Tiny-Ass Apartment

Well hung: 14 wall-mounted organizers for any room

2012-02-23T16:27:00.001-08:00

Before we get into today's post, there's someone I'd like you to meet first.

His name is Mark. Well, Accu-Mark. (I guess it's a family name?) Anyway, he's totally level-headed, and really useful around the house. Whenever you don't know which way is up, he's always there to guide you. If nothing else, I can guarantee that he's well hung, and sure to leave you satisfied.

Seriously, though. Before you attempt to purchase and install any of the awesome organizers I've found for you, please please please get a level and use it. I know I can be anal-retentive, but I once lived with someone who installed a towel rack on the inside of our bathroom door crooked and it was all I could stare at when I was sitting on the toilet.

To save yourself (and your houseguests) the pain of cocking your head to the side and going, "You know, it is a little off," a level, a pencil, and a second opinion work wonders. And in the end, you'll have a perfectly level, perfectly useful wall organizer that is so amazing that people on your toilet (or couch or whatever) will be forced to either gape at it in awe, or avert their eyes lest their retinas be burned by its perfection.

Floorspace, countertop space, tabletop space -- all surface space is precious when you live in a small apartment. It only makes sense that you get your little odds and ends off the desk, table, or what-have-you and store them someplace else -- the wall, perhaps? Here, we see the (very expensive) grandaddy of the wall organizers: the Vitra Uten Silo. Its 1969 mod design and vast array of differently-shaped cubbies make it incredibly appealing, but at over $400, it's not likely going to fit a tiny-ass budget. Via Nova68.

Much more reasonable are organizers such as this felt one as seen on Apartment Therapy. I myself have a small version of this that hangs by magnets to my fridge door. Here, you can see that it can also be mounted to the wall of any room, like a storage closet, entryway, or crafting space. Via Aesthetic Ourburst.

This is an organizer to die for. Now, I find myself saying weird things like that all the time ("I want to make love to this wall organizer," "This desktop inbox/outbox system and I were meant to be," "Have you ever seen such a beautiful remote control caddy?"), but this time I really mean it. Sadly, this vintage piece sold on Etsy some time ago, but it can still inspire the search for similar products, or perhaps a DIY project.

There are two things I love about this particular mini-cabinet: the simplicity and the name. A small shelf, just perfect for bedside accoutrements like an alarm clock, notebook, and glass of water, is perfect for someone who can't squeeze in a nightstand to mount next to their bed. The "roof" also not only accomodates a book, but cleverly keeps your place as well. But to cap it all off is the name Ferm Living gave it: the "One Bedroom Cabinet." Well, one bedroom or studio, it's still designed for someone with smaller living quarters! Via Outblush.

While perhaps not the most aesthetically pleasing, this organizer from Great Useful Stuff (they really get to the point with their name, don't they?) is ideal for an entryway or office space. With some well-placed cables it could even double as a charging station.

Read on for nine more wall organizers to get your neat freak on...

This kind of wall ogranizers appeals to two kinds of people: the green, and the cheap. There ain't nothin' wrong with either -- and if you live in the Bay Area like I do, most people are both. Cleaned, recycled tin cans can be glued together into a pleasing design and then mounted on the wall, creating cubbyholes for pens, pencils, Berkeley Bowl coupons, and other odds and ends. From Green Upgrader (once again, not burying the lede with the name here).

If "Tangerine Tango" means something to you (and no, it's not a cocktail), then you're a design-concious type who would dig this Pantone-hued mail sorter and message board. From Heliotrope Home.

Oh man, are those Jelly Bellys? Cotton Candy flavored ones? Or maybe Strawberry Daquiri? Hm, they could be Bubble Gum, which is pretty bleh as a flavor… Er, sorry. Sometimes my sweet tooth overpowers my good-design tooth. These classy glass holders with zinc labels are from the RSH Catalog, and were featured on HGTV's blog.

See Jane Work is one of my favorite sites for online window shopping. One day when I have a corner office (as opposed to a desk in the breakroom), I'll treat myself to some pretty patterned file folders and sophisticated desk accessories. But you don't have to wait until you're a C-level executive to use this incredibly simple and practical wall pocket. Its long trough shape accomodates just about anything, and because it's metal it can also serve as a magnetic message board. Via Real Simple.

Umbra also has some pretty cool, futuristic-looking home and organization accessories. This holder is as sleek and white as if it came out of Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey, and has nifty drop-down hangers as well.

For those of you who prefer a more romanic look, Urban Outfitters has two punched-metal vanity organizers that provide room for your beauty supplies, hangers for jewelry and accessories, and a mirror. There's this white one…

… and this turquoise one. This one in particular would be great for a dorm, as it can also be hung over a door instead of being mounted on the wall.

