In bustling cities where housing prices remain high, many people opt to buy old apartments or rent spaces and remodel them in their preferred style to create a comfortable and ideal living environment. Emily Krutz from the United States is a prime example of creative ingenuity. With clever ideas, she transformed her modest 11.2-ping (about 37 square meters) apartment into a cozy and enviable home.

Emily did not hire a professional designer or follow any specific style guide. Instead, she relied on her taste and inspiration gathered from Instagram, personally turning the compact space into her perfect retreat. When asked whether living in such a small space felt cramped, she smiled and said, &ldquoNot at all!&rdquo

Her design journey was filled with personal touches and creative thinking. Her favorite part of the apartment is the gallery wall, which she curated over time by collecting suitable frames and artworks. The final display tells a story, and every time she looks at it, she feels her effort was worthwhile.

Naturally, the biggest challenge of a small space is how to maximize its use. Emily admitted this was the hardest part&mdashfiguring out the best placement for every piece of furniture, especially since this was her first apartment. But through trial and error, she finally found the ideal layout.

One of her proudest achievements was a DIY project: she designed and installed a hanging copper divider to subtly separate the bedroom area. This clever solution maintained an open feel while adding layers and a sense of design to the space.A hanging copper partition cleverly separates the bedroom area, maintaining a sense of openness while avoiding clutter, making it a perfect DIY solution in home design. (Image: apartmenttherapy.com)

However, renting did present some limitations. Emily couldn&rsquot make structural changes to the apartment. If she could, she would love to replace the kitchen cabinets and the bathroom countertop, especially the sink, which she feels is in dire need of improvement.

As a book lover, she can never have enough shelves. With her book collection growing, she plans to add another bookshelf to better organize her beloved titles.

Her final tip is simple yet powerful: don&rsquot be afraid to break the rules of design. She pointed out that many people feel confined by conventional styles, but in reality, you should feel free to experiment with what you love. Whether it&rsquos layering rugs at unconventional angles or hanging baskets above tables for decoration, Emily&rsquos out-of-the-box thinking helped her create a truly personalized home.Breaking conventional design rules, overlapping rugs, hanging baskets as decorations, and even using benches or shoe racks instead of coffee tables&mdashall create a personalized home style. (Image: apartmenttherapy.com)

Ultimately, this thoughtfully curated small apartment not only brings Emily a sense of warmth but also wins praise from her friends. Every visitor is amazed at how cozy and inviting the space is, and many compliment her on her unique design taste. Emily&rsquos dream is to one day add a classic Selig Z chair next to her favorite corner, adding one more touch of elegance to her charming home.

Want to follow Emily&rsquos lead and transform your own space? Don&rsquot hesitate&mdashget started! With a little creativity, even an 11-ping apartment can become the dream home you&rsquove always imagined.