I style my space — just like my wardrobe, I love swapping out details to fit my mood or the season. Whether it’s a statement rug, quirky ceramics, or soft lighting, everything in my home is designed to make me feel inspired, comfortable, and truly at home.”

Elise recently made the move from Canada to California. She said goodbye to this small space and moved into a 1100-square-foot space in the SF Bay area. But before she made the move, she shared just some of the ways she made every inch of her old 300-square-foot studio apartment work.

Right when you walk in, I installed a hook rack for everyday grab-and-go items like my keys, bags, and light jackets. It creates a bit of a “drop zone” without needing a bulky console table, which just wouldn’t fit in this layout anyway.

Behind the bathroom door, I added a sleek over-the-door hook that holds my bulkier everyday jackets. It freed up so much closet space!

The slim white shoe cabinet by the kitchen island was such a game-changer. It blends in with the rest of the room, but hides away all my shoes — all while still being super-narrow. Plus, I styled the top with a little tray and trinkets so it feels more intentional.

Because closet space was limited, I brought in a clean, open-style clothing rack to display my most-worn pieces. It doubles as storage and a styling moment — almost like a mini boutique by the window.

Above my desk, I mounted two floating shelves to keep the surface clear. They hold everything from notebooks to decorative pieces that make the space feel cozy and personal without being cluttered, plus a lamp to add warm lighting in the evening.

Initially this shelf was meant to store extra coffee/tea items, but I realized it was perfect for bulkier items like sweaters and hoodies. It keeps them stacked and accessible without having to shove them into drawers or hang them awkwardly, and I still have everything I need for my morning cup of Joe on the countertop.

Each of these pieces serves a specific purpose, but together they really helped make the space feel intentional and livable — even with limited square footage.  

• Murphy bed — Previous owner
• Clear table — Wayfair
• Paper lamp — EQ3
• Picture prints — NASA
• Rug — Wayfair
• Shoe rack — Wayfair
• Artwork — Self-made
• Hanging plant — Umbra
• Wall hooks — Umbra
• Monstera — The Sill
• Purple bubble mug — Blume
• Disco ball — Amazon

Thanks, Elise!

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

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