Going from romantic to rustic, this organizer (also from Urban Outfitters) has pockets for your things, hangers, and a chalkboard for messages. It's got a cute one-room schoolhouse look if your style inspiration comes from Little House on the Prarie.

Our last organizer is another from Urban Outfitters. Like the previous organizer, it's got an earthy, rough-hewn look that's a bit more industrial with its metal drawers. There's also two different matching wall-mounted lockers available for even more storage.

Narrow it down: 20 inspiring narrow home offices

2012-02-21T08:15:00.001-08:00

I'm pretty confident of my grasp on the English language. I "know the words for words," as my friend Elena said once. But sometimes, even though you know the definition of a word, you still pause a little before using it. Now, if I told you that I had a hard time narrowing down a roundup of my favorite narrow offices, would that be "ironic?" Hrm. I certainly don't want to end up like poor Alanis Morissette (even if she did date Ryan Reynolds for a while). Hang on while I look it up…

irony: noun. The use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal meaning.

Well, that certainly isn't it.

coincidence: noun. The occurrence of events that happen at the same time by accident but seem to have some connection

Much better.

Now that that little language lesson is out of the way (if you're studying for the SATs right now, I expect a cut of that sweet, sweet Princeton Review money), let's get on with the roundup! While we've covered closet offices before, sometimes the closet isn't ideal for conversion for one reason or another. But there are still many overlooked nooks and crannies where a workspace can fit quite nicely. Here are my favorite 20 narrow offices; they're the perfect places to stretch your creativity and productivity, even if you can't stretch your arms at the same time.

From Lovely Undergrad.

From Desire to Inspire.

From Design*Sponge.

From Apartment Therapy.

15 more fab offices after the jump!

From Better Homes and Gardens via Pinterest.

From Better Homes and Gardens.

From Design*Sponge.

From Dominic Paul Mercadante.

From Avhemmakleri.

From The Great Balancing Act.

From HGTV.

From Made By Girl.

From Marie Claire Maison.

From Better Homes and Gardens via Les Envies de Sarrouska.

From Real Simple.

From The Office Stylist.

From Apartment Therapy via Willow Decor.

Facebook finds

2012-02-20T10:49:00.001-08:00

One of the drawbacks to social media sites like Facebook and Twitter is that you post something, it goes out to all your friends/followers, and then… it's gone. Now, I've been finding too many awesome links to have full posts for 'em all, but I can't just let the links I post to Facebook disappear into the online ether like so many funny cat pictures. And so, here's a roundup of what I've been finding and posting on the Tiny-Ass Apartment Facebook Fan Page.

To get these links hot off the presses, be sure to like Tiny-Ass Apartment on Facebook!

Apartment Therapy: Out of sight - five space-saving desks

Gawker: These are five of the smallest rental apartments in America

Lifehacker: Make the most of your tiny kitchen

Offbeat Home: 9 ideas to bring fun and comfort back to the dorms

Sunset: Inspiring small homes

TAA on Pinterest: Sunday pins

2012-02-19T17:42:00.001-08:00

I have to make this week's Sunday pins post quck, because the finale of Downton Abbey is tonight and I need to steel myself emotionally for it. Anna and Mr. Bates! Mary and Matthew! And what awesomeness will the Dowager Countess bring this week?

My own past week was pretty awesome, I have to say. Good Valentine's Day, good Galentine's Day...

… although my mom's dog Dexter doesn't care much for the holiday…

Here's the image, featured on Tiny-Ass Apartment, that has been most popular on Pinterest this week (click the picture to go to the pin page)…

These two were neck and neck for Most Repinned this week. Both come from the ol' "Heh." board. Our first features some muthaeffin' cats…

And the second features Juanita Weasel, courtesy of The Bloggess...

I'm only a kinda-crafty gal, but I love the final look of these felted elbow patches, and the tutorial is easy enough. It sounds kind of stress-relieving too -- who doesn't want to just stab their clothes over and over sometimes?

Keys are Key

2012-02-16T20:22:00.001-08:00

It's amazing to me how I manage to lose things in my purse. Right before I leave to go anywhere, I'll do a check to make sure I have my keys, my phone, and my wallet. You'd think this would take, what, thirty seconds? But because I can never find anything in my bag, it's a whole process where I have to take everything out, find the thing I was looking for, and put everything back again. It's like my bags have curses on them.

Likewise, you'd be amazed at how easy it is to lose something in a small apartment. Sure, you don't have as much ground to cover in your search, but somehow, some way, the thing you're looking for has gotten up and walked away. There's a little song I like to sing to myself when I'm searching for my goddamn car keys AGAIN.

I swear to you, it helps.

But if the magic powers of Billy Corgan (as channeled through Stephen Lynch) can't help you find your keys, howsabout you just train yourself to put them down in the same place the moment you walk in the door? Organization and a little bit of discipline are essential when living in a tiny home. Plus there's the added bonus of establishing an entryway to your home. Even the smallest apartments need to have a space by the door where you can put on your game face before walking out into the world.

