5 Small Space Reminders

Yesterday morning’s Daily Shot With Ali Wentworth on Yahoo was an interview with Maxwell Ryan, the Apartment Therapy blog guy.  He gave 5 quick tips for thriving in a small space, and he reminded us, “It’s not the square footage that makes it feel small, but a sense of smallness, or the way your eye moves about the room.”

1.  Have breathing room.  If your book shelf holds 30 books, only put 25 on it.  Don’t fill it up.  Declutter.

2.  Lighting.  There needs to be 3 points of light in every room.  Your eye removes shadowed areas, so to see the entire room, it needs to be lit.

3.  Add some color to white paint to bring a soft hue into your room.  Light colors expand and dark colors contract, so using an “off-white” paint brings in light and color.

4.  Take doors off whenever possible.

5.  Add vertical elements to accentuate height.  Use floor to ceiling elements, like curtains or bookshelves to draw the eye up.

See the whole interview here.

Rebecca Knabe

 

Supergirls

Do you have any friends that you feel like you’ve known forever?  I have a few.  They know me well, they’ve met my family,  they understand where I come from and where I want to go, they can read me like a book, we have history.

One of those friends is Natasha.  We met about a million years ago – ok maybe it was about 17 years ago – and we are still in each other’s lives.  We came to be roommates in Bend, Oregon in the late 90’s, and now, several years later, we’re trailer-park-mates.  She lives right next door to me.  It’s almost like living together, just without getting on each other’s nerves.  Perfect scenario.

That’s me in the center, on the chair. Natasha is on my right, holding the kid. The 5 of us lived in a small 2 bedroom house.

I’m the wench, Natasha is the gypsy. Renaissance Fair 1997.

That’s us strolling around Athens, Greece in 2000.

This past week, Natasha staked a claim in epic-friend status by helping me build a 242 square foot outdoor paver patio.  Neither of us have attempted this before, so I googled like mad, and with a ton of hard work and sweat, somehow we pulled it off.  I’m pretty sure I owe her a beer or two….

I’m pretty sure we’re Supergirls.  You can almost see our capes under our dresses….

Rebecca Knabe

Living Large in a Small Space, According to the Pros

The March 2007 issue of Metropolitan Home magazine featured several articles on small space living.  Included were tips from designers, architects, and authors on how to make the most of your tiny space.  Enjoy their clever ideas….

James Gauer – Try to let the eye see as much of the floors, walls and ceilings in order to increase the visual space of a room.  Keeping colors the same on these planes, especially from one room to another will help.

Abbey Francis – Make as many furnishings as possible do double duty, like changing tables worked into bookshelves, and beds with built-in storage drawers.

Dan Shipley – Think of the space as an asset that does not necessarily need filling.  Natural light is the least expensive and best furnishing any room can have.

David Droese – Careful planning of every cabinet, closet and storage area can’t be stressed enough.  Get creative and look for any pocket of unused space for additional storage.  And weed out anything nonessential.

Todd Walker – If you have high ceilings, take advantage of the volume of the area; store things up, and consider a small loft.  Sheer curtains offer privacy while maintaining a sense of openness.

Paul Draper – Changing elements seasonally offers the experience of having two different rooms.  This could include decorative elements, as well as furniture structure and hardware.

Marlon Blackwell – Choose design elements that create a sense of order, expressive character, and imagination.  Openings for light and view are essential – they extend the perception of space beyond walls.  Vertical storage makes the best use of a room’s volume.

Rene Gonzalez – Bringing the landscape and the sky inside a space both expands and connects it to its surroundings.  The concept of reflectivity aids this connection.  Mimic colors from outside, bring in natural light, and connect your outdoor and indoor living spaces.

Paul Latham – Consolidate and simplify.  Group objects together while leaving some spaces clear.  Hang a mirror opposite a window wall to visually open the space.

Paul Field – Consider pocket doors to save space, and suspended vanities and credenzas so your eye can move below the space without stopping at their base.

