If, like me, you need a little bit of positivity in your life, you should follow Kelvin Davis. The model, blogger, author, and body-positive influencer has good vibes in droves, sharing them across his platforms — whether it’s dancing on TikTok or Instagram, or writing on his blog, Notoriously Dapper, or in his book, “Notoriously Dapper: How to Be a Modern Gentleman.” His current home is a 789-square-foot apartment in Columbia, South Carolina, that he’s been renting for two years and shares full-time with his Shih Tzu, and with his two daughters part of the time. Recently featured in many publications like The New York Times, Glamour, BuzzFeed, and Huffington Post for his mission to spread joy, this little peek at a few simple-but-stunning corners of his home might just be the moment of peace and positivity you were looking for today.

Kelvin says that he started his blog, Notoriously Dapper, after a shopping trip “left a bad taste in his mouth. Ever since then I have vowed to never feel that insecure or ashamed of my size again!” Kelvin wrote on his blog. “I started posting outfit looks to inspire and show men of size that you can be stylish regardless of our sometimes limitations when shopping or viewing clothing advertisements.”

“As an artist I view fashion as an outlet,” he wrote on his website. “It is one’s way of expressing themselves to the world. Your body is the blank canvas and your clothes are the medium. Whether it be the shirt, pants, shoes or accessories worn; the outfit is the art-making process and the final product is your fashionable creation.” In his small apartment, clothes and accessories have become art themselves, with a number of items like hats and shoes displayed proudly. Another huge influence on his home’s decor is the fact that Kelvin is a dad to over 50 plants, many of which are frequently the backdrop to his often hilarious and always inspiring social media posts.

Inspiration: I have over 50 plants that are used to decorate my apartment, I have a nice amount of sunlight. I also have concrete floors, a colorful rug, and a gray couch.

Favorite element: I would say I love the open layout of my apartment, I love the concrete floors, the valet trash service. I also love the amount of light that comes in my apartment.

Biggest challenge: The layout was a bit strange for me at first; it was my first time living alone after I moved out when I got separated. Trying to find things to make it feel like a home for me.

Proudest DIY or product hack: I would say making the most out of the layout I have. Checking the color schemes, organizing my plants to where they make an indoor jungle appearance without taking up too much space.

Is there something unique about your home or the way you use it? I switched the office into a bedroom for my daughters. The room has bunk beds, and the washer and dryer are also in a nook near the right side.

Please describe any helpful, inspiring, brilliant, or just plain useful small-space maximizing, cleaning, or organizing tips you have: I would say to utilize as much space as you can. Vacuum and dust often, also buy organizational/decorative storage items.

Finally, what’s your absolute best home secret or decorating advice? Find things on sale/cheap. Go to a thrift store or consignment shop, or get things on sale at places like Target, Home Hoods, or Walmart.

• Kitchen table/chairs — Target

• Tempur-Pedic Luxe Breeze Split King Mattress — Tempur-Pedic
• Tempur-Pedic Ergo Smart Base Split King Size — Tempur-Pedic
• Dresser — IKEA
• Hanging Rack — Amazon

Thanks, Kelvin!

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