Creative Ways to Renovate Small Spaces on a Budget

Creative Ways to Renovate Small Spaces on a Budget

Introduction

Vlogging isn’t new. It’s been through algorithm changes, platform shifts, and the rise and fall of new apps—and it’s still here. That kind of staying power isn’t luck. It’s because the core of vlogging is simple: connection. People want real stories from real people, not just polished perfection or viral noise.

But 2024 has a different feel. Platforms are getting smarter, audiences are getting pickier, and the volume of content is at an all-time high. Being a creator now means playing a sharper game. What worked two years ago might be dragging you down today. That’s why it’s no longer about chasing trends blindly. You have to step back, assess what connects, and double down on what actually delivers.

Function comes first. Being consistent, easy to follow, and valuable matters more than next-level editing. You don’t need the best gear out there—but some investments are worth it. Know where to go lean and where smart spending can save you time or boost your quality. The big picture for 2024: create with purpose, not perfection.

Small spaces force smart choices, and in 2024, vlogging setups are getting a serious upgrade thanks to smarter storage. First, think vertical. Wall-mounted shelves, hanging racks, and discreet hooks aren’t just decorative—they get equipment off the floor and free up filming zones. Gear like lights, mics, and even cables can live on the wall when they’re not in use.

Next, go multi-purpose. Ottomans that store batteries, fold-out desks for quick setups, and beds that swallow tripods underneath—they’re all doing double duty. The less time spent hauling gear in and out, the more time spent filming.

Don’t sleep on dead space, either. That awkward corner you never use? Add a slim rolling cart or corner-mounted tripod. Under-bed storage boxes make perfect homes for editing accessories or backup drives. A good vlogger makes content out of whatever’s around. A great one makes space where there wasn’t any.

If your vlogging space is feeling cramped or uninspired, paint can do a lot of heavy lifting. Start with light, neutral tones on the walls. Whites, soft grays, or pale beige work well to open things up and reflect more light, which helps with video quality too.

Accent walls are another solid move. Pick one wall and give it a bold but not overwhelming color. This adds style and character without making the room feel smaller or busier. It’s an easy way to personalize the space without cluttering it up.

Don’t stop at the walls. Painting furniture or cabinets in complementary shades can tie everything together. It gives the space a professional but lived-in vibe and keeps things cohesive without needing to buy all-new gear or furniture.

Renter-Friendly Upgrades That Feel Custom

Decorating a rental can feel limiting, but temporary solutions are getting better, smarter, and more stylish. With new materials and DIY-friendly tools, making your space feel like home is more possible than ever—no permanent changes required.

Peel-and-Stick Surfaces That Transform

Forget bland kitchens and dull bathrooms. Peel-and-stick options offer easy upgrades on a budget:

  • Backsplashes: Waterproof peel-and-stick tiles can mimic real ceramic, glass, or even stone.
  • Countertops: Contact paper in marble, granite, or wood patterns can give your counters an instant facelift.
  • Application is simple and damage-free when removed correctly.

Layering Over Laminate: Flooring Fixes

You don’t have to live with outdated or scratched laminate flooring. Area rugs can add warmth and style while covering imperfections:

  • Choose large rugs to define spaces in open plans.
  • Play with textures and color to add depth and personality.
  • Use rug pads to prevent slipping without damaging the floor.

Wallpaper That Looks Built-In

Temporary wallpaper has come a long way. Modern peel-and-stick designs are bold, durable, and surprisingly professional in appearance:

  • Add an accent wall to create a focal point.
  • Choose subtle patterns for a timeless, high-end feel.
  • Easy to apply and remove without damaging the surface beneath.

These stylish, renter-friendly upgrades allow you to personalize your space in ways that feel permanent but aren’t. It’s all about working smart with what you’ve got.

Lighting can make or break a vlog setup, and small upgrades go a long way. Start by ditching outdated fixtures. Sleek, modern lighting not only looks better on camera but also brightens up your space without a full remodel. Mirrors are your secret weapon—place them across from windows or near lights to bounce brightness around and add visual depth. If you’re renting or just want an easy win, try plug-in sconces or peel-and-stick LED strips. These are affordable, renter-friendly, and give you better control over your visual tone without touching a single wire.

