Written by Lauren Caines and Leslie Rivers

Founders Note

My First Apartment

I still remember my very first apartment — a bit of a hole in the wall that needed a lot of love and care to feel like home. But one piece at a time, I worked on it — layering in objects that held meaning, brought comfort, and reflected who I was becoming. That experience showed me the power of intentional styling — how even the most modest space can be transformed with the right pieces and a few smart small apartment decorating ideas.

It’s a feeling we aim to share through September Collective: helping you create a home that feels deeply personal, soulful, and grounded in story. In this post, a young apartment dweller has shared how she transformed her own studio apartment into a sanctuary using Heritage-inspired Moden African home decor that celebrates culture, craftsmanship, and functionality. If you’re looking for small apartment styling tips or want to make your small space feel rich with meaning and style, you’re in the right place.

Enjoy the read,
Leslie, Founder September Collective

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How I Transformed My Studio with Intentional Design

When I moved into my studio apartment, my first thought was: How am I going to fit everything into just one room? After years of living in a house, and leaving my things in every room like I was marking territory, adjusting to a single open space felt like a major shift. Even though it was small, I was genuinely excited — this was my space. My first big girl apartment. And one thing I knew for sure: every inch of it needed to feel intentional, personal, and like me. 

Home as a Mirror

In my search for pieces that felt both intentional and beautiful, I discovered Tamara Tashna’s Art, Villa Aburi Candles, Baba Tree Baskets  — and everything changed. These September Collective pieces brought colour, heritage, and culture into my home — the kind of meaningful home decor that makes even a small space feel layered and lived-in, all while seamlessly complementing my girly, contemporary decor.

Each one of these items are perfect examples of heritage-inspired African home decor that brings depth and cultural richness to any room. Home has always been more than a place to sleep — it’s where I think, create, unwind, and come back to myself. These items were the perfect companion in accomplishing this. Tamara’s art captured the feel I desired for my home. It reflected the emotional tone I wanted for my space. The Villa Aburi scented candles added ambience visually and through scent, and the Baba Tree baskets helped keep things organized without sacrificing beauty — essentials for any small apartment. 

My studio in the heart of the city became a canvas where I could express the quiet parts of me: the softness, the nostalgia, the romance. With every object I brought in, I asked myself: Does this feel like me? The pieces added depth and meaning without disrupting the soft, feminine energy I love, turning my studio into a space that feels both beautifully styled and deeply personal.

Styling My Walls: Why I Chose Yagazie and Makara

One of the first things I thought about in decorating my space was, “How am I going to fill up these walls?”. The more I settled in, the more I realized — it wasn’t just about filling space, it was about telling a story. My home won't just be decorated — it would be curated like a living diary. Every object should carry a memory, a feeling, or a part of me. 

When I saw Tamara Tashna’s Art on the September Collective website — I knew her expressive, textural pieces would bring a softness and soul to my space that instantly resonated.

“Hanging their portraits on my walls isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about reflection, resonance, and claiming space with intention.” 

This is what drew me to the Yagazie and Makara prints from September Collective. Both women embody boldness without apology. There’s something magnetic about seeing Black women portrayed with such strength — from their natural hair to their vibrant clothing and the way they take up space with grace. They’re not trying to be seen. They simply are.

Hanging their portraits on my walls isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about reflection, resonance, and claiming space with intention. They remind me of myself. I’ve never shied away from standing out — but I’ve also never felt the need to do too much. That quiet confidence, that effortless presence — it’s what I see in them, and what I strive to hold in myself.

Scent styling for Small Apartments: How a Candle Can Transform a Space

The Savannah Daze scented candle is my go-to when I want my home to feel like it’s exhaling. It's my favourite candle scent at September Collective. There’s something refined about this fragrance — a clean citrus top softened by herbal depth. It doesn’t just scent the room, it resets it. Fresh, focused, and quietly elegant — like a breath of clarity in candle form.