Let's take a look at some fun but ultimately useful key racks...

This beaut from Anthropologie has elegant charm while being very, very obvious what it's meant to be!

Urban Outfitters has this whimsical keyholder. Like the one above, its key shape broadcasts its purpose, while the heart shape sweetens its look.

Now we're gettin' geeky! I thought this ethernet jack rack was hilarious. You attach the connector of an ethernet cord to your keychain, and when you get home, you click your keys into place, just like you would hook your computer up to the internet at home. (If you don't use wireless, obviously.) From Instructables via Lifehacker.

It's no magic trick -- it's an illusion, Michael! Hidden behind the switchplate is a magnet that sticks to your keyring, keeping your keys suspended in mid-air, right next to the light you turn off before walking out the door. From Instructables via Lifehacker.

This cute cutout rack also holds your mail, so you can remember to drop that Netflix disk in the mailbox. From Fold Bedding (currently out of stock).

This wooden key holder is wonderfully clever as it is minimalist. All you need to do is insert one of your keys into the carved slot; the block keeps it snugly balanced and keeps it from falling out. From Bauldoff.

I have a Star Wars stormtrooper minifig on my own keychain, but this is much more useful! If you love Legos, you'll never forget to put your keys in their place when you return home. From Curbly.

These sweet birdies are easily the cutest of the bunch. When you get back to your nest, put your bird keychain into his lil' house to keep your keys safe. There's also a set with two birds, for you cohabiting couples. Available at Utility Design and Rakuten (in Japanese).

Designer Justin Porcano of San Francisco is using Kickstarter to promote his Wallplate design. These switchplates incorporate hooks and a slot for mail, and are also reverseable, so you can store your necessities on either the left or the right side of the plate. (Via Lifehacker.)

If you're the type who turns up their nose at Top Gear: America and proclaims that only the British version will do (even if they do drive on the wrong side of the road), give your car keys a showcase befitting a car buff. Buckle up and keep your keys from making a wrong turn. From Yanko Design.

Hang it up: New uses for clothes hangers

2012-02-14T19:15:00.001-08:00

Wire clothes hangers are pretty useful for just about everything but hanging your clothes. Who hasn't pulled a garment off a wire hanger only to see that it's stretched those weird fabric nipples into the shoulders? Ugh. But still, you can untwist it and use it as a makeshift TV antenna, use it to jimmy open a car lock (whether you're locked out of your own car or are "acquiring" a new one), or use it to beat your poor adopted daughter while screaming that she should never, ever use them.

Wire hangers are a useful tool for a small-space dweller. Not only are they super cheap and easy to find, but they can make great organizational space-savers with a few twists or clips with some wire cutters. Let's take a look at some of the most imaginative...

This one is as elegant as an Alexander Calder mobile, with an added dose of "Why didn't I think of that?" Claudia at SuperZiper (via Craftzine) twisted a clothes hanger to serve as a rack for books; she mounted it by her front door to collect the books she needs to return to the library, ensuring she won't forget them on her way out the door.

While I think it's true that you can never have too many shoes, it's a sad reality that you can certainly run out of space for them. Instead of having them litter your closet floor in a heap, why not hang them up? Jen at Epbot has a tutorial on how to clip, twist, and be-ribbon your hangers into really cute shoe hangers that can be used either on regular shoes or flip-flops.

Joy over at Oh Joy is probably one of the cutest people on earth (although her new daughter is giving her a run for her money!). Here, she shows off her cuteness in film form, clipping a mini-gallery of photo booth pictures into a trouser hanger. The hanger makes it easy to hang on the wall, and just as easy to take down when you swap out your photos for new ones.

If you're a crafty type, or just really, really like wrapping presents (I know you're out there. I'm looking at you, Megan.), you might want to corral your collection of ribbon and thread onto one great big hanging spool. (Via RealSimple.)

It's kind of a bummer that you can only wear one pair of glasses at a time, especially if you have an enviable collection of sunglasses. But at least if you hang them up, you can admire your own good taste, while keeping your lenses from getting scratched. (Via Tumblr.)

Remember the really cool scarf hanger I showed you a few months back? I actually went and bought myself one, and yes, it's everything I dreamed of. My scarves aren't shoved into a basket on a shelf anymore, but neatly hanging up in my closet. However, you don't need to spend the money on a pre-made one. Instead, follow the lead of Sarah of From The Desk and make your own! All it takes is a sturdy hanger and a few shower curtain rings, and you're in business. (Via Be Different, Act Normal.)

All right, I know these aren't really clothes hangers. They're paper clips that LOOK like clothes hangers. But they're so widdle and so cute, not to mention so cwevver -- uh, clever. Similar to Joy's photo hanger above, these clips are designed to hold a photo, note, or other small memento without punching a hole in it like a thumbtack would. From Arango Design, via Like Cool.

