Showing posts with label Small Space Inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Small Space Inspiration. Show all posts

Tuesday, 9 August 2011

More small-space inspiration

I'm on vacation! But still thinking of things I could do to maximize space in my new tiny studio. Here goes:

Mirror + doily + frosted spray paint. Pretty!

Still debating if I want to paint a canvas rug to make the floor less dark...if I do, I'm planning on the white/gray zebra look

Like so!

So the inspiration of this pic is really cuz it tricked my eye the first time, but I was thinking that in a studio, you could use a pole of some sort to adhere a painting to and use as a small visual separator between living zones? Does that make sense?

I want to cover all my textbooks with wrapping paper or paperstock like this....makes everything a little more cohesive

I like the subtle white-on-grey look here, and how there's a surprise color splash inside. I need a dresser for my bathroom and something like this would look great!

I like the custom paint job on the bedstand....the headboard is pretty fantastic too. From Live Like Yourself.

Another idea for a paint job on my as-yet-unpurchased bathroom dresser

I have very little space between my two blue chairs but the space needs a side table. A skinny little guy like this would work well.

I like the shelving here, how they line up on the right side but the bottom one is longer so there's space for a larger painting.

Such a fun printed ottoman in an otherwise neutral space.

I want to use some of this on a leaded glass window to use as an entryway mirror

Pretty open storage from IKEA

I like all of this, from Anna Spiro, but especially that printed chair and the coffee table shape.

Easily movable shelving unit...

These mirrors would cost $12 total at Target, and look beautiful as-is

Can't find a shower curtain I like...so maybe I'll paint some of my own?

I'm such a sucker for mirror-front cabinets in a small space

Lucite is a great small-space visual trick

What are your favorite tips and tricks in a small space?

Thursday, 7 July 2011

Small space inspiration

The past few of days I've been searching for a studio in my price range. Apparently this translates to "tiny," "cramped," and "shouldn't be legal to rent out." One place seriously gave out rapisty-murder vibes...basement, one tiny window, all the drawers hanging out, and the tiny bed area slanted so severely you'd have to be a munchkin not to slam your head on the 'ceiling' every time you got out of bed.

Anyway. So the moral of the story is (not only that I'm pathetically broke and can't afford anything that wasn't formerly rented by Ted Bundy) that I may have to figure out crrrrazy small-space solutions. Like such:

A lot of the kitchen are seriously lacking in storage space. So you might have to make your 'storage' visible, and I suggest doing so like they did above, with pretty tins and glass containers.

Another idea for visible storage space: line the back of boxes with pretty paper or paint, and mount to a wall. It's like art!

An entry console would be useful in some of the spaces, and I think this one looks easy to make. Even better, you could put baskets underneath to store odds and ends

I know this is making the round in the blogosphere but that's cuz it's so great. Cheerful, small-space solution to dining. The couch-as-seating idea is especially great if you can fold down the table or put it elsewhere during the day, and the chairs become livingroom seating in that case.


Another beautiful example of making your 'storage' area pretty. I believe there's no reason for a kitchen to be separate asthetically from the rest of the house, and a good way to incorporate it into the rest of the house is via art and other personal momentos.

One of my favorite tricks: 2 small tables instead of one big coffee table...easily movable and less space-filling visually

Lately you can't mention 'studio apartments' without mentioning this jewel from Nick Olsen...I love the green painted door trim that matches the couch trim, and the similar-style chairs with coordinating fabrics.

Here's the other side of this place.....I like the desk-at-end-of-bed idea for saving space. Many people disagree with putting a headboard in front of windows as it blocks light but I think it really jazzes up the room, especially with how it ties in to that DIY dresser paint job. Love it!

Here, several great small spaces combine in one: dresser instead of a less-functional TV stand, cabinets flanking the dresser for added storage, and by layering the artwork, vases, and TV, the TV is less obvious and blends in to the decor more gracefully. I'd take everything here gladly :)


Another great bookcase idea...in a small dining space, double up function by flanking the table with a couch/pillow for reading all the books in the surrounding bookshelves

This gallery wall really makes the bed the focus here

Tiny coffee table saves space but gets the job done.

From my favorite Sneak Peek of all time. Another space-saving idea, and cheap too: just use a thin piece of plywood, add some legs (leftover scraps work!), cover in fabric, add accessories. Would make a great small-space entryway table.