It’s the kind of scent that transforms your space without overwhelming it — perfect for early mornings with a journal, or winding down after a long day. Lighting Savannah Daze feels like opening the windows of your home and spirit at the same time — letting in light, intention, and stillness. It’s understated, but unforgettable — a reminder that luxury can be soft, simple, and deeply grounding.

"Styling a studio has taught me that small doesn’t mean limited. In fact, the smaller the space, the greater the opportunity for intention. And the right pieces can help you feel more at home."

Baskets for Small Apartment Storage with Soul

Baskets are one of the most effective and stylish ways for managing smaller spaces. They can help with organization and space optimization, especially in a studio apartment. And in my studio, the little things make the biggest impact. I was immediately drawn to the Baba Tree Banasco Basket. Simplicity and heritage wrapped in effectiveness. I love the design of the weave and the colourways are minimal, so they can fit into any design space. I use my Banasco to hold my everyday makeup — lip gloss, mascara, maybe a blush or two — and it somehow makes getting ready more efficient. It fits perfectly on my tiny bathroom vanity without taking up too much space, but still adds warmth, colour, and a touch of texture. It’s functional, beautiful, and brings a quiet kind of joy to my daily routine.

Why Baskets Are Small-Space Organization Essentials!

Stylish and functional, baskets are one of the most effective forms of storage for small apartments. Here’s how baskets help me stay organized without compromising aesthetics:

1. They Can Define Your Space: In open layouts, they create visual zones. Use them to separate work from rest or double as side tables with storage.
2. Tidy with Intention: Baskets keep clutter at bay — from holding tech accessories in the living room to beauty essentials in the bathroom.
3. Maximize Every Corner: Slide them under benches, atop cabinets, or onto shelves — baskets turn unused spaces into smart storage.
4. They Move with You: Lightweight and portable, baskets adapt as your space or routine shifts.
5. Style with Soul: Sustainably made from natural materials the Baba Tree Baskets add texture, warmth, and personality — telling your story while keeping things in order.

Designing with Intention: My "How to Guide" to Styling a Studio Apartment with Soul

Styling a studio apartment isn’t about fitting more in — it’s about choosing pieces that reflect your story, support your lifestyle, and elevate the minimal space you live in. 

Here’s how to create a home that feels personal, elevated, and soulfully you:

1. Start with a Feeling
   Ask yourself: How do I want to feel in this space? Cozy? Grounded? Romantic? Let those emotions guide every choice — from Art to Fragrance.
2. Lead with Meaning, Not Trends
   Choose pieces that tell your story — where you’ve been, what you love, or who you are. Meaningful decor creates lasting beauty.
3. Curate, Don’t Clutter
   In smaller spaces, less truly is more. Be selective. Give each item space to breathe so your favourites can shine.
4. Let Texture Do the Talking
   Add depth and quiet luxury through layered materials — think woven baskets, velvet pillows, and soft textiles. Texture makes a space feel rich, not crowded.
5. Choose a Signature Palette
   Stick to a colour story that reflects your essence. Whether it’s earthy and calm or bold and joyful, your palette sets the tone for your home’s energy. As you can see I like neutrals with splashes of colour.
6. Quality over Quantity. Invest in Soulful Pieces
   Don’t just decorate — collect. Opt for well-crafted, story-rich items that elevate your everyday life and feel like you.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s a basket that reminds me of warmth and tradition, or the soft glow of a candle I instinctively reach for at the end of a long day, or the art pieces that remind me of my strength and resilience, these aren’t just “things” — they’re stories I’ve chosen to live alongside.

These Heritage-Inspired Modern African home decor pieces celebrate authenticity, craftsmanship, heritage, and home.

Styling a studio has taught me that small doesn’t mean limited. In fact, the smaller the space, the greater the opportunity for intention. And the right pieces can help you feel more at home.

Try this: Take a look around you home and ask yourself, if every piece in my home could speak, would it tell the story I want to share?

Let your home tell your story — not just through how it looks, but how it feels. That’s the essence of meaningful home decor.

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