Small Space Living

Small Space Desk: Swiss Army Desk

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 01:18:00 +0000

Lately I’ve been on a binge for any useful object that “closes up”. It’s nice to have the ability to uncluttered your space by shutting the doors on it, like the Kitchen Armoire below.

I’ve had my eye on these portable desks for some time now. There is something inherently masculine about utilitarian military objects. The Swiss Army Desk is no exception.

The desk is a small footlocker-sized box that opens to reveal a writing surface and some shelving. They are perfect size for students, and you can toss it in the car and take it home with you on the weekends. There is plenty room for books, a laptop and much more. Did I mention they are painted olive drab green for that oh so GI Joe look?

The one pictured here is for sale on ebay. I also found two more photos on flicker. They are perfect small space desks, which can be easily closed when not in use. The only things that are missing are a fold out bottle opener and some tweezers.

Small Space Kitchen: The Armoire Kitchen

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 01:51:00 +0000

Kitchens are an important part of any home. Eating at home saves money, is often more healthy than eating out, and can be a rewarding experience. The challenge of small space living is to use what you have. Not just objects, but the space. The efficient use of space is as important as only owning what you need. If there is a utensil or a pan in your kitchen that you have not used in 18 months, let it go.

Although this kitchen is not suited for gourmet cooking, it is a superb example of efficiency. The Armoire Kitchen by Yester Tec is one of the finest examples of a truly self-contained kitchen I have seen.

The Armoire Kitchen is a handsome maple cabinet. It looks like any standard armoire from the outside, but inside it is anything but standard. The upper doors of the unit fold back to reveal the kitchen countertop. There is a small stainless steel sink, a 2-burner cooktop and a microwave hood. The bottom of the unit conceals a small refrigerator/freezer combo and a dishwasher.

There is no skimping in The Armoire Kitchen with appliances by Subzero, Kenyon, Paykel, and GE. This is some primo stuff that makes my personal small kitchen blush. I don’t even have a dishwasher... well my wife, but she doesn’t count. The unit is not exactly inexpensive — regular price $13,327 and sale price $9,300 – $9,700. But hey, all that kitchen bling aint cheap

More Small Space Portable Living: Little House on the Trailer

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 09 Jan 2009 03:11:00 +0000

So it seems to me that there are more and more portable living options popping up these days. Last year I covered several portable dwellings. In January 2008 I covered the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company. This year the Little House on the Trailer reminds me of the Tumbleweed.

The Little House on the Trailer is available in slightly more spacious versions up to 400 sq ft. Although essentially a mobile home, these structures are beautiful. With a much higher attention to detail than is normally found in traditional mobile homes, The Little House on the Trailer is more like high-end construction.

The owner of The Little House on the Trailer Company, Stephen Marshall, is able to achieve some very dramatic floor plans in these small packages. There are several versions available: offices, dwellings, and “art spaces” which are basically small studios.

The units come ready to be occupied — just hook up the plumbing and you’re in business. They are not inexpensive. The home pictured at the top retails for $65,000, but still a bargain considering the attention to detail.

Portable homes are a great way to add square footage to your existing home and an appealing mobile option for a starter home. Via apartment therapy.

Small Space Living: Personal Update

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 08 Jan 2009 04:33:00 +0000

I can tell from the emails I receive that at least some of you have noticed my absence from posting.

The last part of 2008 was very hectic for me. I left my old job, started a new job, and I was just generally exhausted by the holiday season. I do feel like I am returning to some sort of stability and I am endeavoring to resume posting.

There is so much cool stuff out there for 2009. The economy, I fear, will also be encouraging people to downsize their lives, and I’ll be here to direct the traffic.

So welcome back and buckle up — there’s some good stuff coming.

Small Space Book Chair by Annika Schmidt

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:24:00 +0000

As you are all aware, I love multi-function furniture. Although this piece is just for sitting, it can be used in several different ways making it multi-functional in my book.

I stumbled across this chair one night while looking at some other pieces by Annika Schmidt. I am entirely enamored with it — the colors, the textures, the whole presentation. I also enjoy lounging about on the floor with a pillow, and this chair looks like just my sort of seat.

The chair is made of various fabrics/materials including batting, felt and I think bent plywood. I love the idea of just flipping trough it to find the perfect height for you. Flat or against a wall, the possibilities are endless.

