The Art of Living in a Small Space

Normally we espouse the virtues and solutions of small space living from the perspective of modernists. But small space living isn't just an urban, modern era lifestyle. Backwoods Home Magazine, a publication of "practical ideas for self-reliant living", has an informative article titled The Art of Living in a Small Space that tackles small space living from a must more rustic viewpoint. Writer Claire Wolf breaks down living in smaller spaces into four key points, coping, building, gadgeting and decorating, drawing upon her own personal experience living in a 409 square feet cabin. It's an interesting departure of perspective, with lots of useful tips that transfer into any home, big or small.

Some key points she makes:

If you can’t immediately put things away, then have a transitional junk drawer or cabinet where you stash stuff until you can file, fold, sort, or dispose of it.

Where feasible, replace traditional walls with half-height walls, pass-throughs, or movable screens. The bigger area you can see, the less cramped you’ll feel.

Avoid wildly patterned upholstery, bedspreads, or carpets. Muted is good.