I used to think city living meant choosing between cramped apartments or cookie-cutter condos with all the personality of a shoebox. I accepted the tiny kitchens, the lack of storage, and the dull, beige walls as just part of urban life. But then I visited a friend’s apartment that blew my mind. It was small, sure, but it felt spacious, vibrant, and perfectly tailored to her personality. It was like stepping into a cozy, stylish wonderland that was functional and fun. I had to know her secret, and that’s when she told me about a designer who specializes in transforming urban living spaces. It hit me—city living doesn’t have to be boring or uncomfortable. It just takes a little creativity. And as I started digging deeper, I found designers all over the world who are completely reimagining urban homes.

Living in the city can be exciting, but it’s not always comfortable. Tiny apartments, limited storage, and bland interiors can make urban life feel cramped and uninspiring. But these 7 designers are changing all that. They’re transforming city living spaces into vibrant, functional, and personalized havens. From ultra-flexible apartments that morph into 24 different rooms to playful community spaces that bring neighbors together, these designers are proving that city living can be just as comfortable—and fun—as life in the suburbs. Ready to be inspired? Here are 10 visionaries who are redefining urban living.

1. Liz Ogbu – Designing for Social Change

“Spatial justice means that justice has geography. Every human being deserves equitable access to the resources, opportunities, and outcomes that can support a thriving life.” — Liz Ogbu

Liz Ogbu isn’t just designing spaces—she’s transforming communities. As the principal of Studio O, Liz leads projects like NOW Hunter’s Point in San Francisco, where she turned a 34-acre abandoned industrial site into a vibrant community space. Think public art, live performances, and pop-up services that bring people together.

Her work is all about spatial justice—creating places where people feel valued and included. Liz designs spaces that aren’t just beautiful but meaningful, sparking joy and connection. It’s urban design with a heart, showing that community spaces can be just as inspiring as they are functional.

2. Ryan Swanson – Playful Urban Interactions

Ryan Swanson believes that cities should be fun. Through The Urban Conga, he creates interactive installations that invite people to play and connect. One of his standout projects, “Ripple” in Rochester, New York, is an illuminated floor that reacts to footsteps, turning a public square into a playground of light and movement.

Ryan’s designs are all about breaking down social barriers through play. His installations encourage strangers to interact, transforming urban spaces into vibrant community hubs. It’s proof that good design doesn’t just look good—it makes people feel good too.

3. Marie Olsson Nylander – Boho Wild and Beautiful

If you think urban apartments have to be dull and minimalist, Marie Olsson Nylander is here to change your mind. In her 19th-century apartment in Helsingborg, Sweden, she’s created a “boho wild” aesthetic that’s bold, colorful, and full of character. With antique furniture, vibrant colors, and unique artworks, Marie’s designs are anything but boring.

Her fearless mix of patterns and textures creates spaces that are cozy, eclectic, and totally unique. It’s a playful, joyful approach to urban living that invites you to embrace your personality and make your home truly yours.

4. Jonathan Tuckey – Blending History with Modern Style

“Communities are experts in their needs and dreams. Projects and processes must honor this knowledge.” — Jonathan Tuckey

Jonathan Tuckey is a master of blending the old with the new. In his redesign of the Michelberger Hotel in Berlin, he preserved the building’s historic character while adding modern updates that feel fresh and exciting. The result is a space that’s both nostalgic and contemporary, full of personality and charm.

His secret? Celebrating the imperfections of old buildings rather than hiding them. By preserving exposed brick, vintage windows, and quirky architectural details, Jonathan creates spaces that feel authentic and alive. It’s proof that modern urban living doesn’t have to mean erasing the past.

5. Jamie Hammel – Reclaimed and Refined

Jamie Hammel is all about giving old materials new life. At The Hudson Company, he transforms reclaimed wood into stunning urban interiors. His work isn’t just sustainable—it’s beautifully crafted, full of history and character.

His transformation of a deteriorating property into a modern retreat is a masterclass in curated urban living. By blending reclaimed materials with bespoke furnishings, Jamie creates spaces that feel timeless, cozy, and sophisticated.

6. Dong-Ping Wong – Radical Urban Ideas

Dong-Ping Wong is a visionary who’s rethinking public spaces in radical ways. With projects like +POOL, a floating swimming pool that filters river water, he’s redefining urban living through playful, innovative designs. It’s fun, functional, and environmentally conscious.

Dong-Ping’s designs challenge the status quo, proving that urban public spaces can be practical and wildly imaginative at the same time. It’s urban design that’s bold, daring, and incredibly fun.

7. Heidi Caillier – Nostalgic Comfort with a Modern Twist

Heidi Caillier’s interiors feel like a warm hug. She blends modern and traditional elements to create nostalgic, comfort-driven spaces that are cozy, elegant, and full of personality. Her designs are playful and inviting, striking the perfect balance between old-school charm and modern sophistication.

Her work proves that city apartments don’t have to feel cold or impersonal. By mixing vintage pieces with contemporary touches, Heidi creates spaces that are comforting, familiar, and uniquely yours.

Conclusion: Urban Living, Reimagined

These 7 designers are proving that urban living doesn’t have to be cramped, dull, or uninspired. They’re transforming city spaces into vibrant, functional, and joyful places that feel like home. Ready to reimagine your urban living space? These designers are showing us that with a little creativity, city life can be comfortable, playful, and full of personality. Who knew small spaces could have such big possibilities?

To get even more inspiration check out 7 Small Businesses in NYC Revolutionizing Sustainable Fashion with Zero Waste and 5 Local Boutiques in Montreal Bringing Unique Home Decor Designs to Life.