Small Space Utility: Swiss Army Key Hack

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 01:22:00 +0000

I love Instructables! I have written before about the wide array of fascinating hacks, projects and how-tos.

I particularly enjoy this hack because I have too many keys — way too many. I also like pocket tools, so it’s a match made in heaven… or at least my pocket.

The basic gist of this hack is to take your Leatherman Micra, or cheap knock-off, and swap some of the tools for your keys. This idea just plain kicks butt. It’s the best of everything — less key bulk and more refined tool selection. Smaller is better and you carry only what you need!

There is some cutting and drilling involved, but the end result is quite cool and very functional.

Small Space Mobile Phone Charger Solution: Driinn

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 01:32:00 +0000

First off, let me say that yes I’ve been away for a bit this summer, but I promise there will be loads of new and exciting Small Space Living stuff soon.

Now, how many of you charge you mobile phones in silly places. I charge mine on the floor — really the floor. My wife is charging her phone in the pantry as I write this. There really should be a simple, no-nonsense solution to this problem. Well here it is — the Driinn. At under six bucks, it may be the cheapest and most reasonable idea so far. I have covered charging stations in the past that come with heavy price tags, but this little piece of plastic wraps this problem up nicely.

The Driinn simply hangs between the wall socket and the charging adapter with a space to wrap the cord and a sloped shelf to support the phone. There is real science in this little gadget — the simplest answer is often the correct answer.

Small Space Milk: Not Just For Squares

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 06:25:00 +0000

I remember a few years back reading about how the Japanese grow watermelons inside acrylic cubes in order to produce square watermelons. These square watermelons then fit nicely into fridge compartments. This new square case-less milk container reminds me of that.

Apparently Sam’s Club is stocking these new milk containers that more efficiently use space both in your fridge and in the truck on the way to the store. It is really an innovative idea. It seems to me that the milk crate really should be extinct by now — they are a tremendous waste of plastic. I don’t know how they have survived the endless poaching by college students in search of cheep bookshelves, but they have.

The new container design will translate to a savings of 10 to 20 cents vs. the old school jug. The savings are a result of being able to fit 384 more gallons into a standard truckload. With gasoline prices soaring, the cost of transporting goods has a significant impact on a products bottom-line price.

I love innovation the saves space, money and the environment — cheers Sam’s Club.

Small Space OS for Less: Ubuntu

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:20:00 +0000

So I’ve been off Windows for several years now — I have a Mac. I am not going to spend time telling you to pitch your PC and buy a Mac, although I do love mine. It just works; there are seldom issues of any sort with my Powerbook. I do have one issue with Apple — cost.

The prices of Apple computers are somewhat over the top. At the time I am writing this, the cheapest laptop you can get from Apple is a grand. If you actually want a laptop with a video card, the lowest price point is two thousand bucks. These prices are double to comparable Windows machines.

Vista is just bad and Macs are too expensive, but there is a dark horse in this race, Linux. Linux has been quietly improving over the last several years and now looks more like a viable contender for some serious desk to market share.

In the last several weeks I have noticed at least two magazines at local bookstores enticing computer users to switch to Linux. Specifically to Ubuntu 7.10 “Gutsy Gibbon.” Ubuntu is a highly polished, not just for hackers, flavor of Linux. It is by far one of the easiest installs out there. It’s free and there is a wealth of free and ever-improving apps out there.

One of the coolest features is the ability to install it alongside other operating systems without damaging the other. It’s a great way to safely test the free software movement water.

Small Space Satellite Dish: Squish

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 03:16:00 +0000

I don’t watch much TV; in fact I have not had cable for my entire adult life. I guess I’m sometimes left out of the “did you see X on Y show last night?” conversations but I somehow manage to soldier on.

One think that I really despise about the boob tube are those darn satellite dishes. In a historic neighborhood like mine I can think of nothing more ridiculous than “The Dish” hanging allover historic buildings. I have long thought there has to be some stealth version of these things.

Well its here The Squish is a slick alternative to the standard ugly dish. It’s a slick little satellite dish disguised with a custom sticker to blend in with your structure. It is one of those things that has me saying once again, could no one really think of this sooner? It is a great way lessening the visual impact of urban dish gardens everywhere.

