Beautiful and small: spaces to inspire small-space dwellers

This kitchen is too cute! Lots of cabinetry, and a space-saving pegboard add storage space.  Checkout out the kitchen pegboard organizer I made.

I've always loved this idea:  Install a shelf in a window (preferably glass, to let the light through), and you can grow some herbs, or have extra display space.
2 above via Small Space Style

This kitchen is small, but functional and pretty.

If you live small, you've got to think vertically when it comes to storage.  No room for nightstands doesn't mean you have to go without the convenience of a place to put a lamp a clock, and some accessories.  This shelf does the trick just fine.  Check out my small space solution to nightstands in my former Brooklyn apartment.

Clear and glass furniture don't take up a lot of visual space since you can see through them.

Mirrors are an old and good trick for making a space seem larger.  I always place mirrors across from the main light source in a room, usually the window, so they reflect the light and also make the space brighter.

6 images above via BHG

Earthy but refined - dreamy dining rooms and kitchens

No other room will serve you like a well designed kitchen, pantry, and dining room. Undoubtedly these serve there purpose - and look gorgeous!

A pot rack is a functional and attractive solution for too little cupboard space. Check out the gorgeous tile backsplash
via House Beautiful

I've never seen mirrored cabinets before - what do you think?
via House Beautiful

This is a dining room for late nights sipping wine and lazy mornings drinking coffee and reading. How couldn't you with the fireplace and settee!
via Elle Decor


via Elle Decor

A great example of how vertical space can be utilized if horizontal space is lacking
via Loft Life Magazine

This pantry is TO DIE FOR!

via Marie Claire Maison

I always like dining areas in or connected to the kitchen - it's so cozy and intimate.
NikreationS

Got a small kitchen in which to prepare Thanksgiving? Here are some really great ideas!

I found this gallery on Better Homes and Gardens, and I wanted to share with you my favorite ideas! Hope you see something inspiring!


I always have lots of hooks on hand because they are a life saver in kitchens. NYC apartments have maybe 4 cabinets on average, though I've dealt with less, and having items hanging from the walls is VERY handy, and makes for a nice cottage look.


Flea market finds like the section of iron fence, or the grate as a pot rack, make for inexpensive DIY projects.

Instructions for the image above - I'm a huge fan of using jars (after all - you buy the spaghetti sauce, eat-it, and then your left with a handy organizational system)

-"Adapt an idea from the garage workbench, but instead of storing nails, nuts, and bolts, store coffee beans or other goodies. Collect identical glass jars with screw-top lids (spaghetti sauce jars, for example) and screw the lids to the underside of a wood shelf. Allow enough space between the jars for easy access.

To keep track of a variety of coffee beans, use your computer to print labels on white paper and have them laminated at a print shop. Or use purchased tags and write the variety names by hand. Tie the tags to the jars with twine."


A great solution to a common problem, (too many cookbooks, not enough book shelves in the kitchen). Bring in a small bookshelf and top with stone (this you may need to make a trip to the hardware store to purchase and cut) - so now you have storage and more work surface.

Making a caddy (this one was a tool box given a new paint job), keeps things you use everyday handy and portable while cooking.

So, could any of these ideas work for you? Any ideas on how to adapt them for other uses around the house?

Solutions for a small kitchen

Not enough space? same here. First things first however, edit what you own! I know I'm guilty of having and hanging on to things that I don't really use or need. One thing that has really tamed that vice in me is moving every year. I would sell or donate more and more of my possessions with each move, because I was tired of all the boxes! I can't recall a time when I said to myself, "gee, I wish I hadn't gotten rid of that!" Regardless, sometimes your apartment or house still doesn't have enough square footage for even the most stringent minimalist. This week I'm going to focus on kitchens, where maintaining an organization system, once you have it in place, is crucial. Hopefully, these images will provide some solutions!


Magnetic strips are my best friend. And mount everything you possibly can, i.e., the dustbuster is mounted as opposed to taking up precious surface real estate.

Clear boxes, like these from muji, are really important at keeping cupboard chaos at bay. I hate having everything tumbling out while I'm searching. Stackable containers are great too.

Use the insides of doors too. This shelving system looks custom, but I utilized this idea myself. I bought some simple wire spice racks from Bed Bath & Beyond, mounted them inside my pantry door, and now I have a great way to organize my smaller jars and cans, and I don't have to dig around for them.

The skinny vertical bookshelves are really starting to grow on me, and the owner's of this kitchen used one to take advantage of even the smallest bit of wall space.

An organization system like this one can be found at Ikea, or other organization stores.

hmmm... love this kitchen rack, but I would need way more bottle mounts.

My all-time favorite kitchen organizing idea, made famous by Julia Child. So great!

Excellent use of space, and it's pretty too!

Look! No space went unused - a shelf in front of the window.

Images via my Flickr photostream