About Nook & Penny

Nook & Penny is for people who live in small places and don't have a big decorating budget — which is most of us.

Studios, one-bedrooms, shared rentals, first apartments. The guides focus on what actually changes how a small home looks and feels: layout, light, storage, texture and a few well-chosen pieces. Every idea comes with measurements or an approximate US price list, so you can see the total before you start.

Who's behind it: Nook & Penny is run by Martín Golia, an independent publisher. More about who's behind Nook & Penny →

What we believe

  • Small is a design problem, not a punishment. Good layouts beat more furniture every time.
  • Renters deserve nice homes too. Most projects are removable or reversible so you keep your deposit.
  • Show the receipt. If a room costs $200, the guide lists where the $200 goes.

Editorial policy

  • How guides are written: Martín Golia researches each topic, drafts with the help of AI writing tools, then reviews and edits every guide before it goes live. We don't claim to have tested products unless we say exactly how.
  • Sources: safety, health and money facts link to official or industry sources — for example the CPSC (furniture tip-overs and window cords), the EPA (paint, VOCs, lead and mold), ADA design standards (clearances), ENERGY STAR (lighting) and the National Kitchen & Bath Association. Sources are listed at the end of each guide.
  • Prices: approximate US prices from retailer listings at the time of review. They change; always check before buying.
  • Dates: every guide shows a "Last reviewed" date. When we change facts, we update that date.
  • Corrections: found a mistake, a wrong price or a broken link? Email hello@nookandpenny.com. We check it and fix confirmed errors as soon as possible, and note significant corrections in the guide.
  • Independence: brands can't pay to be included. Ads and affiliate links pay for the site; see the affiliate disclosure.

Where to find us

Short makeover videos go up on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube Shorts. Saw a video and want the full list? Start at our start page, or reach us on the contact page.

The rooms we write for