Via Crib Candy.

Small Space Pillow With a Pocket

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 01:39:00 +0000

So my wife found this, and I quite like it. As you know we have covered all sorts of items that have additional storage capabilities — here is another.

The PJ Pocket Pillow — say that three times fast — by Fawn & Forest is a great little pillow. The pillow comes printed with one of several very minimal designs: elephants, squirrels or lemons. It has a real Asian look to it and in fact it is based on Japanese anemone boxs that are traditionally used to house family heirlooms. The pillow actually has a secret — it has a pocket. It’s a great place to stash pjs, a small blanket, remotes or anything you would like to conceal.

The pillow’s Asian looks won me over right away and adds the functionality of helping you to keep your small space tidy.It’s a great find!

Small Space Summer Sport: Bocce

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 02:00:00 +0000

Sports are great! They are good for exercise, some get you outside and they usually involve friends. If you live in a small space the down side is the stuff — the sports “equipment” that in a space to use ratio is seldom worth having. I know we all say we are going to ride our bike every day, but more often than not it ends up in the storage unit.

The trick is finding sports gear that can be used often and takes up little space. Bocce, for example, is a great sport that requires very little equipment to play. You do need a bocce set. A Bocce set usually includes eight large balls of two or sometimes more colors and a small ball called the pallino.

Bocce can be played almost everywhere. Any grassy area will do, but other surfaces including dirt and beaches will also work. If you live in a city, there is a good chance that your local park will have bocce courts, especially if your city has a “little Italy”. Bocce can be played with two, four or eight people. You may have noticed that most sets come with balls of two different colors. The balls usually have varying designs, so they can be assigned to multiple players. The rules are easy — you can read them here. There are also a multitude of bocce sets available, a reasonable quality set can be purchased for $69.00 to $120.00 dollars.

A bocce set is a great thing to have. It takes up very little room — about the size of a bowling ball bag, and can make for some relaxing summer time friendly competition.

Small Space Birdhouse: The Roost

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:03:00 +0000

I like birds. I mean to say I like most birds. I’m not down with Alfred Hitchcock’s birds or my annoying neighbor that feeds every pigeon in the city, but for the most part birds are fine in my book.

When I was a child, my grandfather had a Purple Martin birdhouse. Each year when the birdhouse went back up, I thought the birds that returned were the same birds. I actually thought their name, as in family, name was the Martins.

Well, in the cit where I live now, there is no room for a Martin birdhouse and I doubt the martins would like my neighborhood. I think they were more country birds. There are a great many birds in the city and a small birdhouse is an easy way to help provide a safe nesting area.

The Roost by Hepper is a perfect city birdhouse. Its sleek aluminum design makes it stand out from ordinary birdhouses. The roost is durable, non heat-conductive and stylish. There are several vibrant colors and anodized aluminum is extremely durable. These small birdhouses are well thought out with vents and drains to make your tenants comfortable.

Birdhouses are a nice addition to any outdoor area and you could make friends with a bird family for life.

Small Space Radio: CC Radio Shortwave

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 00:23:00 +0000

I have been all over the fact that I listen to the radio all day. There is so much going on out there with radio right now — with satellite radio and HD digital radio. So what about good old fashion radio, shortwave?

I’m not sure that most people are even aware of shortwave radio, but it’s all over the world. It is possible to hear radio shows from all over the world. I am aware of Internet options for the BBC and the like, but shortwave has something romantically nostalgic about it.

A great starter radio for listening is the CC Radio-SW. If you are unfamiliar with C. Crane,, lets just say they are the source for radios and repair. They also make some high quality products, like the CC Radio-SW.

The CC Radio-SW is a super shortwave for starting your listening around the world experience. Loaded with all the bells and whistles, it makes for a very functional radio for around $150.

Shortwave radios are great fun; you will be surprised at the assortment of shows out there on the airwaves. It’s also a great way to listen to foreign languages if you are trying to pick one up.

Small Space Apartment: Optibo

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:46:00 +0000

In May I had two posts about Sandy Lam’s Spaceless balcony furniture. It is a system of furniture that collapses into the space beneath it so that you can use the space for a variety of purposes. I was thinking that it reminded me of something I had seen before. When I did some digging, I found it.

