30 Inspiring Small Spaces That Prove Less Room Means More Creativity

Whether you live in an apartment or a small home, a lack of square footage doesn't mean you have to skimp on style. Let these designer spaces be your muse. From cozy, cottage-style corners to modern (but modest) lofts, petite rustic retreats and more — we're sharing inspiring small spaces to suit every design style. Read on to see them all.

Smart storage solutions combine for a foyer that works as you leave and come home. The built-in bench provides a place to sit and slip on shoes, while drawers underneath provide storage and jackets and purses are hung on hooks. The live-edge shelf acts as an entry table without taking up any floor space. Plus, it's handy for setting items you need to remember on the way out or for jotting down a grocery list.

Wrapped in rustic wood planks and exposed beams, this snug living room is the perfect place to hole up with a great book or take a long winter's nap. Steamlined mid-mod furniture contrasts with the brightly colored rug and eclectic mix of accessories for a collected-over-time look.

A four-poster bed, re-envisioned: suspended from ropes, this bed has the illusion of floating in mid-air. In reality, it's anchored by a hidden box underneath. We love that it delivers a visual airiness to this by-the-sea bedroom in classic blue and white. The nautical theme continues in the seahorse drum shades and coral artwork.

Our love for pedestal sinks in small bathrooms knows no bounds. Their simplicity, small footprint and oh-so-chic design make them the perfect option. In this powder room, Wedgwood blue paint, tongue-and-groove walls and an antique mirror combine with a pedestal sink for a charming cottage look.

Attics turned bedrooms don't have to feel Little Princess-esque. Even with its low, angled ceiling, this room is a dreamy retreat. Overhead, gold polka dots decorate the ceiling while a Sputnik-inspired light fixture adds a contemporary nod. A tufted teal headboard pairs with clean white bedding and textured pillows, while gauzy white curtains convey a flowing airiness to the space.

Size is key when selecting furniture for tight quarters. A dining table with a tulip base takes up a lot less real estate that its four-legged counterpart. A fun mix of seating — a leather loveseat set against the wall and a trio of teal-painted bentwood chairs — creates a playful, eclectic vibe.

Even unusual nooks or layouts can be used to the max. At the bottom of this staircase is a tucked-away study with a floating desk and Eames chair. Bookshelves are built in under the stairs so every bit of space has a purpose.

When working with small spaces, and especially in tiny homes, height is also a concern. This loft bedroom maximizes head space by tucking the bed into an eave and adding a recessed skylight so the space feels less closed-in.

Above a detached garage, this studio apartment maximizes its small space. Designed as a guest quarters, the space is a true home away from home complete with a full kitchen, bathroom and comfy living room. A floating, sliding barn door can be closed to separate the bedroom from the rest of the apartment for privacy.

Once a carriage house, this newly envisioned living space embraces its unusual angles. The ceiling is painted white to visually add height while steps lead down to the marble-clad kitchen with its cherry red cabinets and wood plank walls. Rough-hewn dining furniture adds to the overall rustic feel of the distressed floors and exposed beams and columns.

Powder rooms are a favorite place for designers to have a little fun. Since they err on the petite side, it's doesn't cost as much to experiment with a design element you might be nervous to try in your main living area. Here, whimsical flamingo wallpaper sends this bathroom to the tropics while a simple white mirror and vanity balance out the pattern.

You don't have to shy away from dark colors in small spaces. In this little galley kitchen, black creates depth and a striking contrast against the white backsplash and cabinets. Open rustic wood shelving and glass upper cabinets add a lightness to the room.

In this spa-style bathroom, the floor-to-ceiling glass shower door expands the bathroom letting the eye travel unimpeded through the space. Marble flows from the countertops to the backsplash and shower with warm tones that reflect the brown hexagon tiles.

Opt for open shelving rather than bulky cabinets that weigh down kitchen walls. These light yellow shelves create the illusion of more space, while still providing plenty of room for stowing dishes and bowls.

Graphic gray-and-white cement tile grounds this petite bathroom with a chic geometric pattern. A clean-lined navy vanity is clad with a simple white countertop but gets a dose of up-to-the-minute metallics with gold fixtures and hardware. The round mirror is essential for getting ready, but also helps to visually expand the space.

There's no tinier living than a tiny house. With just a little over 270 square feet, this house brings only the essentials to the table but not without style. Reclaimed barn wood, beautiful navy cabinetry and industrial-style accents combine for a rustic yet contemporary vibe. The garage door opens to seamlessly blend the inside and out.

Floral wallpaper plays up the walls in this tiny bathroom, where swooping brass sconces flank the mirror above the vanity. In the shower, classic white subway tiles are used floor-to-ceiling for a bright and continuous aesthetic.

Setting the scene for this bedroom are zig-zagging bookshelves. Not only do they create a compelling backdrop, but they also house a massive collection of beloved reads. The plush bed is dressed in muted tones of blue and gray with lively pops of red. A light fixture mixing exposed cords and bulbs adds in a decidedly industrial feel to the room.

And sometimes you just have to take out a wall. Though removing the wall between the living room and kitchen didn't physically add more square footage, visually, it makes a big impact. The whole space is more open and brighter.

Whitewashed wood plank walls combine with a porthole window for a seaside cottage aesthetic. Gunmetal fixtures complement the earth-toned marble on the vanity, and a geometric pendant light, along with the pair of classic sconces, illuminate the space.

This petite living room packs in a lot of seating by opting for woven chairs and tables that have a weightless quality. The sofa, additional chairs, rug and curtains boast soft neutrals that help lighten the palette, while color appears in bright bursts of yellow and aqua.

This tiny living room tempers its furnishings to the space. Low furniture with clean lines allows the space to feel open and bright rather than weighted down by oversized, bulky pieces. Pops of color and groovy accessories add to the mid-mod vibe.

When working with a small room, use every possible area. Designer Sarah Richardson finds an antique cabinet to fit perfectly between the two coat closets in this cottage mudroom. It provides extra storage below and still allows room above for a beautiful vignette.

Bunk beds are a major space saver in kids' bedrooms. Whether siblings are sharing a room or you want to accommodate sleepovers, you get double the beds for the same amount of floor space. Decked in lavender walls and starry wallpaper overhead, these bunk beds relax in a completely dreamy atmosphere.

A little cutaway in the wall adds much-needed storage in this entryway. Wooden shelves bring warmth to the white walls and also give the homeowner space to display favorite accessories. A farmhouse-inspired tray serves as a great spot to store boots and shoes.

The 1920s clawfoot tub and wall-mount sink with dual fixtures conjure a delightfully vintage feel in this black-and-white bathroom. Open shelves behind the door provide indispensable storage without taking up any floor space.

A color palette of soft neutrals and white is visually expanding and creates a truly calming atmosphere. Here, the neutrals are played up by classic furniture with feminine lines and quiet detailing. Pale blues and graphic patterns keep the room from feeling too static.

Embrace all your niches. This mustard yellow tufted banquette is built into a cozy nook and paired with a tulip table and simple contemporary chairs for a casual dining spot. Herringbone hardwood floors ground the room in classic pattern.

Tiny pantry? No problem. Use fun woven and wire baskets to keep all your pantry staples in line. Place similar items together on the shelves and make sure the space is well lit.