Geraniums are easily the easiest patio plant to grow. They also look great in flower beds and window boxes. There is absolutely no reason not overuse these beloved garden plants.  

Like this Small Cool 2013 contest entry? Favorite it below!

Name:

Emily

Location:

Boston, MA

Square Feet:

224

Division:

Teeny-Tiny

What I Love About My Small Home:

I grew up in Los Angeles, where most apartment buildings are recent builds with grey carpets and stucco walls. When I moved to Boston I was struck by how much love and care was put into buildings. My apartment is a studio converted from the old living room of a brownstone house. I love the original window moldings, parquet floors, and antique fireplace. It makes me feel like I'm just sharing the space with the history of the house. When I decorated, I tried to fuse that history with my modern/vintage style.

Name: Mila (3)
Location: Danville, California

Q: I just moved into a new apartment with AWFUL brown carpet. I prefer clean neutrals. I have purchased a white leather sofa, and I'm trying to stick with whites, creams, gold, silver, gray, espresso and black.

Also, the ceilings are curved, so there's no break in the wall for painting. Right now they are flat stark white. I love the french windows, and the space seems very airy, so I want to keep it nice and bright, but also don't want it to look too clinical. Those horrible vertical blinds are already on the way down!:

Handsome cups and mini trays organize desk and vanity essentials, keeping clutter at bay. The set of trays in the photo above even features magnets, allowing you to reconfigure the set to suit your space. Mess, be gone!

Sun Jar by Tobias Wong

• $30.05
• Amazon.com

I spotted this years ago, but wasn't moved. A few months ago, however, I saw things differently when I saw one in person and "got it." We've had one in the window of our new apartment ever since, where it is a sweet and surprising eternal, unwired, non-batteried nightlight. With a soft glow that can also go anywhere (it's watertight and weatherproof) this little thing is a great nightlight and a soon-to-be-tested outdoor summer find. Bright Idea: we're giving them to four year old and a seven year old at their birthday parties this weekend. :)

If you're in the midst of spring cleaning and still have no idea how to organize your jewelry collection, try this tip from Kara Paslay's accessories closet.

If you don't have a garden, or curbside compost, you might think composting isn't for you. But guess what — you can still join the compost party, even if you're an apartment dweller or suffer from a black thumb. Here's how:

• No Garden? You Can Still Compost
  The Kitchn

Q: I am looking to find a new or old caged ceiling fan similar to the one in the picture. I have seen them in use but cannot find one either online or at any antique stores, etc... can you help?

Name: Kyle Ewing
Location: San Francisco, California
Size: 1,330 square feet
Years lived in: 2 years; Owned

We caught a sneak peak of Kyle’s apartment in her Before and After Kitchen Remodel, and now we’re back for the full tour! Entering this light-filled oasis in the middle of San Francisco, you’re transported from bustling city life to a soothing environment that’s warm, welcoming and feels more like a quaint country cottage than a city apartment. The sound of birds chirping and lawn mowers mowing makes it hard to believe that Kyle's place is just a couple short blocks from the happening city life of Castro Street. 

Name: Molly and John
Location: Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, New York
Size: 1,200 square feet
Years lived in: 5 years; Owned

When Molly and John moved into this apartment five years ago, they were the first buyers in the building. The property had a few issues at the time, but Molly and John took the leap and were glad they did. The building has since filled up with young families, who have created a very tight-knit community.