… There's also the added bonus that those tiny hangers probably won't hurt as much if Mommie gets mad at you again.

TAA on Pinterest: Sunday pins

2012-02-12T08:30:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday! Today I'm going to be living out a dream: I have a legit excuse to wear a fancy hat out in public. My friends and I are going to watch the horse races at Golden Gate Fields, and I'm breaking out my adorable black fur pillbox hat with birdcage veil that I got for Christmas. I love hats from the 1940s and 50s, but it's really hard to wear them out and about without looking twee and slightly demented. But to watch the ponies run? That calls for doin' it up in style.

Speaking of style… onto the pins!

Here's the image, featured on Tiny-Ass Apartment, that has been most popular on Pinterest this week (click the picture to go to the pin page)…

There's nothing more adorably midcentury than these Pyrex casserole dishes! The colors and the patterns are so cute I'd love to cook something up in each and every one of them. Of course, I don't actually like casserole…

Once again, I couldn't decide between the bling and the bubbles. This new sunburst pendant from Coach would certainly add some shine to an outfit, while these champagne coupes would do the same for your table.

Bubo knows best: Sleeping in the closet

2012-02-10T16:53:00.001-08:00

I never met an excuse to post pictures of my cats that I didn't take, and today is no exception.

My cat Bubo is the ultimate lurker. He likes hiding in dark, enclosed spaces, safely blending into the shadows while peeping out with his grumpy yellow-green eyes. (And if he belonged to any online message boards, he'd read everything but never, ever post.)

One of his favorite spots that I always have to shoo him away from is the closet. Now, I don't like him getting fur all over my clean towels -- stepping out of the shower and drying off only to find yourself covered in cat hair is not a fun experience -- but he may be onto something.

Sometimes, as if to compensate for the lack of space everywhere else, a small apartment might pleasantly surprise you with a really big closet. Some people opt to create a closet office as we well know, but if you have a studio apartment, it might be more practical to use that opportunity to separate your bed from the rest of your living space. Not only does it make your home more guest-ready, but it's always nice to have a private, designated area where you can recharge.

A risk in putting a bed in a closet is ending up with a space that's a dark, dreary cave. While some people like the idea of a pitch-black sleep-cave (I know Bubo does), others would rather not feel like they're sleeping at the bottom of a hole. Most of the examples in this post have white or light-colored walls to make up for their lack of windows and natural light. In Jennie's cute closet bedroom (via Apartment Therapy), the palette is a bright white, taupe, and teal, with an energetic, contrasting accent of dark red. The two textures on the wall add more interest without overpowering the small space, and the glass bubble pendant is a cute way to bring in some light.

Another pale palette can be seen in Manuela's closet bedroom (also via Apartment Therapy). Light tan and white make up a clean, neutral, and relaxing look. The black and white photos in their white mattes leaning against the wall from the shelf continue in that vein; it's a sophisticated style that keeps the eye moving without being overstimulating. It also makes use of what is obviously a bar for hanging your clothes!

Next up is Shannon's place (once again from Apartment Therapy). The white of the walls blends right into the white of the linens, making the space feel bigger and brighter. I love the pops of orange she's got going on -- especially that garden urn turned magazine rack!

This Copenhagen apartment (via Espresso Moments) just cries "carefree artist." A haphazard collection of books and two distressed doors frame the sleeping area. The inside looks like a comfortable place to relax, sketch, and read.

While this example from Houzz (which is technically just a seat, not a bed) features bookshelves as well, the effect is drastically different. With the built-ins, recessed lighting, and more somber color palette, this space feels more like a library -- not a bad thing when you're looking for a quiet place that says "Leave me alone, I'm reading! Katniss just got to the arena…"

Martha Stewart's converted closet here also contains a couch, not a bed, but the idea carries over. I like the frames covering the wall; it makes it feel like a small, secret art gallery.

And finally, let's not forget about the kiddos. OhDeeDoh gives an example of a nursery where the crib's been tucked away into a closet with its doors removed. More floor space to chase around the rugrat and fewer corners for them to bump into head first seems like a win for parents.

All-in-One Fooder: Compact kitchenettes

2012-02-07T17:52:00.001-08:00

While I love working at Sophie's World, it's no secret that we're a start-up. We're scrapping along as best we can on a very limited budget. (Visit our site!) (Buy our DVD!) In fact, my office isn't as much an office as it is the break room with a desk in it. Without moving from my seat, I can touch my all-in-one printer with one hand and the fridge and/or microwave with the other. People come in, microwave their lunches, get some water from the cooler… Meanwhile I'm typing away with ear buds in, trying not to let someone's delicious-smelling leftover pizza distract me.