Laurie Smith – When using dark wall paint, contrast it with light furniture.  They become focal points while the corners of the room are blurred with the dark colors.  These focal points enliven and open a space much like a window.

Brian Hughes – Since you don’t need as many furnishings in a small space, buy great quality, comfortable furniture that you love, and that perform multiple functions.

Not all these suggestions are needed, but pick one or two of your favorites and give it a try.  Let me know if something works well for you, or if you have other ideas of your own!  🙂

Rebecca Knabe

Living Comfortably in 400 (or less) Square Feet, According to Bob Vila

Posted by Rebecca

There’s a Bob Vila article buzzing around the internet today that has some great tips and photos to help you either make the leap to smaller-space living, or help you in your current small space home.  My little trailer is about 450 square feet of living space.  Here’s the gist of the article, but be sure to check out the full article for more information and a complete photo gallery.

–  Use a beautiful armoire as a home office.  The best part?  When guests arrive, just close the doors – no messy office to tidy.

–  Fill your tiny home with double-duty furniture, like ottomans or end tables that store clothing or blankets.

–  If you have higher ceilings, hang shelves up to 18 inches from the ceiling for extra decorative storage or for your books.

–  Glass, clear acrylic, or Lucite furniture can open up the space and add a modern touch.

–  Mount a shallow shelf above your kitchen or bathroom sink for pretty towels or bottles of soap and lotion.

–  Lighter colors give the illusion of space, so use them generously.

–  Make like Julia Child and hang your pots and pans on the wall or from the ceiling to free up some cupboard space.

–  Use mirrors behind sofas, beds or other large pieces of furniture to expand the visual boundaries of the room.

–  A strategically placed book shelf can serve as a room divider and a major storage unit, all in one.

–  Allow your tiny home to be flooded with natural light.  Keep windows clear, and if you must cover them, opt for sheer fabrics and shades to let in some beautiful filtered light.

Learning to live in a tiny place is challenging, but worth it.  Think of all the extra time, energy, and money you will save when you no longer have a large home to pay for and upkeep.

Rebecca Knabe

Decked Out

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The pink trailer’s deck is up and running for the summer, and as of this week it looks a little like this….

Is your outdoor space ready for summer?  What are some of your favorite potted plants?

Rebecca Knabe

Lighten Up

Posted by Rebecca

I got inspired during a visit to Tanille’s tiny home a few weeks ago.  She had switched her beautiful, but dark living room curtains for light ones; and it opened up, and brightened up the place so much that I had to try it myself.

I found some pretty shower (yes, shower) curtains at World Market that I loved and would do the trick.  They are fully fabric, and the thing I like about shower curtains is they are wider than regular curtains, so fewer panels are needed.  The only caution is they aren’t as long, so they work best behind furniture.

Notice the difference from my old heavy curtains, to my lighter set.  It feels so bright and cheery, and perfect for summer!  And I feel like I have a whole new living room!

Another bonus to this type of change is it feels like you’ve redecorated, but with very little expense or work.  My furniture does not rearrange well in my trailer.  My couch is huge and very deep, but I love it and won’t get rid of it.  So the front end of the trailer is the only place it fits (believe me, I tried about 174 other locations).  This change of window covering adjusts the light levels of the room, and makes the huge change that you feel when you’ve moved furniture.

I did the same thing in my bedroom last winter.  I thought I needed to immediately darken the wall color after hanging these new white curtains, but I still haven’t painted, and now that I’m used to the change I love it – with or without darker walls.

And that’s how you do a cheap and easy, light and bright summer makeover!  😉

Rebecca Knabe

Springy!

Posted by Rebecca

Yesterday was the first day of spring, even though the weather in many places around North America and Europe was not cooperating.  Spring is a great time of year for those of us who live in small spaces.

The warming temperatures allow closed-up-for-the-season windows to be opened wide, replacing the stale winter air in our tiny house with wonderful fresh air.

The on-set of warm evenings mean dinner parties can be moved outside and more friends can be accommodated.

