When this topic came up as part of our monthly focus on “renters solutions” I jumped at the chance to write about it. I recently had the good fortune of having a washing machine in a unit that I lived in for a few months, and that was a serious luxury. But currently I’m living without a washing machine in my apartment… or anywhere within a city block.

Last Sunday was the monthly Alameda flea market just outside of San Francisco and we emerged from the day happily clutching our finds and sincerely wishing that we had brought some sunscreen. Here are a few takeaways from the experience. 1. Read up. Knowing what to expect before you show up is half the battle. Is there free parking nearby or a shuttle to the site? Is there a cover? Should you expect 50 or 500 vendors and what is the loading policy?

Urban apartments are shrinking as demand for space rises, and while I can’t wait for the day that it takes me more than five seconds to walk a lap of my entire apartment, I’m making the most of small space living while it lasts. In that spirit I’ve put together a little top ten list for you. Top 10 Ways You Can Tell Your Apartment is Seriously Tiny: 1. When the smallest tree on the lot takes up your entire living room at Christmas time. 2.

While here in California the seasons are a little less, ahem, defined, transitioning from winter into spring still not only inspires me to trade in the heavy bedding — it also makes me want to bring on the color and add seasonal treasures like fresh local blooms. Trading out accessories like throw pillows, duvets and seasonal decor can be a great way to both mark the change in seasons and to shake things up a bit from time to time and keep your home fresh.

With rents rivaling those in New York, the high cost and low availability of apartments in San Francisco is driving locals to live small. Here are a few San Francisco residents who pull off small spaces with big style, all under 500 square feet. TOP ROW: 1. Krystal’s San Francisco Studio, 400 sq ft 2. Erin & Danny Living Together in Only 500 Square Feet, 500 sq ft 3. Lauren’s Eclectic San Francisco Apartment, 450 sq ft 4. Lauren’s Happy, Inspired Studio, 500 sq ft 5.

Maybe I’m the only one who regularly indulges in this fantasy, but for those of us who have lived our entire adult lives with one bedroom or less, the idea of a spare room to devote to anything we would like is a fun one to explore. I like to imagine what I would use mine for, and I tend to flip flop on this one a lot.

Not all of us who work from home are lucky enough to have an extra room to devote to a home office, so we utilize what space we do have. Culled from our House Tours, here few great home offices that don’t sacrifice style or function, even when they’re short on square footage. 1. A sleek desk fits in with the glam decor in Bianca and Craig’s Moody Glam Apartment tour. 2.

Whether you are looking to photograph your place to submit to a contest (like our Small Cool or Room for Color) or just want to preserve it for posterity (look how I lived before kids!), here are a few quick styling tips from my own house tour photo shoots that will help you get the perfect shot. 1.Bring in fresh flowers. Fresh flowers, or any bit of greenery, will add a bit of color without modifying your decor, and create the impression that the space is well cared for. 2.Tape it up.

Having a great personality comes from truly knowing and embracing the things that make you unique, and a willingness to share those things with the world. In seeking out spaces with a real personality (a testament, no doubt, to those that created them) I had to look no further than our own house tours. 1. Amy’s Vintage Jewel Tone Apartment Two tone green walls create a background that unifies the space, and makes the colorful and eclectic artwork and accessories in this kitchen pop. 2.

Name: Meg Shackleton of Margaret Elizabeth Jewelry Location: Union Street; San Francisco, California Size: 750 square feet Years in business: 7 years When you step into the studio of Margaret Elizabeth Jewelry you are taken by the similarities in style between the jewelry line and the space where it is created. Metallics with pops of color and plenty of texture set the tone in this studio workspace and showroom.

Hanging art can easily find its way to the bottom of the to do list, especially when sourcing attractive, inexpensive frames that don’t look, well, cheap can be a challenge. We’re rounded up ten great options to get your art from lingering on the to do list to hanging the wall, without breaking the bank in the process. 1. Gallery In A Box Frame Set – White, West Elm, $99 2. Astor Solid Wood Picture Frame- Silver, Wayfair, $18 3.

Sometimes you feel like your home needs a refresh, but you aren’t looking to spend a lot of money. These are my 10 go-to tricks, whether I’m preparing for company, getting things photo shoot ready, or just feel the need for a little pick me up without spending much money. 1. Bring the outdoors in with houseplants. A little green can go a long ways towards bringing life into your space. Choose something low maintenance, like a succulent, if you have a less than green thumb. 2.

As part of my January Cure this month, I’m hoping to pull my place together with a few finishing touches, starting with the bathroom. While searching for inspiration I found myself drawn to these images. Each incorporates warm touches usually found in other parts of the home, instead of the usual matchy-matchy bathroom accessories. They are much more suited to my home’s aesthetic as a whole and a great way to create an extra inviting space.

The concept of creating a “landing strip” in my apartment to sort through the clutter of the day and attempt to filter through things as they come in is one that appeals to me. However, my petite abode lacks any sort of entryway, with the door instead opening straight into the main living area.

A hallmark of Danish design, the classic sheepskin rug is about as ubiquitous as tapered legs in MCM style homes. Whether draped over a chair, the back of the sofa, the foot of the bed, or layered over a rug, the sheepskin is an element that instantly makes any room feel cozier with little effort. Here are a few of our favorite examples and options. 1. Worn in sheepskins help create a laid back environment in this living room.

The idea of collecting art can be a daunting one and when it comes to finding the perfect pieces to fill your walls it can feel like there are only two directions you can go in, mass produced cookie-cutter art or the intimidating, confusing and often expensive option of buying directly from a gallery. The internet has democratized the process quite a bit, but can be hard to sift through what’s available. Here are ten of my go to resources for good, affordable art.