My compact office/kitchen's hybrid nature made me wonder if it were possible to have an "all-in-one" kitchen, just like my trusty HP printer/scanner/copier/fax machine. And of course, with tiny homes increasing in popularity, appliance engineers are happy to help! Here's a look at some all-in-ones that literally have everything PLUS the kitchen sink. (No fax machines that I can see, though. Not that anyone uses them anyway.)

This cupboard kitchen from Culshaw Bell looks more like it should contain coats and clothes than a culinary workspace. But contain it it does; this baby has everything from a microwave, fridge, sink, toaster, and places to store your kitchen and food items. It retails for $7,400, but as Curbly suggests, this might be worth a DIY try.

Dornob features this sleek kitchenette from French design company Kitchoo. It cooks, it cleans, and it all closes up into a modern cabinet looks more like a media console than a kitchen. (Via The Tiny Life.)

Frodo WISHES he had to trek to these Two Towers -- he'd have been able to fix himself second breakfast then go take a nap on the couch. The Tower Kitchen by Philippe Starck has hot elements in one tower (like the oven and microwave) and the cold elements in anther (like the fridge and freezer). No mention of where you can throw the One Ring, though. Maybe the oven gets as hot as the fires of Mount Doom? (Via Dornob.)

This fun, round red kitchen reminds me of something from Disneyland's Tomorrowland. From Spy Home Design.

Erin at Unclutterer has uncovered this très useful range/oven/dishwasher hybrid from Candy. Unfortunately it's only available in Europe right now. Darn them and their national healthcare, six weeks vacation, and awesome appliances!

TAA on Pinterest: Sunday pins

2012-02-05T21:33:00.000-08:00

Happy Sunday! I don't think I'll surprise anyone when I say I didn't pay attention to the big game. Instead, I spent the day obsessing over Jason Wu for Target and working. Such is my glamorous life.

Here's the image, featured on Tiny-Ass Apartment, that has been most popular on Pinterest this week (click the picture to go to the pin page)...

It's hard to decide which is more gorgeous: the feathered fascinator from Ban.do, or the model's hair...

It was hard to decide on a favorite pin this week! I was so torn between sparkle and bubbles. But since we're all just playing on Pinterest anyway, why not have both?

Blonde boxes

2012-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hidden storage, either inside a piece of furniture or an architectural part of your home, is an exciting find for a small-space dweller. And now you can keep your look consistent, with these eerily similar pieces. Above, a coffee table by Naoki Kirakoso (via Dornob); below, stairs by Johan Svenson Production Design. If you have a thing for blondes, these two blonde wood cubic creations are sure to turn your head.

Topping off the tank: Shelving above the toilet

2012-01-31T16:42:00.000-08:00

I have been sitting here, trying very hard to think of a funny little story to open this post. But since this entry is about the area in your bathroom immediately above and around your toilet, it's a little difficult to come up with something that isn't completely gross. "Floating shelves above your floaters?" ... No. "The #1 thing for your #2s." C'mon. "Wipe away your storage worries?" Nope nope nope. So I decided against making those awful, awful jokes. You can thank me in the comments.

Instead, I'm just going to be straightforward: in a room as small as a bathroom, especially in a tiny apartment, storage space is precious. And for some reason, it's one of the rooms where "thinking up" is the most overlooked. The convenience of tons of shelves is sadly underutilized, and if there's useable wall space, many opt for a closed cabinet instead. Yet in a small space, open shelving can be the better choice. Rather than a heavy wooden cabinet, floating shelves can keep the room feeling airy, while leaving your necessities at your fingertips. There's also no reason to hide away your bathroom supplies: stacked toilet paper rolls and rolled towels can be artfully staged so it looks as good as it is functional. (You can always find a pretty box for all those tampons, 'cause not everything looks good out and in front.) The result also lends itself to a spa-like feel -- it's a nice way to class up a room where shit goes down.

Dammit, I'm sorry. That one slipped out.

I really dig the green, dark brown, and white palette of this bathroom by Kate Malo, a graphic designer for Kitchen and Bath Ideas. Via Better Homes and Gardens.

Powder blue fits this powder room -- even the stack of white toilet paper looks like a cloud. From Tell'er All About It via DIY Showoff.

The white shelves on the white walls make these shelves feel like a seamless part of the wall, creating tons of storage without taking up visual space. From The Order Obsessed, via Arianna Belle.

Wicker baskets coralling muted-green and white towels gives this bathroom a shabby chic sensibility. From Grace Brooke.

In stark contrast to the previous room, this bathroom, a project for Jordan Furniture by architect Shiraz Solomon, is sleek and modern. The wooden shelves and the pop of orange on the shelf keep the bathroom from being too sterile and stark. From Houzz.

