Every corner deserves intention.

Small space living, budget-friendly decor, and real homes — not staged ones.

Nookworthy author
Small space enthusiast & home decor writer
Hi, I’m Sharifa Kigo

A small space believer

I’m a home decor writer and small space enthusiast who started Nookworthy because I was tired of home decor advice that assumed everyone had a primary suite and an unlimited renovation budget.

I was renting a small apartment and desperately wanted it to feel like home — without spending a fortune or violating my lease. So I started documenting what actually worked, and what absolutely didn’t, and sharing it here.

Every idea on this blog has been tested in a real home. No sponsored fluff, no impractical aspirational advice — just the stuff that genuinely works when you’re working with what you’ve got.

100+ Posts written
6 Room categories
Real Homes. Always.
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My Story

Nookworthy started out of frustration. I kept seeing beautiful home decor content that had nothing to do with how most people actually live. The rooms were enormous, the budgets were invisible, and the advice assumed you owned your space and could change anything you wanted.

I was renting a small apartment, working with a tight budget, and desperately wanted it to feel like a home I had chosen. I started documenting every trick that worked — and every expensive mistake that didn’t.

The philosophy “curate your corner” came from realising that big design impact often starts in the smallest spaces. One well-styled corner can change the energy of an entire room. You don’t need to do everything at once. Start where you are, style what you have, watch your space transform.

Today, Nookworthy is my corner of the internet to share those wins. Whether it’s a bedroom that finally feels restful or a kitchen that works for how you actually cook — I’m here to share the ideas worth repeating.

A styled small space

Meet the Contributors

Nookworthy isn't a one-woman show. A few trusted voices help bring fresh perspectives, tested ideas, and real-world experience to the blog.

Sunita Caton

Sunita Caton

Contributor

Sunita spends her days navigating the fast-paced world of global logistics, so she’s naturally obsessed with how things move—and exactly where they should sit. At Nookworthy, she translates that "systems-first" brain into the art of the find, whether she’s tracking down a rare vintage dresser or organizing a tiny closet for maximum flow. But Sunita isn't one to stay in a single lane; she finds a certain ease in dabbling across the board, from exploring sustainable textiles to testing out moody color palettes. For her, if a project involves a process and a bit of discovery, she’s all in.

Thomas Grant

Thomas Grant

Contributor

Thomas spent years "behind the line" as a professional sous chef, a role that taught him that a space is only as good as it is functional. He brings that "built-to-last" mentality to home decor, prioritizing rugged materials and layouts that can actually handle a busy Saturday night. While he’s our go-to for kitchen ergonomics and entertaining, Thomas is just as comfortable stepping outside the kitchen. He finds it easy to dive into everything from furniture restoration to architectural lighting, believing that a sharp eye for detail works just as well on a living room gallery wall as it does on a plating line.

You Belong Here If…

You want your space to feel like you — even if you’re renting, even if you’re starting with nothing.

You believe great style doesn’t require a big budget — just smart choices and a good eye for what matters.

You’re working with a small space and tired of advice that assumes you have 800 sq ft to spare.

You want to love where you live right now — not someday when you have the dream home.

You want real ideas from a real home — not staged shoots with invisible budgets.

You believe that one well-curated corner can change the entire energy of a room.

A few things I believe

My Philosophy

You don’t need to wait for your dream home to start loving where you live. Start where you are.
Budget-friendly and beautiful are not mutually exclusive. Some of the best home decor costs less than $20.
Small spaces deserve just as much intention as big ones. Maybe more.
If I can’t test it in a real home, I won’t recommend it. No aspirational nonsense.
One well-styled corner can change the energy of an entire room. Start small, think big.

Find Your Corner

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Layouts, furniture picks, and room-by-room styling guides for compact spaces.

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Step-by-step DIYs, how-tos, and practical guides for kitchens, bathrooms, and beyond.

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