Living in Small Spaces

I’ve always been a fan of small spaces. They are easy to take care of, force me to keep the amount of stuff I own to more of a minimum, and generally cost less. I also have a lot of fun trying to figure out good ways to creatively and functionally use small spaces. Overall, I like the simplicity of lifestyle they help generate.

Apparently, I’m not the only one who thinks this way. Here are a few posts from Apartment Therapy along similar lines.

Ten Reasons Small Spaces Are Better Than Big Ones:

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As we sat in our lovely little 250 s/f nest last night, we started to think about how great small spaces were and what they had over big ones. All of a sudden a list started forming...

1. Everything is at your fingertips.
2. They’re cozier.
3. They clean up faster.
4. They allow you to live with less of everything - simplicity & economy.
5. A small space allows you to experiment more with different design ideas.
6. They get you outside more.
7. They put you more in touch with your neighbors/community.
8. They are cheaper. They put more money back into your life.
9. Small spaces require more imagination (large spaces are for those with no imagination).
10. Small spaces create momentum. They force one to make decisions, at home as well as in life

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10 Tips for Small Spaces:

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1. Remove your interior doors (use curtains instead on closets and doors).
2. Replace your big refrigerator with a smaller, undercounter model. It’s more than enough room.
3. Treat yourself to a really good small vacuum (we heart Meile).
4. Use track lighting aimed at walls to free up floor space and create an expansive feeling.
5. Install lighting inside closets so you can see what’s in there. They will be easier to maintain and you will gain the feeling of more space.
6. Clean your windows often so that more light comes in and your gaze is not blocked.
7. Buy really good cookware, tableware and linens (small luxuries go a long way).
8. Go wireless and transfer all your music to your computer. Sell all your CD’s!
9. Use full spectrum light bulbs to energize and enliven your home.
10. Have lots of dinner parties. People socialize better in small spaces and social homes are better kept up.

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They are even having a contest for the smallest coolest apartment: Here are a few of my favorites in the contest (includes pictures):

East of the Mississippi

• #8 - Alison's Design to the Max
• #14 - Jenny & Clove's LAish Pad
• #31 - Bri & Chad's Fab on a Budget
• #35 - Lucy's Love Shack
• #39 - Fabiola's Small Bold Moves
• #41 - Megan & Jamie's Gracious Living

West of the Mississippi

• #1: Rob's Apartmequarium
• #7: Ryan's San Luis Obispo Studio

See last year’s entries here

Also, see Sarah Susanka's Not So Big House website for more ideas on how this concept applies to houses. The website is named after her excellent book. I've read it and would definitely recommend perusing it during your next trip to Borders.