IKEA does it again with a truly tiny bathroom. The white accessories keep the dark-tiled walls from closing in, and both the open shelves and the drawers go all the way to the ceiling. Via Emmas Design Blogg.

If you look at the rest of this bathroom on fixture manufacturer Kohler's blog, you'll see that it's about the size of my entire first apartment. Seriously. There's a goddamn couch in there. But those wire baskets and awesome accessories have won me over, despite my jealousy. From Kohler.

Shelves that stretch from wall to wall of this powder room maximizes storage in an otherwise miniscule space. From Rate My Space.

This Hudson Hotel bathroom has room to hold the toiletries they provide, as well as some room for guests to spread out their stuff and feel right at home. From Opalescent Minx.

TAA on Pinterest: Sunday pins

2012-01-29T21:47:00.000-08:00

As you probably know, I am obsessed with Pinterest. Pinterest, if you're not familiar, is a two-year-old social network based on "pinning" images to "boards" that you create -- a virtual moodboard or inspiration board. I can scroll for hours through the pretty things my friends pin: clothes, shoes, home accessories, inspirational rooms, art, cool photos...

I thought that it would be fun to bring a little bit of Pinterest to Tiny-Ass Apartment every week. Be sure to join Pinterest (email me for an invite if you need one!) and follow me (TinyAssApt) to see all of the eye candy I've found! (Did Simone just pin three pairs of Loubutins, an Essie nailpolish, and a cute kitten to her boards at four a.m.? Why yes, yes she did.)

Here's which image, featured on Tiny-Ass Apartment, has been most popular on Pinterest this week (click the picture to go to the pin page)...

I can find some pretty random stuff on Pinterest and online, and I've got a board for everything. This silly meme in my "Heh." board riffs on "HELLO YES THIS IS DOG" and the movie The Ring... If you get it, it's hilarious... and you probably spend too much time on Reddit.

Pin of the Week is my personal favorite pin, even if it has nothing to do with small space living. At first I thought this image was a painting, which needed to be on my wall post-haste. Then I realized it was a photo by Oeil Photography... Wow. (I still want it on my wall.)

Behind door number one: Closet and cabinet door storage

2012-01-26T15:12:00.000-08:00

I'm really too young for a Monty Hall / "Let's Make a Deal" reference, but here I go anyway. I understand that contestants would wear crazy costumes, and get groped by the host, then choose one door out of three. If you picked the right door, you'd get a car or something, and if you chose the wrong door, you'd get a goat. (Did they get to keep the goat? I would totally like a goat as a pet.)

But even though they might not want to bring back the show (maybe the host was too handsy), you can still play at home! And in the home version, EVERY door is a winner. The prize is… more storage space!

Well, it's a good prize if you live in a tiny-ass apartment, anyway. Here's a collection of all the different storage ideas that are hidden behind your closet and cabinet doors. (And one note before you try this at home: make sure you can close the door with your new rack or organizer on the back of the door BEFORE you install it, duh.)

This floor-to-ceiling closet door rack from Ana White, Homemaker has the added support of rolling casters at the bottom. It helps distribute the weight of the rack and its contents, while still gliding along and making it easy to open the closet door.

If you find your cleaning supply closet in need of cleaning, sort your various bottles and cans by type of cleaning job in racks mounted to the door of your closet. From Better Homes and Gardens.

Keep reading for more ideas for the kitchen and bathroom...

Rattling those pots and pans is only fun when you're doing it on a 1950s rock n' roll tune. Keep your pot and pan lids from rolling around your cabinet by sliding them into a towel rack mounted on the inside of the door. From Martha Stewart via Apartment Therapy.

Dog owners everywhere can sympathize with the sight of under-sink cabinets overflowing with plastic bags to keep handy if Buster has to do his business. To keep them under control, Family Handyman shows you that all you gotta do is mount an empty rectangular tissue box to the inside of a cabinet door, and stuff the bags inside.

For the less handy, Better Homes and Gardens simply mounted a memo board to the inside of a cabinet, allowing pushpins, clips, and even magnets to be used to hang mini-containers.

As an avid baker, I really love this one. Beckie at Infarrantly Creative mounted hooks to the inside of a kitchen cabinet for all her measuring spoons and cups, with each neatly labeled. Even better, just above it she put a volume/weight conversion chart just above it with a vinyl sticker. Totally genius.

Instead of awkwardly cramming your cutting boards into a cabinet, trying to get them at the exact right angle where they fit without taking up the entire space, Family Handyman shows you how to make a cabinet door rack, where you can slide them in neatly.

Daniel of Manhattan Nest and I have the same dream 1950s-inspired kitchen. ("Those ladies were organized, they had cute stuff, and between sneaked sips of the cooking sherry, they really seemed to have their shit together," he says. He and I should totally dress up and play Mad Men sometime.) He also installed this neat and practical spice rack on the inside of one of his kitchen cabinets. He used a Rationell Variera spice rack from IKEA (which no longer appears to be online), with printable labels from Paper Source.

