Our homes are our safe havens. They are where we retreat to at the end of a long day at work, after a dysfunctional family gathering, or at the conclusion of an enjoyable vacation weekend. Whether we are happy or sad, our homes provide us with a specific kind of comfort unlike any other. It is important that we love our homes and feel safe and happy there, no matter what the size. For those of us that live in small spaces, it can feel like a stretch of the imagination to think that we can transform a tiny studio into a majestic castle. But whether you are a starving artist, a student living in debt, or simply a working adult getting a small paycheck in an expensive city, you can turn your studio into a comfortable living space. Here are some ways to get you started.

Get rid of stuff

When you live in a studio or a loft apartment you need to maximize your space, and that means keeping it clutter free. So before you do anything else, go through everything you own and make three piles: keep, store, donate. Anything you need on a daily or weekly basis, keep in your apartment. Anything you need once a year or less, store elsewhere. And if there is anything in your apartment that you never use – clothing, furniture, kitchenware – donate it to a local Salvation Army or Goodwill. The less stuff you have, the more space you have!

Get organized

Now that you have purged your studio of everything unnecessary, take what is left and organize it. More clothing fits in a drawer if it’s folded and more dishes fit in a cabinet if they are stacked in size order. Organization will help you create space and keep it. Buy large plastic containers for clothing that is off-season and store them under your bed. Organize your shoes with stacked shoe shelves in your closet instead of just leaving them all over the floor.

Try using multi-functional furniture

When you don’t have a lot of space, you need to make sure everything in your apartment serves a purpose. Even better? When something serves two or more purposes. Consider a futon instead of having both a bed and a couch. If your bookshelf has extra space, fill the unused shelves with towels or dishes. Don’t be constrained by how things are “supposed” to be used. Get creative!

Use smart lighting

Lighting is a great tool to make a room look bigger than it is. This can be especially important in a studio. Using bright lights and mirrors is a great way to create the illusion of space where there isn’t any. Mirrors can be purchased inexpensively at Salvation Army type stores and other home décor stores. Standing lamps and table lamps are easier to install, but hanging lights on the walls saves space. Before adding any light fixtures to the wall, though, check your lease for what you are allowed to do.

Use light, bright colors

Small spaces feel even smaller when the walls are painted a dark color. So paint your studio with white, eggshell, or any other light color. Decorate with these colors, too. You would be surprised by how much bigger your apartment will feel after a simple coat of paint.

About the Author: Robert Mansions is a property management professional specializing in Chicago apartments for rent. When he’s not working, you can find Rob training for the Chicago marathon.