When I think back to my years living in a 350-square-foot studio in West Palm Beach, I remember how resourceful I had to be. The space reminded me so much of New York City apartments—compact, layered with possibility, and requiring every piece of furniture to earn its place. At the time, it felt like a challenge, but those four years taught me lessons about design that I still carry today: small doesn’t have to mean boring.
Now, in my current apartment, I’ve brought those lessons with me—this time guided by the wisdom of interior designer Danielle Rollins and the craftsmanship of Society Social, a brand that has made me see furniture as both an investment and a joy.
Furniture That Grows With You
One of Danielle’s earliest pieces of advice surprised me: “Go with full-size furniture.” At first, it felt counterintuitive—why would I choose a full sofa or coffee table when I barely had the room? But Danielle explained that smaller, “temporary” furniture often makes a space feel more cramped. Instead, choosing scaled, substantial pieces not only anchors the room but also ensures you’re curating items that can move with you into a future home.
That stuck with me. Furniture shouldn’t be an impulse buy destined for the curb; it should be thoughtfully chosen, designed to last, and flexible enough to evolve with your life.
The Society Social Story
That philosophy aligned perfectly with Society Social, founded by Roxy Te. Roxy’s own story begins with small-space living—her 375-square-foot New York City apartment was once spotlighted by HGTV for its clever design. But her connection to furniture runs much deeper. Her family opened factories in the Philippines nearly four decades ago, living in the back room while building the business. Later, they relocated to North Carolina, at the heart of America’s furniture industry, where Roxy grew up.
After a detour into fashion—she studied at Parsons and worked as a fashion buyer—Roxy eventually returned to her roots. “It’s in my blood,” she told me, and you can feel that heritage in every Society Social design. Their pieces are timeless yet playful, with the kind of craftsmanship that makes them feel special.
Designing With Purpose
Working with Danielle and Roxy, we approached my apartment with one guiding principle: each piece needed to serve multiple purposes while feeling like it belonged in a forever home.
We began by rethinking the zones within my studio-style layout. With only one bedroom (which I had turned into a closet), the main living area had to function as both a bedroom and a living room. Danielle encouraged me to embrace division—using furniture placement to carve out zones without making the space feel disjointed.
The first custom piece we designed was a pastel pink bench for my “library,” a nook that was once a closet and laundry space but has since been transformed with grasscloth shelving and a fresh coat of paint. The bench doubles as overflow seating and tucks neatly in front of the bed. Danielle suggested upholstering it in performance linen for durability—resistant to fading, pilling, and spills. Practicality, but pretty.
That bench ties seamlessly to the star of the room: a full-size pastel pink sofa, also by Society Social. At Danielle’s urging, we kept the scale generous and added tassel detailing along the base. “Tassels are always a good idea,” Roxy agreed, and I couldn’t agree more. The sofa faces my console and Frame TV, pulling the room together, while secretly doubling as hidden storage (yes, my cleaning supplies live underneath it!).
To complete the setup, we selected a coffee table that struck the perfect balance between playful and classic—its shape brings personality, while the rattan material nods to Society Social’s roots. Together, these pieces capture Roxy’s mantra: “colorful, classic, and fun.”
Why It Works
What I love most about this collaboration is how intentional every decision was. Instead of buying filler furniture to “make do” for now, I’ve curated a collection I’ll be able to carry into my next home. Danielle’s insistence on investing in quality, full-size pieces was transformative—it made my small space feel bigger, more functional, and infinitely more stylish.
And Society Social exceeded every expectation. Their semi-custom process allows you to put your personal stamp on each piece without endless lead times. It feels like the future of furniture shopping—thoughtful, flexible, and rooted in craftsmanship.
As Roxy reminded me, “A beautiful life starts at home.” And I believe it. Whether you’re furnishing 350 square feet or a sprawling house, your furniture choices can shape how you live, gather, and celebrate daily life.
A Final Note
I’ll admit, I wasn’t sure how my fiancé would feel about all the pink—but it’s growing on him, and honestly, that makes me smile even more. Because at the end of the day, these choices aren’t just about aesthetics; they’re about creating a home that feels personal, joyful, and ours.
If you’re ever in Charlotte, you can see Society Social’s colorful spirit come to life at their flagship in Atherton Mill. There, among their signature furniture and curated treasures from around the world, you can sit at their 20-foot Pagoda bar and experience what makes their brand so special.
Because here’s the truth: small spaces may push you to get creative, but the right pieces—chosen with love and intention—will always make a home feel big on style.
