Muji’s Micro Apartment Is the Small Space of Our Dreams

Idea #1: Pretend You Just Moved In

Let's start with the idea that you just moved in by doing an inventory of your kitchen haul. Pull out the things that you don't use daily and find another place for them (maybe a closet or garage). Declutter and organize: Keep quality items, reduce plastic as much as you can, and find your inner minimalist by keeping the kitchen clutter-free by only storing essential items. Then decide where you could use organizers, dividers, and bins to keep drawers and cabinets tidy.

Pull-Out Cabinet Organizer

Pots & Pans Organizer

Elfa Over-The-Door Rack

Idea #2: Maximize Your Counter Space

Counter space is essential in a small kitchen, so shed any non-essentials sitting on top of it. Can you move a microwave you barely use to a small island? Your juicer into a cabinet? Choose smaller or multi-functional appliances to save on counter space, and install cutting boards that can slide over the sink or stove. Foldable or extendable counters that can be tucked away and used only when needed are another great idea for small yet functional spaces.

Yamazaki Kitchen Appliance Bottom Drawer + Side Table

Workstation Sink Bamboo Cutting Board

Appliance Lift

Bushore Kitchen Island

Idea #3: Play With Vertical Space

Think high when designing a small kitchen. Maximize vertical storage if you have tall cabinets. Use hooks or racks for pots, pans, and utensils to free up cabinet space. And add shelves for frequently used items to create an airy feel and make the most of wall space.

PB Manchester Brass Rail With Hooks

Heidegret Floating Shelves, Set of 2

Rejuvenation Under-Shelf Swiveling Hook Accessory

Idea #4: Embrace Light Colors + Reflective Surfaces

Light colors for walls, cabinets, and counters can make the space feel larger and bring more light in. Reflective surfaces like glossy cabinets, glass tiles, or stainless steel can enhance light too.

Luna White Ceramic Subway Tile

Favorite Benjamin Moore Whites

Idea #5: Install Layers Of Lighting

A small kitchen can really benefit from lighting high and low, especially if you're not graced with a lot of natural light. Look for a fun (but small) pendant, install under-cabinet lighting to brighten up your cooking stations, add wall sconces to add extra charm.

Schoolhouse Ray Pendant

Germantown Swing Arm Sconce

Idea #6: Keep Your Design Consistent

Beyond decluttering and organize, use a consistent style for containers, cookware and organizers to create a cohesive look and feel.

Greenpan Reserve Ceramic Nonstick 10-Piece Set

Idea #7: Label Everything

Label containers and shelves to keep everything organized and easy to find. Use clear containers too so you don't inadvertently double up on items. Now enjoy your clean and happy space!

308 Kitchen Pantry Labels

Anthropologie Kori Modular Armless Sofa

Great way to save space? Lose the arms! With this comfortable modular sofa you can do just that. We are digging this clay color too. It's 100% linen, has a tropical hardwood frame, and there's no assembly required on your part!

Castlery Hamilton Sofa (Performance Brilliance White)

This sectional is a minimalist lover’s dream while the removable cushion covers makes it easy to keep it clean. You'll receive the maximum amount of coziness without sacrificing the contemporary aesthetic you're going for.

LEISLAND Modern Sectional

Pet-friendly chenille fabric in a gorgeous blue will cheer up any small space. Two arm cushions make it extra cozy.

Albany Park Kova Sofa + Ottoman

Get sucked in for all your movie nights with this deep and cozy, cloud-soft sofa. The ottoman provides extra storage too!

Living Spaces Emery Chiffon Sofa With Reversible Chaise

This affordable sectional seats three comfortably and gives you the option to move your chaise from left to right and vice versa (the extension below the chair cushion is detached). Available with an optional storage ottoman too.

Novogratz Magnolia Sectional

Modway Revive Modern Upholstered Right or Left Sectional

Clean lines with mid-century vibes make this sleek sofa in a rich jewel tone an easy fit for your snug space.

UO Modular Velvet Sofa

Small sectional sofas should be super cozy and chic like this modular design.

Available in a bunch of candy-colored hues, this velvet sofa is super versatile, featuring three separate pieces that you can arrange to suit your space.

Ami Sun Sofa With Reversible Chaise

Soft, suede-like fabric make this reversible chaise sofa an elegant addition to any small space, from living room to office.

Geo 2-Piece Vegan Leather Sectional

This sleek silhouette, reversible sofa and chaise is made in vegan leather upholstery that's super easy to clean.

All Modern 2-Piece Reversible Chaise Sectional (Burnt Orange Performance Velvet)

This space-conscious sofa doesn’t overwhelm a room and it's upholstery stands up to sun and spills, win-win!

Etta Avenue Chella Upholstered Sectional (Gray)

This black velvet chaise lounge has a bit of Old Hollywood vibes. It's reversible and has a unique tufted feature on the back rest. Two round pillows included — score!

Eafurn Convertible Modular Sectional Sofa

This modular sofar is easy to assemble, super affordable, and comes in a soft corduroy upholstery.

