5 Tips for Making a Big Impact with a Small Budget

Atelier Fēn founder Sha Wang shares five tips for making a big impact on your home with a small budget.

Transforming a space on a tight budget doesn’t mean sacrificing style. Sha Wang, founder of Atelier Fēn, offers practical and savvy tips to make a significant impact without overspending.

1. Choose one hero piece to anchor the room

In a compact space, a single statement — a sculptural chair, an oversized artwork, or a beautiful light fixture — can define the entire atmosphere. Let it lead, and keep the rest quiet.

2. Establish a visual signature

Small spaces benefit from visual consistency. Choose one defining element — a tone, a shape language, or a material — and repeat it subtly throughout to create cohesion and intentionality.

3. Let the space breathe

Resist the urge to overfill. Negative space is your luxury. A restrained palette and thoughtful placement create calm, clarity, and flow.

4. Rethink and repurpose

Rearrange furniture for better movement, repurpose stools as side tables, or turn vintage trunks into storage. Small spaces thrive on flexibility and creativity.

5. Hide function, highlight feeling

Built-in storage, concealed cabinetry, or dual-function furniture keeps clutter out of sight. Balance utility with layered textures — linen, wool, wood, matte ceramic — to add quiet depth.