This 378-Square-Foot Studio Uses a $25 IKEA Item to Make the Smartest Divider Ever

It wasn’t just the building Cleveland was interested in; he actually waited a few weeks until this specific unit — a 378 square foot Sacramento studio — became available. Located on the top floor, facing the south, and with delightfully high 15-foot ceilings, Cleveland’s rental studio apartment is “perfect for someone like me who’s 6’2”. Honestly, the ceilings were the real clincher.”

Perhaps most of all, Cleveland knew this space could be a blank canvas for his design and decor content creator work. Cleveland says the rental was a “simple, modern builder-grade” space when he first moved in over six months ago. Today, he describes his home’s style as “eclectic Japandi with contemporary cozy vibes.”

It’s not just style that he’s packed into this small studio; he’s also packed a ton of storage, which he says has “made all the difference” in a super-small space. “Right when you walk in, I’ve got two shoe cabinets that stash everything from shoes to hats and bags,” writes Cleveland.

“My sofa actually has hidden storage under the cushions — perfect for sweaters and extra blankets. I also use under-bed bins for things like pillows and more sweaters and sweatpants,” Cleveland continues.

“The media console holds all the electronics and random stuff I’d rather keep out of sight. Even the bathroom pulls its weight with a utility cabinet and a generous closet. All these smart storage spots let me keep the space open and clean without sacrificing any of the style I wanted.”

• KLASSRUM — IKEA
• MACKAPÄR Shoe Cabinets — IKEA
• Cat in a Coin Bank  — Museum of Modern Art
• VARMBLIXT Lamp  — IKEA
• PERJOHAN Stool — IKEA
• Limited-Edition Dunny — Kidrobot
• Yayoi Kusama Artwork Above Door — Etsy
• Entryway Shoe Cabinet & Room Divider Paint — Flat Ivory

• JÄTTEBO — IKEA
• Togo Dupe — Wayfair
• Chevron Throw — Sunday Citizen
• Sphere Pillow — Sunday Citizen
• IDGRAN Throw Pillow — IKEA
• Low Side Table — H&M
• Besta Media Console — IKEA
• Pop Light Wall Sconces — The Pop Light
• Loloi x Angela Rose Amira Collection — Loloi Rugs
• DIY Divider — IKEA IVAR side unit rail and polycarbonate sheet from Home Depot

• Bar Table — Wayfair
• Bar Stools — Wayfair
• Architectural Digest Terran Moss Rug — Ruggable
• Breville Duo Temp Pro — Breville
• Mid-Century Coffee Poster — Etsy
• Over Sink Art — Etsy

• European Flax Linacel™ Duvet Cover — Sunday Citizen
• KYRRE Stool — IKEA
• SOLVINDEN LED Lamp — IKEA
• EKET Drawers — IKEA
• LINDBYN Mirror — IKEA
• Govee Floor Lamp — Govee
• MALMBÄCK Shelves — IKEA
• Candle and Room Mist — Brooklyn Candle Studio
• Snug Lumbar Pillow — Sunday Citizen
• Throw Pillows — Amazon
• Yayoi Kusama Artwork — Architeg

Thanks, Cleveland!

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

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