Small space, big impact: Leanne Ford’s secrets to minimalist living in apartments and rentals

Ford's recent book, "The Slow Down," dives into the art of thoughtful, soul-driven design. While chronicling her journey in renovating her own “needs-work” dream home, the OHIO alumna shares principles that make any space—no matter the size—feel like home.

We asked the queen of lush, comfortable minimalism for her best small-space design secrets. From creative storage hacks to budget-friendly DIY projects, Ford’s advice makes it easy to bring character and coziness to even the smallest of spaces.

In “The Slow Down,” you emphasize a more mindful approach to design. How do you think that philosophy best translates into small, temporary spaces like dorm rooms or rentals?

Just get started — don't wait until "someday" to make the space you are in now feel like your own. Your home (temporary or not) does not have to be perfect to be beautiful! And it most certainly doesn't have to be expensive to be beautiful either. Swap out the lights for a paper lantern shade that you found on Amazon, find a beautiful scarf you can hang on the wall as art, move the furniture around until you find a layout that you like, collect things that light you up and put them on display. Making small changes like these can make any space feel like a home, so just trust your gut and get started.

What are some common design mistakes people make when decorating small spaces, and how can they avoid them?

One thing that can make a big difference is to paint the ceiling the same color as the walls. A lot of times people just don't paint the ceiling. It's such an essential part of the space. By painting the ceiling, you connect and simplify the whole space visually.

For those living in rentals, what are your top suggestions for making a space feel personalized without making permanent changes?

Three things:

1. Focus on lighting. Bad lighting that makes a space feel like a hospital will never let your space feel like a home. So swap out your old light bulbs for warm toned light bulbs, cover builder grade lights with paper lanterns that you can order right off of Amazon or if you don't have any pendants, go find some vintage lamps and only ever turn those on.
2. Get art up on the walls — this can be a dropcloth you painted on, a scarf you found, a letter from your friend, polaroids with happy memories on them. Whatever it is just make sure YOU love it and then get it up on your wall. Whether you have to use washi tape, nails or the back of a Command strip — just go for it!
3. Choose a color story and stick to it. Having one color story in a space simplifies things on the eye and the brain and will make your space feel more calming and put together.

Storage can be a huge challenge in small spaces. What are your favorite creative storage solutions that don’t compromise on style?

Build up! Raise your bed and get bins to go underneath (just make sure that the bins fit your color story). Add shelves or thrift a dresser or add hooks! Just remember that there is all this space up there that can be utilized, you just have to get creative. When I moved to New York City I built a little desk into my closet. 

Your signature “white on white” aesthetic is both calming and open. What advice do you have for someone who wants to use color in a small space without overwhelming it?

As I mentioned, choose one color story, whether that is white or pink or orange, and stick to it! Then just focus on layering in different textures within that color story. This will keep things simple on the eye and the brain, something you will want when working and living in a small space.

How can those of us living in small spaces find the right balance between minimalism and making the space feel cozy and lived-in?

Texture, nature and vintage are the main ingredients for my fail-proof recipe to add soul into any space. Again, choose one color story for all your things and then focus on layering in texture, nature and vintage on top of that.

I promise you, a monochrome space, especially an all-white space, does not have to feel stark. Use it as a blank canvas and start layering the life into it!

As you’ve worked with a wide variety of clients, what has been the most surprising solution you’ve found for making the most of a small living area?

I know it seems counterintuitive, but pull your furniture off of the walls. Even if it is just mere inches that you move your couch off your wall, it immediately elevates the space and makes the room feel less crammed.

How can people ensure that the decor and furniture they invest in now can grow with them as they move into different homes or larger spaces in the future?

Go thrifting or vintage shopping for furniture instead of making the trip to Ikea! These pieces have already withstood the test of time and will continue to do so.

To bring Leanne's thoughtful design philosophy home, pick up a copy of "The Slow Down" wherever books are sold, or purchase a signed copy.

Top photo from "The Slow Down" - Interior Design: Leanne Ford Interiors, Interior Styling: Hilary Robertson, Photography: Amy Neunsinger.