DIY Life

So, you're currently paying $1,200 for a 400 square foot apartment, and all of this talk of a recession still hasn't convinced your landlord to lower your rent. I'd tell you to make homemade lemonade out of lemons, but I suppose your kitchen's countertop isn't even big enough for a cutting board... right?

No worries. Follow our DIY decorating tips that will make even the tiniest of spaces feel like a million bucks... and square feet.

1. Be a wallflower. That is, use your wall space for more than just the latest artwork. Walls have just as much function as the floor beneath them, so get crafty and make the most of your space. Need a place to sort your bills or catch up on correspondences? Why not install a wall-mounted desk like Maggi Pattillo's oak workspace? No room for a bed in your studio? Try a recessed bed using a sturdy wall and a few handy tools. Perhaps you don't have a proper dining room table, and your parent's hand-me-down won't quite fit through your tiny apartment door. Try a folding wall table using folding shelf brackets from your local hardware store.

2. Divide and conquer. Room dividers are a must when you live in a small space, as compartmentalizing is everything. I love how Alex created a DIY room divider with just a few supplies and a lovely lofted space. No need for extra storage? Try a sleek, modern aquarium to divide your space. Your guests will be [almost!] as bug-eyed as the fish inside! And of course, for the greenie in you, turn a few hanging planters into a privacy fence of sorts... indoors! The look is both fun and funky -- perfect for apartment dwellers across the board.

3. Declutter. The easiest of DIY's? Trash it. Get rid of your un-used items, because when your space is smaller than Thumbelina's elbow, there's no room for extras.

Need more small-space decorating tips? You don't need a DIY guide; just follow some basic tips for decorating with limited square footage. A few ground rules: Avoid bulky furniture, purchase items that serve double duty (i.e. ottoman and coffee table!), and be sure to light the room properly.

After all, the best things in life come in small (and sometimes cramped!) packages!