Although not exactly the same Optibo is a similar concept. Optibo is the product of Swedish ingenuity I think it’s a bit like a Swiss Army Knife apartment. Although Optibo has been around for several years, I thought it would be relevant here.

Optibo was a research project on future housing and multifunction furniture. The furniture in the apartment lowers into the floor via hydraulic stage equipment. Yes its hydraulics for your couch, well not exactly. The project basically created a dwelling in a 25 square meter apartment. By concealing furniture in the floor it created a space that could transform itself thereby utilizing the space very efficiently.

As far as I can tell, they are not selling the concept yet, but it is a very noteworthy small space.

Small Space Hydration: Lifesaver Bottle.

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 16:27:00 +0000

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At one time I was quite into hiking. I would take off for weekends and just walk away from everything. But years and other factors have taken away my adventure edge.

I was always striving for lightweight gear to minimize what I needed to be haul. Hydration, as always, was a heavy or risky component to any long hike. The Holy Grail of hydration has forever been a self-contained filter container combination.

Well the Grail has been found. The Lifesaver Bottle by Lifesaver Systems is a remarkable piece of technology. This little wonder takes suspect water in one end and provides clean tasteless drinking water out the other end.

The Lifesaver removes all bacteria, parasites, fungi, and other microbiological waterborne pathogens. And it does it all without chemicals. To make the Lifesaver totally foolproof, it will also shut off the filtering cartridge when it can no longer function to prevent possible contamination.

Not inexpensive at near $400, but for hiking or as a disaster kit option it’s a great deal.

Even More Small Space Grillin’: Baja BBQ Firepack

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 04:13:00 +0000

So by now my love of all things grilled has been well established. I just enjoying grilling — at the cottage it is a integral part of my summer.

I have also covered the fact that I prefer the flavor of charcoal vs. gas grilling. I am aware of the arguments over the environmental impact of charcoal vs. gas, but I am still a charcoal man.

Having said that, if there is a way to lessen the environmental impact of using charcoal, I’m game. That’s where Lazzari comes in with their Baja bbq Firepack. A great deal of VOCs are released by the lighter fluid commonly used to start charcoal grills. The Baja bbq Firepack eliminates the use of lighter fluid. The pack is a 100% recycled biodegradable paper pack that holds 2 pounds of natural lump charcoal. The package is formed with an integrated chimney that stokes up perfect hot coals without the use of additional chemicals.

You simply light the bottom of the pack, slap it in your grill, and let the package burn away starting the coals.

I’m all about grilling, and simple greener grilling is definitely the way to go.

Small Space Stamps: Charles + Ray Eames

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 03:47:00 +0000

I just wanted to remind everyone to start getting in line now — think of the iPhone release in New York. What are you lining up for, some new object of lust from Apple? No, stamps!

Charles + Ray Eames stamps to be more precise; they are coming soon. The official Post Office release date is June 16, 2008. They are some truly lust worthy stamps and just thinking about them makes me want to write letters to everyone I know.

Then again, I’m not sure I actually want to mail these stamps. Maybe I will stick them around my house on my ordinary furniture and let it dream of greatness.

Small Space Floating Furniture: Cantilever Style

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 08:00:00 +0000

While doing some of my regular trolling of sites, this weekend I stumbled on an image of the cantilevered desk (pictured above).

It is a really fine piece of furniture. I love how the use of built in furniture allows for what is really quite a large piece of furniture without feeling large. The floating volume of the piece allows the room to appear more open and less cluttered.

Built in furniture is not inexpensive and good cabinetmakers are quite rare. However, the added home value of built in furniture can make it well worth the investment. Just remember to keep built-ins classic and clean so what ever it is, it will never look dated. This piece is a great example.

Eastvold Custom Woodworks created the desk. Check out their site for more of beautiful designs.

Via Mid-Century Modernist

Small Space Living Classic Reborn: The Pretzel Chair

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 01:48:00 +0000

With my deep and abiding love of all things mid-century modern, I’m not sure I could let the weekend go without mentioning The Pretzel Chair.

The Pretzel Chair is one of George Nelson’s classic designs. It is a lovely gracefully bent wood chair. The chairs were produced from 1952 to the 1980’s. To commemorate what would be the 100th birthday of Nelson, Vitra is producing a limited edition of 1,000 chairs.

