Theresa Gonzalez

I’ve always lived in small spaces, and even wrote about how I prefer it here. Not only do I like the design challenge of a smaller apartment, but living small also allows me to live in great cities, which can get pricey with more square footage. Here are some inspiring room dividers that can turn a single room (like in a studio apartment) into a multi-functional space. I like the idea of having something that allows light to filter through, but also allows for privacy when you want it.

We’ve had freezing temperatures in San Francisco this week, which is way worse than getting them in, say, New York. Our windows are old and drafty and not insulated for this kind of weather. In fact, I’ve lived in two apartments with no heat at all. It’s not uncommon here, where temps don’t tend to dip below 50. But this season, my Chilean boyfriend turned me on to the hot water bottle. I hadn’t used one since I was a kid with the flu.

Name: Krzysztof Palacz Location: Buena Vista, San Francisco Size: 880 square feet Years lived in: 3 years; Owned House tour veteran Christopher Reynolds tipped me off about his friend Krzysztof’s San Francisco apartment. Since I trust Christopher’s eye, I didn’t ask for many details, and showed up site unseen with tripod in tow. Krzysztof first had me at the Cherner chairs, a modern classic I’ve been coveting since design school.