Small Spaces

It may seem counterintuitive, but it works!

Turns out, your small space can be pretty AND practical.

When you have a small kitchen (I do), creative problem solving stops becoming a resume catchphrase and starts becoming a way of life. Configuring cookware and food and utensils—while trying to keep it all from looking like a mad scientist’s lab—isn’t easy. Here are 10 great posts in one place to offer some tips, tricks and inspiration for all of us fighting the good I-dream-of-kitchen-storage fight. Don’t neglect the space above your cabinets.

A lot of the kitchens we feature on this site are dramatic and beautiful and… well, huge. So today we’ve rounded up a selection of kitchens that are on the smaller side (some on the really small side) to inspire those of you who want a beautiful room for cooking, but don’t have infinite space. Above: this Parisian kitchen could not be any cuter, and is a great reminder that having a small space doesn’t have to mean skimping on style.

Cheap, easy, AND adorable? The holiday trifecta!

Each one of these homes is 400 square feet or under, but they're all well organized and good looking. Find smart storage solutions, double-duty furniture, and other clever ways to make the most of a small home.

Zach Klein is the co-founder of video platform Vimeo, but if you’re reading this here website, he might be more famous for his other project: Cabin Porn. What started in 2009 as a Tumblr quickly morphed into a pre-Instagram vision board for those who dreamt of getting away from it all and experiencing nature firsthand, preferably from a charming little cabin.

The diminutive residence offers 500 square feet of space, but thanks to its signature cathedral ceilings, space-maximizing design elements and bright interior, the home feels much more spacious than its meager measurements suggest.

When Brooke Cook came across a school bus converted into a tiny home on Instagram, she was smitten. Almost immediately, she and her husband started searching for a potential bus they could turn into a tiny house of their own.

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

“Kids! It’s time to fold the toys!” Every parent should be conscious of what you’re bringing into your home for your kids to play with, but if you live in a small home the size of a toy can be a deal breaker. Mostly, I limit the sheer number of toys we have but another strategy I employ is to look for toys that store easily. Does it fold up to a smaller size? Can I tuck it in the closet or on top of our wardrobe? Suddenly a tricycle in a small apartment seems feasible.

Maxwell started Apartment Therapy here in New York. Lots of folks in this city were in need of design solutions tailored for their specific small-home challenges. Here, let’s take a look at some successful small homes from this capital of tiny apartment living:Most of these are from previous Apartment Therapy house tours, which are brimming with small home solutions that lots of us can take inspiration from. The homes’ locations vary from Brooklyn Heights to Chelsea.

Name: Suzi and Tchotchke, a 3-year-old schnoodleLocation: Yukon Studio Lofts, in Columbus’ Short North neighborhoodSize: 557 square feetYears lived in: 3 Suzi West has gone big by going small in her Short North studio condominium, which, in the living room alone, features show-stopping “branchelier,” a 3-foot-wide chandelier of white willow; an oversized zebra-print ottoman and an 8-foot-tall cupboard.

Name: Heather Moore & Paul Edmunds Location: Gardens, Cape Town Size: 860 square feet Years lived in: 9 When the opportunity came to visit the studio and home of textile designer Heather from SkinnyLaminx, we jumped at the opportunity! She shares her home with husband and fellow artist Paul Edmunds. It’s a living mood-board — with pieces of inspiration splashed about in a beautifully creative and aesthetic way.

Name: Viivi Arela Location: Helsinki, Finland Size: 230 sq ft room in a 805 sq ft apartment Years lived in: 1 year; Rented Living and working in a shared rental apartment hasn’t hindered Viivi’s creativity in personalizing her space. Pastel hues, simple silhouettes and inspiring color-coordinated vignettes lend to a peaceful and personal urban atmosphere, without (potentially landlord-upsetting) permanent modifications.

Name: Saana Sipilä & Olli Sallinen Location: Pohjola, Turku, Finland Size: 516 square feet Years lived in: 5 years; Rented Finnish textile designers Saana and Olli have made their home in a tiny yellow wooden house in Turku, Finland. Built in the 1890s, the space shows signs of age, but the couple’s thoughtful styling and furnishings compliment its well-worn appearance so well that one wouldn’t really want it any other way.

We’re dreaming up how four classic characters—Ramona, Nancy Drew, Eloise, and Junie B. Jones— would design their spaces today.

Austin is known for its live music scene, funky boutique hotels and nearby Hill Country, and one of its newest places to stay, The Wayback Cafe and Cottages, combines the charm of all three. Located on three Live Oak-dotted acres in the exclusive West Lake Hills neighborhood, The Wayback boasts eight board-and-batten style cottages, a restaurant led by the flavors of Central Texas and a handful of communal areas including a pool, fire pit and cabana.

Bunk beds usually conjure the image of summer camps or crowded kids’ rooms, but not here.