I'm kind of obsessed with people who live in tiny spaces. Little apartments in big cities, where they have to find a place for all of their belongings, and create some semblance of a kitchen, bedroom, living room and bathroom. Don't forget, they have to fit in there, too. Sometimes with spouses. And even kids! It's just amazing how creative these little spaces can be. So I've pulled together a bunch of rooms that I find inspiring. Tiny, but super chic.
Check out these little living rooms that double as dining rooms:
-via refinery29.com / the 500 sq. ft. San Francisco apartment of Theresa Gonzalez.
-via refinery29.com / Oh Happy Day's Jordan Ferney's SF apartment.
-via washingtonpost.com / This one is fun, comfortable and stylish.
-refinery29.com / The 600 sq. ft. SF apt. of Andrea Cheng. I love the fireplace and built-ins - a focal point and great storage all wrapped into one!
via bhg.com / You can even have a big flat-screen in a tiny place! Surrounding it with shelves and objects distracts from it's size.
-via refinery29.com, photo by Gunnar Larson / The raised curtain panels and sheers add height to the windows, and trick the eye into thinking the room is larger than it is. The dining chair scoots back and acts as office chair as needed.
Kitchens are particularly tricky. These people certainly aren't having more than a couple of friends over at a time. But the ones that do come over are undoubtedly impressed by their creative use of space:
-via alamodeus.net / The gallery-style black-and-white photography makes such a statement in this tiny galley kitchen
-via domainehome.com, designed by Kyle Schuneman / Who says you can't have an island and a chair in a miniscule kitchen?
-via designblossom.tumblr.com / The eye is drawn to the cool, shell chairs and the graphic rug...and away from the size of the room.
-via gimmebar.com / I mean, TINY! But they have a kitchen with counter stools, a loft bed and what appears to be a very functional living room! Crazy!
Laundry rooms are probably highly unusual in these little homes, but when there's a will, there's a way:
-via bhg.com / Such a creative way to squeeze a stackable into a small kitchen.
-via urumix.com / This attractive, little laundry room all fits into a small closet. The addition of a floating counter, cabinets and a clothing rod make it very functional, as well.
Just because their spaces are petite, doesn't mean they have to forgo an entryway:
-via thehuntedinterior.com / The use of wallpaper and a small chest of drawers makes this an eye-catching, little foyer.
-refinery29.com / IKEA's new line, PS2014, was created with small space living in mind. This piece provides a place for your keys, bags and other "by the door" items, without taking up very much space.
-via homeremediesrx.com / Look at how much they are able to store in this small space! And it's not all function...they've left room for pretty accessories to tie it all in.
No pull-out beds necessary in these clever bedrooms....
-via brightnest.com / The shelving doubles as a desk and reaches all the way up to the ceiling for ample storage. They managed to squeeze in a nice big bed and a statement chandelier. Not bad!
-via refinery29.com / Oh Happy Day blogger, Jordan Ferney's TWO kids shared this tiny, but awesome bedroom in San Francisco! Absolutely adorable and lacking nothing.
-via houseandgarden.co.uk / No room for a bed? Just suspend it and build a little staircase! You can stick a clawfoot tub next to the dining room table, too. There are no rules when it comes to tiny spaces.
Designer Kyle Schuneman wrote a book about living in small rental apartments at the age of 25. It's called The First Apartment Book: Cool Design for Small Spaces. If his amazing, little living room is any indication, he's got some great tips for renters:
-via domainehome.com / designed by Kyle Schuneman
Because he was renting, he installed temporary wallpaper (a plaid design which he had custom-made). He also hired a furniture-maker to build him a backless, mid-century inspired cabinet that slides right over his AC unit (above left). You'd never even know it was there!
-via domainehome.com, designed by Kyle Schuneman
He "paneled" his dining room wall with Stikwood peel-and-stick salvaged wood planks. It adds such a nice, personal touch. Underneath, he applied blue painter's tape over the drywall so that he can take the wall planks with him when he leaves. Genius!
There are also people doing amazing things in small outdoor spaces. Pools aren't just for major acreage anymore:
-via weheartit.com / What a fantastic use of space! My kids would be over-the-moon for this skinny pool!
This last shot highlights some people who have truly made the most of a tiny footprint. You can see that they have everything they need in there. And they've accomplished that without sacrificing great style. Even the dogs look happy:
-photo via Etsy - I wish I knew more about it's origins.
I am truly in awe of these tiny homes. I can't imagine where all of their stuff goes. They have to be really good at purging - keeping only the things that truly matter to them, and getting rid of the rest. It's a real talent. Could you do it? I think I could if I didn't have kids, but as it is now, probably not. :)
