3 Small Space Dwellers Share What They Love Most About Living In Under 1,500 Square Feet

While living in a space that measures less than 1,500 square feet isn't for everyone, there's something oh-so-special about charming small homes. We spoke with three small space dwellers located throughout the South and asked them to share with us what they love the most about their setup, how they make the most of limited square footage, and how to decorate a small house or apartment so that it shines. Trust us, these small homes are full of major style!

Charleston, SC: Marianne Verrilli

Six months ago, content creator Marianne Verrilli relocated from New York City to her 900 square foot apartment in Charleston's South of Broad neighborhood. The unit is housed within an 1890s home, and Verrilli was immediately drawn to all of its historical charm.

"I love all of the original molding and fireplaces and tall ceilings," she says.

Her favorite spot in the apartment? The room that she now dubs her "sun parlor" and is perfect for entertaining and lounging.

"It's an enclosed space that was once an outdoor piazza—you can still see the original house siding and door opening on the wall," Verrilli says. "It’s such a special space to have my coffee in the morning and watch the sunset in the evenings." When she isn't hosting guests, Verrilli uses the sun parlor as her home office.

Given that her apartment doesn't offer any closets, Verrilli has had to creatively maximize storage.

"I have taken advantage of the vertical space, adding lots of bookshelves to double as both storage and decor," she says. "I also try to incorporate furniture pieces that have storage capabilities whenever possible." Verrilli particularly appreciates vintage trunks. "I have a couple that store extra bedding, beach towels, spare flower vases, and tablecloths," she says. "They are so beautiful in a space but also hold so much!"

Living in a small space has prompted Verrilli to truly maximize each part of her home so that it reflects her style and serves her needs.

"I love all of the detail and the challenge of making each area feel special," she says. "There are so many nooks and crannies to this apartment which really makes me think outside the box when decorating. Having limited space allows me to put more attention to detail in each room, and the end result is something that is 100 percent representative of me."

Washington, D.C.: Imani Keal

Content creator Imani Keal has resided in her Georgetown, Washington, D.C., apartment for a little over a year.

"I was drawn to it because it had south facing light, hardwood floors, and a landlord who didn't care if I painted or drilled holes in the wall—a DIYer's dream," she says of the 850 square foot space.

Her favorite element of her apartment is the overall flow and layout of the space.

"The kitchen and dining area are all one room, while the living space is completely separate, even though there is line of sight," Keal says. "I value having distinct rooms and the separation that comes with living in a pre-war apartment."

Likes Verrilli, Keal has had to make do without any closet space in her apartment.

The self-described "maximalist with way too much stuff" has made us of storage solutions ranging from IKEA's Elfa Utility Rack to Container Store solutions to vintage curios and wall hooks.

She encourages fellow small space dwellers to have a bit of fun with moody hues, if they wish.

"No amount of white paint will make 300 square feet feel like 900 square feet, so don't be afraid to paint your small apartment a dark color," Keal says.

She is also a proponent of purchasing larger furniture pieces when possible.

"They will give you the storage you need, and it's better to have one big thing rather than a bunch of small things that will make the space look cluttered," Keal shares.  

Northeast Florida: Tara Carney

Tara Carney is a content creator living in Northeast Florida and residing in a 1,300 square foot single family home.

"I loved the view of the St. Johns River from nearly every window, the sweetest front porch, the high ceilings, the bay window, and most importantly, the potential," says Carney, who moved into her home four years ago.

Plus, she adds, "There’s a certain sense of coziness that can’t be duplicated in a larger space that I find to be extra special."

Carney encourages small space dwellers to opt for furniture pieces that are versatile.

"Buffets and sideboards can serve multiple functions," she says. "Storing things under the bed or stacking books on top of and below a coffee table are a few ways I’ve utilized small spaces."

Last but not least, Carney says, make sure to work your walls: "Art is a great way to show your interests and taste as well as making the space feel unique to you!"