West Elm Oliver 2-Piece Chaise Sectional

West Elm has great sofas and this one is totally affordable and small-space-friendly at just under 80 inches wide.

APT2B Harper Reversible Chaise Sleeper Sofa (Blush Velvet)

You’ll get to have one of the cutest sectional sofas out there while creating a sleepover situation with the sleeper option! It’ll be ready 30 days after you make your purchase because it’s made to order!

IKEA FRIHETEN Sectional (Skiftebo Blue)

Burrow Field 3-Piece Sectional Lounger

This compact, two-seater with chaise has deep seats, plush cushions, and comes with an ottoman (you can also add seating as you grow into a larger space).

Mario Capasa Feathers Sectional (Grey)

This washable sectional is water-resistant and stain-resistant and the feather-and-fiber blend batting make it so cozy.

Best Choice Linen Sectional Sofa w/ Chaise Lounge (Black)

For less than $800, you’ll be able to say that you have one of the best sectional sofas that doesn't require you to spend a ton of cash. I’m all about finding ways to save money so I made sure this linen beauty is at the top of my list.

It’s a modular sofa that comes with a reversible ottoman and is designed to fit three people comfortably. This works perfectly if you’re in the mood to catch up on Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 with your besties.

Latitude Run 2-Piece Corduroy Sectional (Dark Green)

With its 4.8 rating on Wayfair, this is one of the best sectional sofas you’ll find under $1000. You’ll get free white glove delivery (such an advantage) so you can spend more time worrying about how many naps you can take on it.

It’s incredibly comfortable with its deep seating and has a moderate height that comfortably fits short and taller people. If it’s just you and your roommate or S.O., you should definitely consider this two-seater!

What is 'Good American Family' about?

Only four episodes of the dramatization, starring Ellen Pompeo as Kristine Barnett, Mark Duplass as Michael Barnett, and Imogen Faith Reid as Natalia Grace, have come out thus far, with the fifth being released on Wednesday, April 9.

It follows the Barnetts, a family from Indiana, who adopted Natalia Grace, a Ukrainian orphan with dwarfism, in 2010. Natalia, whose birth certificate said she was born in 2003, was thought to be about 6 years old at the time, but the Barnetts eventually accused her of lying about her age and terrorizing their family.

What happened with Natalia Grace and the Barnetts in real life?

After adopting her, Kristine and Michael Barnett alleged that Natalia had traits that suggested she wasn't a child, such as adult teeth and body hair. Plus, Natalia was accused of standing at the end of Kristine and Michael's bed with a knife, trying to poison Kristine's coffee, and attempting to push Kristine into an electric fence.

So, in 2012, the Barnetts petitioned the court to have Natalia's birth date changed from 2003 to 1989. This made her legally 22 years old, and Natalia was put in her own Lafayette apartment. At the same time, the Barnett family cut contact with her and moved to Canada in order to pursue their biological son Jacob's education.

"I didn't understand why I was alone. I just knew I had this instinct in me to push and survive. All I was told was, 'You're 22 now. Whenever somebody asks you what your age is, you say you're 22 and you tried to murder your family.' I was taught to lie," Natalia told People earlier this year.

What happened with Natalia Grace and the Mans?

Natalia befriended a neighbor, Cynthia Mans, after she began living alone as a child. Cynthia and her pastor husband, Antwon, had 10 children and ultimately invited Natalia to live with them.

The Mans then worked to obtain Natalia's guardianship, but this meant her prior age-change order would need to be vacated via more court petitions. Following DNA analyses and medical examinations, which reportedly proved Natalia was 22 years old at the time and, therefore, a child when the Barnetts moved to Canada, Natalia's birthdate was changed back to 2003, and in 2023, the Mans finally adopted her.

The same year, public interest in Natalia's adoption story skyrocketed due to the docuseries The Curious Case of Natalia Grace. She got a chance to speak out about the allegations against her during the series' second season, but by the end, Antwon and Cynthia Mans surprisingly echoed the concerns of Natalia's past adoptive parents, saying she'd become "the enemy of the house."

Season 3 of The Curious Case of Natalia Grace expanded on why Natalia wound up leaving the Mans family at the tail end of 2023. She accused them of being controlling, and a UK man she met online named Neil claimed they were financially exploiting her.

Natalia proceeded to leave Nashville, where the Mans family had relocated, and get on a plane with Nicole DePaul, a woman who'd tried to adopt her in 2009. Neil reportedly helped concoct the plan.

Is Natalia Grace still with the DePaul family?

Today, Natalia lives in upstate New York with Nicole DePaul and her husband, Vince, who both have dwarfism. In an interview with People, Nicole detailed, "At first, it was bumpy because the Mans were still involved. They were calling Natalia constantly and trying to wheel her back in."

How is Natalia Grace now?

She has been diagnosed with multiple conditions, including anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and reactive attachment disorder. In January, Natalia was learning how to drive and studying for her GED with the goal of becoming a teacher. She also expressed her desire to get married and have kids.