Small Spaces, Small Homes, Living in Small Spaces

There's definitely a trend on the rise for couples and families
to downsize. Smaller places means easier upkeep and it usually
means a cheaper mortgage as well. For the rest of us who live
in cities, it's a way of life. It's amazing what you can do in a tiny
space if you design it correctly and waste no space.

The above apartment is well laid out to maximize the space
available. It still looks elegant and the space is still functional.

Now this, is a really cool studio. It's pretty much like a hotel
room - yet the owner was brilliant in utilizing the space .

This is the other side of the room. He's still managed
to make the space look spacious despite the fact the
studio is clearly not very big.

Here's a before and after photo from Domino. The after
looks so different from the before - it's absolutely fab!

Got a little cubby hole of a space that you're not sure
what to do with? Don't waste it! Put it to work for
you whether you make it into shelves for storage or
an extra bed for guests like here! As you can see, you
can usually be pretty bold in your color choices for small
spaces.

Here's another small but colorful space. Curtains are
a great way to hide storage instead of doors since they
do not need to swing out and take up space.

In a tiny room, lifting the bed up can create a whole
separate space for you to use underneath the bed.

Book shelves do not always need to go against the wall.
Using a low one in this fashion actually creates more
storage space without needing to take up wall space.

No space for a computer or desk?
How about using a closet for one?

This room is clearly so small that one would think of it as
a small closet. But it's big enough for a good work space.

The owner of this small apartment really knows how to
utilize space and space saving techniques. Notice the
sliding doors for the bedroom. Sliding doors definitely
save space as they do not need to swing out or in.

A small nook is made to double as the
dining area - and where the tv is.

There's no rule that you can't put a
bed straight against a window.

Here's the compact living space. You can also see that the
bed in the bedroom is right up against the sliding doors.

I wanted to also introduce a blog who's author specializes
in "shoebox spaces." She's an interior design student who
especially loves designing small spaces. Be sure to check
her blog out at ShoeBox Decor. She did a post on a the
small spaces Metropolitan Home design contest.

500 Ideas for Small Spaces
Easy Solutions for living in 1,000 Sq Ft or Less

And of course, being the book fiend that I am.
here are a couple of books to check out on small
spaces. This book has great tips and ideas for living
in small spaces.

Libby Langdon's Small Space Solutions
Secrets for Making any Room Look Elegant
and Feel Spacious on a Budget

Libby Langdon's book has great ideas that
incorporate elegance into small spaces.

Small + Modern + Urban Home

I actually picked up this book over the weekend
while I was perusing in the SF Moma gift shop.
Believe me, I can peruse for a very Long time in
museum gift shops. This book focuses on tons of
ideas and different spaces in a modern context and
style for living in small spaces. If you like modern
design and live in small space, I definitely recommend
this book.