What are you good at?

As a self-taught interior designer, I’ve spent years shaping spaces through lived experience—not just theory. I’ve learned how to work with tight corners, budget constraints, rental rules, pet chaos, and evolving life stages. And in all of it, I’ve asked myself this honest question:
What am I actually good at?

The answer is simple:
I’m good at designing homes that solve real-world problems.

I specialize in making spaces functional, adaptable, and beautiful—especially for those of us living in small apartments, rental flats, and homes filled with pets, shifting needs, and stories in progress. Below are the areas where I bring practical, tested, and deeply considered solutions—built on observation, experimentation, and a relentless love for making things better.

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1. Small Space and Space-Saving Designs That Actually Work

Designing for compact homes isn’t about shrinking your lifestyle—it’s about elevating it with smart choices and spatial clarity.

• Precise Layouts: In homes under 50 sqm, I zone spaces using a minimum 60–70 cm clearance around furniture to maintain comfortable flow. Multi-functional pieces like a 90×50 cm drop-leaf dining table double as a workspace or prep station.
• Vertical Space Use: I work with 210–240 cm of vertical height using custom shelving and tall storage to reduce floor clutter.
• Sliding, Nesting, and Foldables: Foldable desks, nesting stools, or sliding doors (70 cm panels instead of 90 cm swings) free up valuable real estate.
• Multifunctional Furniture: In small apartments, every piece must earn its place. I often choose items that serve at least two purposes—like a 120×40 cm storage bench that doubles as seating and hidden shoe storage. A 75×75 cm ottoman with a removable tray works as a table, footrest, or extra seat. For studios under 40 sqm, I use sofa beds or modular sectionals with hidden compartments to maximize both function and flow without overwhelming the space.
• Materials: For small space efficiency, I select lighter visual weight materials—powder-coated steel legs (20 mm diameter or less), open-frame birch, acrylic paneling, and pale woods like ash or whitewashed pine. Tabletops in high-pressure laminate (HPL) or engineered oak veneer add durability without bulk. I avoid bulky hardware and opt for integrated pulls or push-to-open systems to streamline lines.

Example: In a 38 sqm apartment, I designed a custom wall bed with a 140 cm mattress and integrated side shelving that extended no more than 25 cm, allowing space to walk around even when the bed was down.

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2. Renter-Friendly Designs That Feel Like Home (Without Losing the Deposit)

Rental spaces deserve personality and functionality without permanent changes.

• No-Drill Solutions: I use tension rods for curtains, adhesive hooks, and removable wallpaper. For art, I rely on ledges or lean-style arrangements.
• Modular Pieces: I choose light, modular furniture that fits future homes, like a 160 cm modular sofa in three parts or stackable chairs.
• Color Through Layers: Rather than painting, I layer color and texture through 200×140 cm area rugs, throws, and custom curtain panels.
• Materials: I look for peel-and-stick floor tiles with a wear layer of at least 0.3 mm for durability, lightweight solid pine shelving that installs with pressure mounts, and modular components with powder-coated finishes that resist chipping during moves. Curtains are usually in 100% linen or 50/50 cotton-polyester blends to avoid wrinkles and wear.

Example: In a rented 2-bedroom flat, I added a gallery wall using 3M strips, replaced builder-grade lighting with plug-in wall sconces, and brought in a 2×2 m washable rug to define the living room without altering the floors.

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3. Pet-Friendly Designs (Built Around Real Life, Not Just Pinterest)

Living with pets means rethinking materials, layouts, and even cleaning routines.

• Performance Fabrics: I choose upholstery with high Martindale ratings (20,000+), and avoid looped weaves that attract claws.
• Hidden Zones: I integrate storage benches (40–45 cm high) that double as pet hideouts or feeding stations.
• Non-Toxic Finishes: I check for VOC-free paints and sealed wood finishes that won’t harm pets.
• Materials: I prioritize velvet-look polyesters (pile weave, 30k+ rub count), solid beech wood sealed with water-based varnish, scratch-resistant melamine boards, and jute or flatweave PET rugs that resist stains and claws. All paints used are low-VOC or natural mineral-based finishes.

Example: In a 65 sqm home with a large dog and a cat, I custom-built a 120×60 cm entry bench with a pull-out drawer for pet gear, plus a 30 cm-wide open cubby that acted as a cozy cat nook.

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4. Sustainable Designs That Respect Your Space, Style, and Planet

Sustainability isn’t a feature—it’s a foundation. I make eco-conscious decisions practical.