Such a handsome chair certainly deserved a resurrection, even if for only a brief time.

Small Space Rehab: Philly Style

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Sat, 31 May 2008 03:44:00 +0000

One of my favorite things about architecture these days is the abundance of creative rehabs that pop up in urban areas. I love the reuse of old structures. It’s a sort-of architectural recycling.

I stumbled on this great rehab of a garage in Philadelphia. Three master of architecture students from the University of Pennsylvania executed the rehab in lieu of more traditional internships.

The space is quite amazing with its striking Cor-Ten steel façade. There are many amenities packed in this old garage. Some of the highlights are bamboo floors, on-demand electric-heated water, exposed brick, and a 600 square foot green rooftop. The entire project is simply amazing.

You can see more pictures here at the flicker set. And if you have 400K you can buy it here!

Via 100khouse.

Small Space Flashlight: Super Bogo Solar

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 29 May 2008 17:21:00 +0000

Small Space Living is dedicated to living greener and helping others. We have a strong green streak and deep belief that individuals are defined by how they give back.

With this in mind, I cannot imagine a better flashlight in the world than the Bogo. The Bogo series of flashlights are truly innovative products. They are well-built, very durable, solar-rechargeable flashlights. The Bogo flashlights use LEDs so it is possible to get six or more hours per night from the on-board batteries.

If that were the end of the story they would be some fine flashlights. As the name implies these Bogo lights are “buy one give one.” Yes that’s not a typo its give one, not get one. When you purchase one of these very reasonably priced lights, one is given to someone in need that could not normally afford one.

Flashlights my not seem like life or death necessity, but I assure you they can make life easier. The whole idea of renewable flashlights, stopping the flow of batteries to landfills and helping others, makes the Bogo just about perfect in our book.

Small Space Prefab: Bungalow in a Box

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 29 May 2008 03:50:00 +0000

We are big fans of prefab here at Small Space Living. And after having spent my first weekend of the summer at the cottage, I am thinking of get-a-ways.

Bungalow in a Box builds small ready to assemble Bungalow kits. While not exactly a entirely pre-built structure like many of the prefab projects we have covered, it has a lot of promise.

You assemble the Bungalow in a Box in place on your foundation in one or two days. Now I’m thinking that perhaps Norm Abram would be able to have one up by lunch, but it may take a lesser carpenter slightly longer. The kit does seem to be set up so anyone with moderate skill could build one.

Bungalow in a Box kits are the full finished exterior of the structure allowing you the ability to customize the interior. The kits are perfect for studios, backyard offices and weekend get-a-ways. The best part is the price tag — starting at $13,700 for the 12x16 foot model they should be accessible to most.

Small Space Bathroom: Vertebrae

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Wed, 28 May 2008 00:14:00 +0000

Of all the space-saving bathroom designs I have seen this one, the Vertebrae, is the clear winner. It is an ingenious stacking design that incorporates all of the necessities of a bathroom in to one tiny 4 square meter footprint.

The Vertebrae is a stack of swiveling units. Each unit contains a piece of the bathroom. The upper most sections are showerheads, followed by storage areas, a sink and finally a toilet on the bottom. There are even compartments on the sides of the toilet for toilet paper and a toilet brush.

The unit is entirely self-contained with a drain on the floor and you have yourself a compact bathroom. Each unit is made of aluminum and completely customizable.

The two major drawbacks are the appearance, which is perfectly suited for an episode of Star Trek, but may be a bit ultra modern for less a cosmic decor. The other drawback is the price. At $20,000 it may well be beyond the reach of some consumers, however $20,000 is perfectly reasonable in some markets.

Small Space Etsy Find: More-Light South Third Street

noreply@blogger.com (Michael) — Thu, 22 May 2008 15:18:00 +0000

Light is important in small spaces. Keeping your space well lit can help it seem more airy and spacious.

Why not keep your small space illuminated with style? While browsing Etsy’s furniture category I stumbled on the seller Resurface. Resurface makes lamps, some pretty stylish lamps actually. One of my favorites is the More-Light / South3rd model. It’s a simple one-bulb hanging lamp with a printed canvas shade. The shade, which is 16x9 inches, is a print of a photograph of graffiti from South Third Street in Brooklyn.