Small spaces can feel like home
I’m Olivia — a small space living enthusiast, DIY addict, and the person who will convince you that your 500 sq ft rental can look like a page out of a design magazine. Without breaking your lease. Or your budget.
Whether you’re squeezing into a studio apartment, renting your first place, or just tired of a space that doesn’t feel like you — you’re in exactly the right place.
From cluttered rental to cozy dream space
A few years ago, I moved into a tiny apartment that felt nothing like home. Bare white walls, zero storage, and a lease that said I couldn’t drill, paint, or hang anything heavier than a framed photo.
Like most renters, I thought I had two options: live with it or spend a fortune buying my way out of it. I chose neither.
“If I can transform a 400 sq ft rental with peel-and-stick wallpaper, tension rods, and IKEA hacks — so can you.”
I started experimenting with removable wallpaper, Command strips, furniture arrangement tricks, and thrift store finds. Room by room, that bare rental became a space I genuinely loved coming home to — and I didn’t lose a cent of my deposit when I left.
That’s when Olivia Hart was born. I started sharing my ideas, and realized thousands of other renters were dealing with the exact same problem — and needed real, practical solutions, not just pretty Pinterest boards.
The Olivia Hart philosophy
Renter-first, always
Every idea on this site works without drilling, painting, or violating your lease. Your deposit is sacred — I treat it that way.
Budget doesn’t mean basic
You don’t need a designer budget to have a beautiful home. The best small space transformations I’ve seen cost under $100.
Real solutions, not just pretty pins
Everything here has been tested in a real apartment. If it doesn’t actually work, you won’t find it on this site.
Everything you need for your small space
Small Space Ideas
Storage hacks & smart layouts for tiny rooms
DIY Decor Projects
Easy weekend projects that look expensive
Rental-Friendly Tips
No-damage decor your landlord will approve
Seasonal Styling
Cozy seasonal updates for every time of year
Room Makeovers
Before & after transformations room by room
Ready to fall in love with your space?
Start with my free Renter-Safe Decor Checklist — 20 landlord-approved products and tricks I use in every project.