Why is it that junk drawers always collect packets of ketchup and soy sauce? One inevitably leaks, and the next thing you know everything else inside is covered in a layer of sticky goo with another layer of dust on top. Yeah, I really want to put that on my fries. Instead, organize all your little food odds n' ends with a pocket shoe organizer hung on the inside of a pantry door. If you use a plastic one, you can just wipe down any errant condiments that have escaped their packets. From Money Saving Queen via Lifehacker.

Moving on to the bathroom, we've got another clever IKEA hack in the form of using a KNUFF wooden magazine rack to store your beauty tools out of sight -- because after all, while they make you look pretty, they ain't pretty when they're strewn all over your bathroom counter. From The Suels' Blog.

Similarly, Family Handyman (which is killin' it on the organization front -- so many good ideas!) has a curling iron holster made out of PVC pipe that's mounted to the inside of your cabinet door. This one is a little more tool-specific, so be sure to measure your trusty irons before hitting Home Depot. Don't forget to let your irons cool before putting them away, though!

This ready-made bathroom cabinet rack works just like your showerhead rack -- except it stores those tools that'll electrocute you if you tried to use them in the shower. From HSN via Unplggd.

And finally, we finish up with another tip from Martha. Her idea to mount a piece of galvanized metal to the inside of your medicine cabinet can be used either on the very back of the cabinet, or on the inside of the door. Once in place, you can glue magnets to things like your tweezers, bottles, or even toothbrush, and keep them safely tucked out of sight.

They see me rollin': "Drop-top" furniture

2012-01-24T18:31:00.000-08:00

I am far from what you call a "car girl." I have the most basic car maintenance down (i.e., "Ask Dad."), but other than that things with engines mystify me. In fact, my coworker Freda recently pointed out something about my own car that I felt silly for not knowing. We both have Ford Focuses (Focii?), and she showed me how I can flip up my back seat in order to completely flatten and expand the cargo area of my hatchback. I had no idea! All that cargo space, just hiding there!

But while I may not be rollin' in a drop-top with gold-plated spinners (or "blades." I heard someone use blades once, so I guess those are a thing), these two pieces of furniture certainly qualify as "drop-tops" in my book. And once you lift the hood, there's tons of storage space underneath.

Via Pinterest, this bed with storage under the mattress almost looks like a reverse-Murphy bed.

A "beachy" storage sofa from Ana White, Homemaker. The site contains incredibly detailed construction notes, plus other readers' submitted examples of finished projects.

Up a ladder: Even more loft beds

2012-01-19T19:11:00.000-08:00

My party-planning lady-boss, Sophie, has a thing for ladders. You can often find her up one, either in our giant, freezing warehouse, or hanging a bit of decor at an event. She feels as comfortable high up in the hair as she does with both feet planted on the ground, and has survived the most gasp-inducing falls with the grace of a cat. (Although not my cat Bubo. Bubo lands with the same thud a sack of potatoes would make.) Me, I'm not so carefree when I'm gripping the sides of a ladder for dear life, looking down at the ground that I'm so sure will soon rush up and smack me in the face. But then again, if I had a gorgeous loft bed like one of these below, it'd be worth the risk to luxuriate in the comfy covers high up in the air.

Laddered loft over closet in a bright, youthful studio from Thirty-Something Drama Queen.

The dark finish and ornate details make this dramatic loft with reading nook feel like something the Vampire Lestat would have… if he didn't sleep in a coffin and all. From Beacon Hill Studios.

Bleached and breezy Cabo Polonio, Uruguay home by Solange van Dorssen via Desire to Inspire.

Well proportioned loft bed with stairs from Furniture for Small Spaces via efeMereality.

Clean, white Stockholm vacation rental from HomeAway UK.

Very practical loft bed with shelf stairs from Minor Details via BldgSpace.

Dreamy French artist's loft vacation rental from VRBO.

Bold and modern studio from We Heart It.

From WoodGears. Includes detailed construction notes.

Shabby chic studio by Hannes Soderland, via Homebug's Flickr.

Remote control in the corner pocket: Bedside pockets and caddies

2011-08-22T09:00:00.000-07:00

My bed's getting pretty full these days. No, not in any kind of sexy-exciting way. But I sleep with two cats, two stuffed animals (don't judge), a sleep mask, maybe a book, maybe my laptop, sometimes my iPod, definitely my phone, and when I'm feeling lazy (a.k.a. every single day), I just dump my laundry on top of my bed and sleep underneath my clothes instead of folding them and putting them away. Needless to say, I often end up rolling on top of something in my sleep and waking up with a weird indent on my skin in the shape of an electronic device.