• Local, Long-Lasting Materials: I prioritize FSC-certified woods, handmade tiles, and low-impact textiles like organic cotton and linen.
• Upcycling and Reuse: I rework old furniture—sanding, painting, and reconfiguring pieces to create new utility.
• Lighting and Airflow: I use LED lighting, layered task and ambient light, and encourage natural ventilation for healthier homes.
• Materials: My go-tos include salvaged teak, natural linoleum with jute backing, sisal, bamboo, and low-VOC MDF. Upholstery is usually OEKO-TEX®-certified and foam cushions are replaced with natural latex or coconut coir blends when feasible.

Example: In a 55 sqm flat, I restored an old teak cabinet into a 150 cm TV console, used limewash paint on walls, and installed energy-efficient plug-in wall lighting with 6W LED bulbs to save power and ambiance.

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5. Scalable Designs That Grow With You

Design should adapt as your life changes.

• Flexible Storage: I use stackable bins, adjustable shelving (30–45 cm depths), and customizable drawer dividers.
• Expandable Furniture: Dining tables that grow from 100 to 180 cm, or sectionals that can switch orientations.
• Timeless Aesthetic Base: I design around soft neutrals and warm textures that allow for seasonal swaps and evolving tastes.
• Materials: For scalability, I choose solid wood frames that accept future modifications, tempered glass tops for visibility and safety, and neutral high-pile or low-pile rugs that measure at least 2×3 m to suit evolving layouts. I avoid trend-specific colors in base layers, instead adding those through 45×45 cm cushions, throws, and runners.

Example: In a newlywed couple’s first apartment, I chose a 180×80 cm dining table that extended to 240 cm for gatherings, and a neutral 3-seater sofa with removable covers to accommodate future kids or pets.

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6. Biophilic Designs That Invite Nature Indoors—Calmly, Honestly, and Practically

Biophilic design isn’t just a trend—it’s a philosophy I carry into every space. It’s about nurturing well-being through connection with nature, using form, materials, light, and atmosphere. Even in the most compact homes, there’s always room to breathe better with nature in mind.

• Layered Greenery: I use a 3-level placement strategy—ground-level (e.g., 60–80 cm tall floor pots in corners), mid-level (countertop height 25–30 cm), and overhead (hanging or wall-mounted planters at 180–200 cm).
• Living Finishes and Textures: I bring in raw oak trays, rattan lighting, hand-thrown ceramic pots, and linen curtains that filter light like tree leaves. Nothing glossy—everything touchable.
• Natural Patterns and Views: Even wallpaper or cushions with gentle leaf imprints or flowing patterns help. Where windows open to concrete, I use mirrors to bounce greenery from inside back into the room.
• Sound and Scent: A small tabletop fountain (25 cm wide) placed in the reading corner and diffusers with vetiver, pine, or basil help layer the sensory connection with nature.
• Materials: I favor unfinished woods like oak and cedar (sealed with natural oils), cotton canvas, jute, and ceramics that retain texture and breathability. For soft furnishings, I use unbleached linen or wool blends in natural tones, and always choose breathable, light-filtering fabrics to connect interior rhythms with daylight.

Example: In a 40 sqm rental studio for a remote-working professional, I designed a green corner with a custom 120×30 cm reclaimed teak shelf below the window. It held a cascading pothos, a terracotta planter with a ficus elastica, and two smaller ceramic herb pots. Above it, a lightweight bamboo pendant (only 25 cm deep, plug-in style) brought warm glow without ceiling rewiring. To soften harsh light, we used sheer off-white cotton drapes that brushed just above the floor—visually expanding the room and creating movement when wind flowed in.

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Let’s Keep the Design Conversations Going

If you’re navigating a small space, renting with restrictions, living with pets, or simply trying to create a home that grows with you—this is for you.

I started asking myself what I was good at—and I found out it was this:
Solving real interior design problems with empathy, creativity, and clarity.

If that resonates with you, I’d love to connect.

Visit Odin’s Wisdom to explore thoughtful, experience-based tips and real-world design stories. You’ll find practical solutions, heartfelt moments, and inspiration for every kind of home—rented, owned, or somewhere in between.

Have a space you’re stuck on? A small corner you’re dreaming of transforming? You can reach out with your questions, layout dilemmas, or sourcing worries—I’m always happy to help fellow design lovers think things through.

And if you’ve got a story or experience to share, I’d love to hear it. Let’s grow this community—one space, one story, one idea at a time.