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Small Space, Soft Life
22
items Living in a one-bedroom condo with my partner, both of us working from home, means our space has to do a lot.
It’s where we work, rest, and spend most of our time, so I was really intentional about how it feels day to day.
With limited square footage, the goal wasn’t just to make everything fit.
I wanted it to feel open, calm, and actually enjoyable to live in. I focused on pieces that serve a purpose while still adding comfort.
Small changes made a big difference. The idea was to make our home feel lived in, not crowded.
It’s where we work, rest, and spend most of our time, so I was really intentional about how it feels day to day.
With limited square footage, the goal wasn’t just to make everything fit.
I wanted it to feel open, calm, and actually enjoyable to live in. I focused on pieces that serve a purpose while still adding comfort.
Small changes made a big difference. The idea was to make our home feel lived in, not crowded.
Sections
4
The Bedroom
The Living Room
Work Desks
The Kitchen
The Bedroom
Soft bedding, warm lighting, and simple décor make it feel restful and inviting.
I didn't care much for sheets back then. I just bought whatever was available in a color I liked. A friend put me on these bamboo sheets and I will never go back to linen, cotton or silk. The softness is unlike anything I’ve experienced with my old o...
Bamboo Sheet Set
This is such a tiny addition to our room but it made a huge mood difference. The water ripple effect just calms you instantly. Pair this with a cozy YouTube playlist and you're all set to stay in bed for hours.
Water Ripple Lamp
Okay, I know this seems lazy but hear me out. You can set a time when the curtains open and close. Instead of a harsh alarm, you wake up gradually to natural light. The soft, slow light makes getting out of bed way easier and just feels… nicer. It’s ...
Automatic Curtain Opener
I wanted a storage solution that didn’t make our place feel like a store display. Plastic cabinets or bulky drawers were out of the question. I also didn't want to build IKEA cabinets because I didn't want to deal with heavy furniture if we ever move...
Ottoman With Storage
A regular fan felt too bulky for our small space and I wasn’t into the look or price of a Dyson bladeless fan. I ended up getting a tower fan instead. It's slim, fits perfectly in the corner, and comes with a remote. It keeps the room cool without ta...
Tower Fan
Got this from IKEA when I was shopping for something else. It's dark green, has 3 different brightness settings, and even shows the day. The sleek design fits perfectly with the aesthetic of our home.
IKEA BONDTOLVAN Digital Clock
Our home is smart, so it made sense to add HomePods to every room, even the bathroom. We rarely use Siri for anything other than controlling music or the TV. It keeps things simple while adding a consistent sound experience throughout the flat. We ca...
HomePod
The Living Room
Minimal furniture, soft lighting, and a few personal touches make it feel cozy without taking over the space.
Open flames are a big NO in our household, but I still wanted to enjoy my scented candle collection. This lamp melts the candle just enough to release its fragrance safely while giving off a soft, cozy light. It also doubles as a dip warmer, making i...
Candle Warmer Lamp
These giant cushions are incredibly soft and make it impossible not to take a nap on them. They are also large enough to provide back support while working. I have three of them arranged on the couch and the floor to maximize comfort and make the liv...
Muji Soft Cushion
Another soft and warm light source. Yes, we have lots of lamps. We never ever use the big lights if we can't help it. Those are for emergencies only.
Cordless Table Lamp
A foldable table is a need for me. I do lots of arts & crafts but I don't have much space to work in. This table has multiple uses for me. Sometimes it's a craft desk, sometimes it's for meals while watching TV. It folds away neatly behind our co...
Foldable Lap Desk
I really dislike plastics in my home, so I chose woven baskets to hold all the odds and ends around the condo. They are easy to use, look much nicer than plastic, and help keep the space tidy.
Muji Water Hyacinth Basket
A fleece blanket that has sleeves. That's it. Maximum comfort.
Wearable Blanket
I made my partner buy “Us” fresh flowers from the farmers' market every week. I used to put the flowers in a glass pitcher, finally gave in and bought a cheap glass vase. It livens up the room, adds a touch of color, and makes our small space feel fr...
Clear Vase
Work Desks
Sharing a small condo meant we needed efficient work zones. Simple desks, neatly organized essentials, and thoughtful layouts let us focus without feeling cramped.
Yet another lamp. I have this because I like working in the dark. Another warm light source! I attached this to my desktop monitor. I think this is too big for a laptop.
Monitor Light Bar
Our millennial hearts screamed for cream and black. My partner’s chair is black and mine is this cream one. It was affordable, comfortable, and fits perfectly with the overall aesthetic of our home.
IKEA MILLBERGET Swivel chair
I’m short, and even at the lowest setting, my chair leaves my feet dangling. To solve this, I added this cushioned footrest. It makes sitting at my desk much more comfortable and keeps my posture supported.
Ergonomic Memory Foam Footrest
The bulky laptop risers and stands didn't work for me and my aesthetic. I found these and they were perfect. Just two small pieces of wood, they can be hidden away when not in use and easily carried in a bag if I want to work outside.
Wooden Laptop Stand
The Kitchen
Our kitchen is small but functional. Not much counterspace so I figured something out.
I'm Asian and I prefer bowls over plates. We have different sized bowls for everything. Food rarely spills, and they are easier to hold when washing dishes, making both cooking and cleanup simpler and more comfortable.
IKEA OMBONAD Bowl
For Matcha drinkers 🍵
IKEA Drinking Glasses
With such little space to work on, I found this pot stacker which fit in the cabinet beside my stove.
Pan Organizer Rack
Others opt for a drawer or a glass bowl for their pods, but with my small counter, I chose to stick it to our wall. There's also a magnetic version.
Coffee Pod Holder