For the last 4 years, I've house-sat and dog-sat for my friends whenever they travel. I love their home (and the dogs, of course) dearly, and am going to miss it so much when I move away next month. This is their home, but a little part of my heart will stay here...

Name: Maxwell & Ursula
Type of Project: Light renovation of a rental apt
Location: Soho, NYC
Type of building: Two bedroom apartment

I had a big unsolved issue for this project, which was how to get a compact bed into Ursula's room along with all the storage she and I needed in both of our rooms for clothing, etc. Then I ran into George Evageliou again after posting about his company back in 2007. He was literally in our offices dropping off his new cards, when I asked if he'd come take a look at this apartment. Within thirty minutes he'd convinced me to rip out all the old, funky closets and work with him to install cabinets in both rooms, one of which would carry Ursula's bed. That's when the fun began. 

The Renovation Diaries are a new collaboration with our community in which we feature your step by step renovation progress and provide monetary support towards getting it done in style. See all of our Reno Diaries here.

Name: Juan Vasquez 
Location: Highland Neighborhood; Denver, Colorado
Size: 400 square feet
Years lived in: Owned for 9 years; Remodeled garage 1 year ago

Nine years ago, Denver resident, Juan Vasquez purchased a 1920s bungalow  in the bustling Highland neighborhood of Denver and set out to make it his own. Shortly after, he took on the project of renovating his old two car garage into a restful haven out back. Originally Juan’s vision was to create an indoor/outdoor space connecting the main house to the vegetable garden. But new zoning laws sparked his interest and fostered the idea of repurposing the unused space into a modern guest house and possible income property. He could envision the 400 square foot unfinished space being transformed into a bright, airy, inspirational hideaway, perfect for out of town guests or visiting family. Soon after the decision was made and the 8 month renovation began.

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Name:

Byron

Location:

Oakland, CA

Square Feet:

965

Division:

Small

What I Love About My Small Home:

I’ve been in this apartment for less than a year after living in various San Francisco Victorians for over a decade. Although I love the charm and character of old apartments, I really wanted to live in a modern space again. What attracted me to this apartment was the “quality” of the space; it’s basically a series of right angles with big windows. The simplicity of crisp white walls with light-colored wood floors allows the focus to be on the furniture, which I’ve kept minimal and neutral in palette. Being a photographer, I also love the amount of light and wall space which has given me the freedom to increase the scale of my work. Most of all, I love the balance and juxtaposition I’ve achieved between modern and vintage, shiny and matte, textures of fabric, simple shapes and natural materials. Even though the space has a definite design push to it, it doesn’t feel fussy or unapproachable. In fact, it’s quite comfortable and livable!

Last year, one of my good friends found a new job, packed up his belongings, and moved hundreds of miles away, for love. He was even talking of proposing this spring. Fast-forward to the present, and instead of planning a wedding, my friend and his (now) ex-girlfriend are going their separate ways. He is now living alone in the apartment they had picked out together, the space they chose to start their life together. 

When space is limited, toys need to be too. Wait...is this really true? No, not if you're space savvy: big toys can be replaced with small toys that are just as fun and do the exact same job. Here are a few small space alternatives to popular big toy items:

There's a debate that is always going on among the Moms of my building: if you could choose just one upgrade for your apartment, would you get a washer/dryer or a dishwasher? For me, the dishwasher wins every time. Life goes on just fine without a washer/dryer. Here is how we do it:

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Name:

Lois

Location:

Hartland, MI

Square Feet:

683

Division:

Little

What I Love About My Small Home:

I love my home! I love the small utility bills, the short cleaning time, and I especially love living in my small home has taught me to keep what is necessary and what I love. I have learned that "stuff" is not that important in being happy.

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Name:

Jennifer

Location:

New York, NY

Square Feet:

550

Division:

Tiny

What I Love About My Small Home:

What I love best about my apartment is the exposed brick. It evokes a warm and comfortable mood, so that I feel as though I am living in a cozy bungalow in the country and not a major city! I also love the clearly defined spaces. The kitchen is separated from the main living area by a door, and I have a private office space in the tiny alcove next to my bedroom area.