Placement of furniture is great here. The bench at the end of the bed is pretty, but it also functions as extra seating when need be.

I have all this furniture...couch, 2 chairs, small table, coffee table, bench. Bam. Living room.

Another example of studio living done right. Bench at the end of the bed provides seating, and there's room for a couch, chair, and desk in this floorplan.

You don't need much in a small space, so what you have should be stylish, multipurpose, and cost-effective (aka if you only have 4-5 pieces of furniture in your home, make sure they're high quality and unique).


What are your favorite small-space tips and tricks?

Any more tips from small-space dwellers out there?

Thursday, 28 April 2011

Small Space Inspiration

Ever since I have started thinking about moving into a studio, it seems like small-space inspiration has been finding me everywhere. Here are a few of my favorites:

This space utilizes a lot of the top tips for small spaces. They have plenty of lighting, including a mirror placed so it reflects light from the window to visually expand and brighten the space. They also use a credenza, which provides storage space will looking more visually streamlined than, say, a dresser. Additionally, they use a scale-appropriate sofa with streamlined lines and a sleek chair for extra seating. Another great idea are the clear acrylic mini tables that visually lighten the room and 2 small benches that don't take up a lot of space but function as extra seating or to set down a drink. Lastly, they use an area rug that delineates the living from sleeping area, even though the bed is RIGHT there.

Here's the same room, different angle. More small space tips: they manage to work in a desk area and bedside table while continuing the design flow. I like the accent wall with decorative trim painting, another mirror to bounce light around, and clean, classic bedding that doesn't add visual clutter. The slim lines of the floor lamp adds lighting without taking up a ton of space. I can't get over how awesome this space is...good job Ron Marvin!

Small, long rooms can be hard to design. They do a good job here with the desk at the foot of the bed and contrasting curtains to make the bed area really pop.

Here's another Ron Marvin-designed room, with similar methods for opening up a small area. He doesn't use curtains/blinds, which is strange for a bedroom, but also works to spread light. The sleek lines of the furniture, including a slim coffee table with glass top, and classic, simple bedding makes this room seem less cluttered that you would think.

In a small room you need to utilize every space. I like this idea from Bright Bazaar to add magnets to pretty tins to hold writing utensils, etc, on the fridge.

In a lot of small living areas, there isn't much storage space. Because they used similar simple glass containers, this little bar cart doesn't look so much like storage but adds to the appeal of the room.

Sometimes benches are a good option to keep from blocking off views but still provide seating/a coffee table feel.

In a small space, you gotta work with what you've got. Here, the Glamorai specially designed a table to go behind the couch in order to use an awkward, small space most efficiently.

Sometimes closets aren't an option. This adds a bright punch of color and sleek storage space. Look on Design Sponge for a tutorial. This is also the same tutorial Katuut Marut (sp?) used to make the screen made of a sheet/material that I showed a bit ago. Another great small space idea to break a studio into separate spaces.

See how pretty screens can be?

Last but not least, look how this renter used every possible space to her advantage. Small tables function better than one big table because they can be easily moved to suit needs and aren't so visually cluttering.

Hope you enjoyed this collection of ideas! Makes me want to move...TODAY!



Sunday, 17 April 2011

New apartment inspiration

So I'm not moving into a studio anymore. The roommate I don't really like is moving out, and a sweet new girl is moving in. Plus, with school, etc, I'm too busy to find a place and move. But the old roommate took with her nearly all the furniture in our house, so I get to redecorate! (Silver lining, people...silver lining).

Here's basically the exact color combo I'm planning...deep blue, grassy green, touches of yellow and some muted earthy accents

I like the jewel tones against the white walls, like at my house

I also want to start incorporating amore ethnic vibe, like perhaps painting a pattern on some curtains?

I'm digging the black and white stripes lately

Wish I had the money-money to have an awesome printed chair like this! Plus that deep blue dresser is beautiful

Jewel tones!

Purple with dark reddish-brown wood is beautiful.

I like open shelving more and more, especially if I had beautiful dishes like these

I'd live here.

I like the decorative accent of the green console table. Pop of color plus a little pizazz

So light-filled and beautiful!

The best is closed shelving down below, open shelving up top


I love this little couch! Beautiful pattern plus a mix of textures