Open shelving is one of the cleanest tricks in the book for making any space look bigger. Without the bulk of solid cabinets, your walls breathe and your stuff becomes part of the design. The goal isn’t clutter—it’s to create openness without sacrificing function.

Floating furniture is the next move. When chairs, consoles, or even tables lift off the ground, they give the illusion of space. Keeping the floor visible tricks the eye into thinking there’s more room than there is. It’s practical minimalism at work.

You can also break up a room visually without building walls. Rugs, hanging curtains, or even shifting paint colors are solid ways to zone a space. It defines areas without closing them off. For vloggers working out of small apartments or studios, these tricks help you create different moods for different content without rearranging your whole life.

Form Meets Function: Minimalist Decor That Works Hard

Vloggers, especially those filming from compact spaces, are embracing decor that does more than just look good. The 2024 vibe is all about functional minimalism—design choices that serve both aesthetic and practical roles.

Functional Art: Every Piece Works

Forget wall art that just hangs there. In the new wave of creative spaces, everything plays double duty.

  • Pegboards: A clean, customizable way to display gear, tools, or accessories. It keeps items accessible while creating an eye-catching backdrop.
  • Open shelving: Show off your best equipment, books, or props without creating clutter.
  • Furniture with built-in storage: Ottomans, desks, or even headboards that hide equipment or supplies.

Curate, Don’t Collect

Less is still more. Instead of filling every corner, focus on intentional design.

  • Choose a few key pieces that reflect your style and brand
  • Stick to a minimalist color palette to reduce visual noise
  • Rotate decorative items quarterly to keep your space feeling fresh without constant buying

Plants: Simple, Powerful Impact

Digital setups can feel sterile—plants add life, warmth, and balance without consuming valuable square footage.

  • Tiny succulents for desks and shelves
  • Hanging plants add vertical interest without using floor space
  • Low-maintenance greenery like snake plants or pothos that thrive in various lighting conditions

These small touches bring personality to your setup and improve air quality while keeping your filming space visually interesting.

Functional decor is no longer a niche trend. It’s a necessity for creators who want to stay organized, efficient, and on-brand in front of the camera.

DIY vlogs are leaning hard into hands-on skills again. Viewers are showing up for creators who know how to swing a hammer, not just stage a shelf. Painting, basic carpentry, and smart décor swaps are back in the spotlight. It doesn’t have to be pro-level. People respond to real results, not perfection.

Online tutorials have also lifted the fear out of tougher tasks. Tile work and peel-and-stick vinyl are no longer intimidating thanks to approachable walkthroughs and trial-by-error honesty. Creators who can show both missteps and wins are building trust fast.

There’s also a growing appetite for thrift flips and intentional upcycling. Think less landfill, more character. Repurposed finds tell stories that big-box buys can’t. Viewers want projects with soul — ones that say something more than “sponsored haul.”

This kind of content is sticking because it teaches, relates, and feels personal. It’s not about the biggest budgets. It’s about showing what’s possible with time, patience, and a bit of grit.

Keeping interiors cohesive doesn’t have to mean complicated. Start with finishes. Use the same metal tones or wood types across fixtures and furniture to create flow. Jumping between brass, chrome, and matte black in a single room trips the eye and breaks the rhythm.

Then focus on color. Choose two to three base tones and stick to them. That might be warm neutrals, cool greys, or a bold anchor with softer accents. Limiting the palette keeps things grounded and gives even the smallest spaces a sense of harmony.

Speaking of small spaces—intentionality matters. Every piece should have a reason to be there. Skip the filler, think multi-functional, and give items enough breathing room so the space feels edited, not stuffed.

For more on transforming interiors with purpose and budget in mind, check out the Complete Guide to Renovating an Older Home Interior.

You don’t need studio lights, a $2,000 camera, or a room plastered with sound foam to start vlogging in 2024. What you do need is clarity—about who you’re talking to, what you’re offering, and why it matters. The barrier to entry has never been lower, thanks to solid phone cameras and free editing apps. But the bar for standing out? That’s never been higher.

Start with a plan. Map out your message, your tone, your upload rhythm. Think about what makes your perspective different. Even a small apartment or shared kitchen can be the perfect stage if your angle is fresh and your storytelling is tight.

It’s not about big gear or big money. It’s about purpose, grit, and using what’s already in your hands. Creators who figure that out now will have the edge.

Scroll to Top