This UC Irvine Sophomore Made the Coolest DIY Posters Out of His Photography

How did you find this space? I found this space through UCI campus housing. I started in the dorms my first year, and then moved into these apartments for my sophomore year. What drew me to it was having more independence and space compared to the dorms. It feels a lot more personal and calm.

Now that you’ve made it your own, what specifically do you love about your space? Now that I’ve made it my own, I love how comfortable and flexible it is. It can be a place to focus, relax, or be creative depending on what I need.

What is your space best known for? My space is best known for two things: my room for its cleanliness and minimal vibe, and my apartment as the go-to party house. It’s a mix of calm and curated in my personal space, but social and lively when it comes to the apartment overall.

How would you define your personal home style? My personal home style is minimal, but still expressive. I like spaces that feel clean and uncluttered, with a neutral base, but I always add a few standout elements that give it personality — like unique textures, artwork, or small design details. It’s a balance between calm and creative, where everything has a purpose but still feels visually interesting and lived-in.

What is your favorite element of your space? My favorite element is the small details that give the space personality, like a corkboard, artwork, or textured pieces. Those little touches make the space feel more personal and creative without overwhelming the overall minimal vibe.

What was the biggest challenge in creating your space? My biggest challenge was wanting to rush the decorating process. I initially felt pressure to have everything come together quickly, but I realized that the space looked and felt better when it came together over time. Letting things build naturally made it more personal and intentional.

What is your proudest DIY or product hack? My proudest DIY hack was printing my own photography and turning it into posters. It made the space feel a lot more personal and creative, and it was an easy way to fill the walls with something that actually represents me.

How much does your housing cost per semester? $1,600 per month. 

Do you have anyone helping to fund your housing? My family.

How much did it cost to decorate your space? $200-$500 for my whole apartment.

Do you have anyone helping to fund your decor? No.

Do you pay for your living expenses? No.

How do you earn your income? Paid internship.

What was your biggest splurge for this space and how much did it cost? I’d say IKEA rack, which was $50. 

What was your best budget find for this space and how much did it cost? Everything is mostly thrifted. 

Do you have any small space tips?  One of the most useful things I’ve learned is to keep everything intentional — if it doesn’t serve a purpose or add to the space, it doesn’t stay. In a small space, less really does more. I also try to maximize vertical space, using wall shelves, hooks, and even my corkboard to keep things off surfaces and make the room feel less cluttered. Keeping surfaces clean instantly makes the whole space feel bigger and more put-together.

What’s the best way to make your space shine while also maximizing space? Combine storage with decor. Things like baskets, boxes, or even neatly stacked books can hold items while still looking good, so nothing feels out of place. I let the space evolve over time instead of rushing it. Adding pieces slowly makes everything feel more natural, personal, and well thought-out.

How often do you clean your space? For cleaning, I stay consistent with small resets, just taking a few minutes each day to tidy up instead of letting everything pile up. It keeps the space feeling fresh without needing a full deep clean all the time. 

This submission’s responses were edited for length and clarity.

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