Monday, May 24, 2010

Interiors: Small Space Solutions

Happy Monday (eek!).  It's time to get back to the grind but first I'd like to take a closer peek at some of my favorite space saving techniques from Apartment Therapy's annual Small, Cool contest.  There are spaces ranging from 1,000 to less than 400 square feet inhabited by  normal people who are utilizing their modest spaces in creative ways.  I'm providing a link to each home tour within the description if you want to see more.

Lucite, or ghost chairs are a great option for mini sized desks because create the illusion of space and they work with really any color scheme.  See more of this home here.
































There are numerous elements here that are smart including the tall vintage or vintage style lamp, the caddy corner side table which doubles as storage and the compact art wall with a few statement pieces. 
















Obviously storage is a huge problem when you're a small space dweller.  I like the shelving height to the right in this office as well as the storage under the table in that snazzy red drawer system.  This is also another example of a chair that isn't obtrusive and maintains an airy quality. See this home here.

















I love this small table that literally fits into itself.  So unobtrusive and very retro. Visit this cool row house here.















Storing book is ALWAYS an issue for B and I. This adorable dinette has books tucked away in an unlikely spot under the table.  The dark chalkboard wall works here because there appears to be plenty of natural light streaming in.  Check out this space here.
































Finally, I'm in love with this sweet bedroom nook.   The curtains act as a divider for much needed privacy.  There's storage under the platform bed and the large mirror on the wall creates the illusion of more space.  Minimal and pretty.  Check out this Barcelona space here.















All of these amazing spaces give me an itch to reorganize and redefine our own small space. 
What about you? Any favorite space saving solutions?

23 comments:

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

I love the first desk, exactly what I dream and need!

Unknown said...

i LOVE chalkboard paint! - best creation EVER!!!! .. i've seen a GREAT storage csolution - someone used their necklaces as "art" - and hung them on the walls - instead of a jewlery case or something - it was amazing looking!!!

*muah*
Erika
~Tiptoe Butterfly~

Marsi @ The Cottage Cheese said...

Great inspiration! I'm lucky to have about 1300 square feet, but trying to store inventory and run a business out of my house is so tricky (especially when we're selling furniture). One recommendation that I have is: A Murphy Bed with a simple fold down desk or table attachment on the outside so that when the bed is "up" stored away in it's cabinet, you can utilize the space for dining, simple office, or sewing table. If you have the wall space, the bed's cabinet can be flanked by built in shelves/end tables.

LifestyleBohemia said...

As a New Yorker, I am used to struggling with small spaces and have to be creative. I recently hung small cubes on the sides of my bed because there was no room for nightstands. They are just big enough to hold an alarm clock.

Erin @ SYL: Slipcover Your Life said...

I really, really, really LOVE that desk in the first image... They even had enough space to fit their vintage Polaroid camera!

Samantha said...

Love lucite. Wish it weren't so expensive.

Jodi Kendall said...

I love the idea of storing the books within the dining table. Brilliant.

We have had this ongoing issue as well – downsized from a 2,500 square foot home to a less than 1,000 square foot apartment. And if we move into Manhattan, we'll probably have to get down to 700 square feet, so these tips are great! I definitely need some solutions for minimizing my office space :)

WickedThrifty said...

super cute! i love the lucite chair even though it's a bit more modern than my usual style... awesome how it pretty much disappears. i am trying to find solutions to my own small space issues- my fiance is moving his entire apartment into my 1100-sq-ft, already-fully-furnished condo! O_o

Paige @ Little Nostalgia said...

That first picture is just divine.

My space saving tip is shelves, shelves, and more shelves. They can double as storage AND wall decor. Small furniture helps us, too.

Anna @ IHOD said...

What a great post Christina. I love these creative solutions to small spaces!

Carpe Diem said...

The dinette in the fourth pic is from Ikea. Gotta love Ikea...some of their unique pieces can really be the finishing touch to a room.

Rhiannon Bosse said...

All of these images are so fabulous on their own. Who knew small could be so great :) Happy Monday!! XO

Tiffany said...

Love the IKEA chair. Yeah the first desk is so cute and petite.

Peace, Love and Chocolate
Tiffany

avant garde design said...

such great spaces, that last photo withe bedroom nook truly is fabulous. i like the red chair hiding in the hallway too :)

avant garde design said...

oops i meant "with the", sorry :)

Beach House Living said...

Thanks for posting this. Our home has a small upstairs with the slanted ceilings. I'm always on the lookout for ideas. I like the table with the books stored in the center. Honestly, I wouldn't have thought of that.

Jenni said...

Love this competition! I was in the finals the last 2 years with my apartment. It made me a little sad to not be able to enter this year with my house being a wee bit too big. :( Beautiful inspiration can be found there! PS-im having a giveaway on my blog for a beautiful carafe :)

Unknown said...

what a cool contest — thanks for sharing the results! so much inspiration for small spaces... i love the retro table!

abigail's treasure said...

love these all so much!

the 'retro' table and chairs are actually from ikea.

I have a challenge for you - decoration in rented accommodation, when it is not to your taste - how have people covered up the uglies?!

Alyssa said...

I love the first photo, that workspace is fantastic!

lisaroy said...

great spaces! small spaces really get your mind working, don't they? my small space solution is to try to have hidden storage if at all possible - it simplifies the space and makes it look bigger.

naphtali said...

Fantastic space options!! Sorry I've been away...been traveling! :)

beauty comma said...

the longest IKEA legs available on the bed plus boxes on wheels equals valuable storage space. it's a classic (i.e. not very original) solution, but it has saved my life!

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