Heavy throws and blankets can be taken off of beds, couches, and chairs, allowing a room to feel lighter and more spacious.

Fragrant fresh-picked flowers are likely to find themselves in little vases here and there throughout the house, bringing new life and color to your home.

Ahhhhhhh, spring!  Can you feel it?  It’s here!

Rebecca Knabe

Trailer Inspiration

Posted by Rebecca

I recently had a great link sent to me by my sweet fella (my friends think it sounds ridiculous when I call him that.  I tried “gentleman caller” for a while, but they said that made me sound like an escort; and “boyfriend” sounds way too silly for someone my age.  Anyway….).

Houzz is a renovation inspiration website that allows you to browse rooms and save photos for your own projects.  A recent post featured Airstream Trailers as an idea, because “in this increasingly urban and budget-conscious world, one of the greatest design challenges homeowners and designers face is figuring out how to live comfortably and stylishly in increasingly smaller spaces.”

And although the design and photos were Airstream-specific, the post reminded us, “Even if you don’t own an Airstream… think of these spaces as test-bunny methods you can use in your home’s smaller spaces. After all, a little goes a long-haul way.”

So click on this link and check out the fantastic and diverse trailer designs.  My favorites are photos #3 and #4, and I love the mod chandelier in photo #7.  Which ones are your favorites?

Here’s one of me and my fella, the gentleman caller, my boyfriend….  Let’s just call him John.

Rebecca Knabe

Ever Stayed in a Treesort?

Posted by Rebecca

Last weekend I had the chance to visit the Out ‘n’ About Treehouse Treesort.  It was great – small space living, high up in a tree.  The Treesort is located near Cave Junction, Oregon, just an hour from the coast, and it was the perfect weekend get-away.

There are 15 unique small tree houses and cabins on the property, some with full bathrooms and kitchenettes, and some with shared ‘facilitrees.’  A delicious breakfast is included, and prices are discounted in the off-season.

We stayed in Pleasantree (click on the link for interior views of our swanky accommodations).  It was about 40 feet off the ground, and accessible only by a spiral staircase and a jaunt across 2 suspension bridges.  We had lovely weather while there, but the tree, and of course the treehouse swayed in even the slightest breeze – not for the faint of heart.  Our treehouse had a main floor with bunk beds, a mini fridge, a toilet and shower hidden behind a curtain, and a sink.  There was also a loft with a mattress for two.

The spiral stairs lead up to the suspension bridges.

A few views of Pleasantree:

One of the swingy suspension bridges.  Don’t look down!

Horseback riding is one of the activities offered at the Treesort.

Some interesting trees on the property.

One final look….  Pleasantree is on the right.

If you are looking for an unusual vacation destination, and a chance to simplify  and downsize for a few days, I would highly recommend this little tree-venture; it was treemendous (groan).

Rebecca Knabe

 

 

The Greatest Compliment

Posted by Rebecca

My friend, Natasha, was visiting the other night.  Her son was playing with a little 9-year-old girl named, Trinity.  I was a 9-year-old girl once.  When I was 9 the only things on my mind were playing, pretty things like sparkles and kittens, and Barbie Dolls.  I think a lot of 9-year-old girls are fairly similar.

So it was an unexpected compliment when little Trinity walked into my trailer, eyes wide, and said, “It’s pretty in here!”

I was taken aback.  It was very unexpected.  And it felt like the greatest compliment ever.  I’ve had a lot of adults tell me that my place looks great, but sometimes I feel like they think they have to say that; or they’re really thinking, “This place looks great, for a trailer.”

Hearing it from a little girl, however, was better.  She didn’t know that it’s polite to express praise the first time you see someone’s home.  She isn’t aware that buttering someone up usually improves their impression of you.  And the last thing on her mind when she was preparing to walk into my home was, “I wonder how this place is decorated.”

So when Trinity told me that my place is pretty, I believed her.  She spoke from her heart.  And as I thanked her I thought to myself, “I think it’s pretty too.”

Posted by Rebecca