What I probably need to do (besides my laundry) is get one of these bedside caddies. Previously on TAA we showed you how you can make your own caddy, but when IKEA's offering up one for $4.99, how do you say no?

The FLÖRT from IKEA has space for "4 remote controls [and a] pocket on back for newspapers, magazines, etc." Unplggd even suggests that smaller electronics, like notebooks and tablets, could fit into the "magazine" space -- perfect for those of us who like to get lost on Reddit or TV Tropes until we drift off.

Even more streamlined are NeatSheets, which have a storage pocket built right in. It's more subtle than a caddy, but that can be to your advantage if you're keeping certain, uh, adult items close at hand. NeatSheets run $64.99 for a queen, and have a full range of sizes at varying prices. They even have extra-long twin, which is often the size of school-issue dorm beds and a perfect back-to-school gift for a college student. (And if you're a particularly hip and with-it parent or relative, you'll tuck some of those "adult items" into the pocket. You'll creep your kid out so much you'll be guaranteed they won't have sex for at least their first semester.)

Via Lifehacker and Lifehacker.

Odds n' ends: Real-Life TAA search, friends' blogs, and gravity-defying bike storage

2011-08-19T15:14:00.001-07:00

Hear ye, hear ye!

Tiny-Ass Apartment is looking for some fresh new Real-Life TAAs! I'm particularly looking for Bay Area-based homes where I could come visit for a quick interview and in-home photo shoot, but all spaces from all parts of the world are welcome. And please don't think for a second that we're looking for magazine-perfect homes -- we keep it rill here at TAA. (Although yeah, maybe put away those dishes in the sink before taking pictures.) Check out the RLTAA guidelines here, and email me at simone (at) tinyassapartment.com!

I also wanted to take a moment to plug my friends' blogs. I love these ladies, and you will too!

Sasha's Hollywood Bites - My girl Sasha is an LA-based entertainment reporter and amazing chef, and has accomplishments like reporting for NBC and starring in the Food Network's "Private Chefs of Beverly Hills" under her belt. Her blog features her reporting on the latest in TV and film, as well as restaurant reviews and tasty recipes.

Queerie's Sinful Misadventures - L.M., a.k.a. Queerie Bradshaw, is a recent law school graduate who has spent most of her life pursuing her passion for passion. She loves "shoes, social justice, and sex" -- and her new site is dedicated to all that and more. (Some content might be NSFW.)

Megan's and Meghan's and Laurie's and Sara's Stellar Four - These four ladies write about the girly side of nerdy, with equal parts thoughtful analysis of gender roles within the genre and squee-ing over their latest Etsy finds.

Jamie's How Very Jamie - A self-styled fashionista, Jamie combines the classic and the fun in her blog dedicated to personal style.

Sophie's Sophie's World (obviously) - How I spend my 9-to-5! Sophie Maletsky is a Bay Area-based children's party planner with over 16 years of experience entertaining kids. While we work on getting our main site off the ground (due to launch in September), Sophie shares her knowledge about kids, crafts, games, activities, parties, and running a successful small business on her blog.

Speaking of friends, I finally convinced one of 'em to contribute to this here blog! Kwame is an industrial designer with an incredible eye for fashion and design. But just beneath his spot-on style is a kind of rugged mountain man; he's a cycling enthusiast who knows a thing or two about things with two wheels. If you're likewise bike-inclined, take a look at this find:

Check it out: The Michelangelo Storage Rack by Delta Cycles. This rack holds two bicycles off of the floor in a space-saving vertical configuration. The true brilliance of this product however is in its clever use of the Immutable Laws of Physics. [Note: Kwame's also a TOTAL NERD. -- Simone] The Michelangelo rack is balanced in such a way that your bicycles' own weight keeps it upright and against your wall; no drilling, screwing, or mounting required. [Note: That's what she said. -- Simone] The designers calculated the the center of gravity of the rack, and then made it so that's where you hang your bike. The weight of the bikes are then evenly distributed between the two legs and the one part that touches the wall. It's subtly ingenious.
It also features two "Easy Adjust Arms" that can be configured to cradle your precious bicycle frame securely, and soft rubber feet won't slide or damage hardwood floors. It's available from Amazon.com for $55.64 (kind of a random price, but okay).

Trapped in the closet: Organizing non-clothes items in your closet

2011-08-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

The other day we covered alternatives for storing clothes in closet-less rooms, the idea being that closets are for clothes, not people. But that's not entirely true -- closets are for much more than just clothes! (They're still not for people, though.) (Except for R. Kelly.)

There's your linen closet, your storage closet, your utilities closet, your shoe closet, your board game closet, your closet with a secret passage in the back, your closet for monsters -- although it's pretty likely that those are all the same closet, if you've got a small apartment. (At least the monster can occupy himself with Monopoly while waiting to jump out and scare you.) Let's take a look at some storage tips for all those other odds n' ends that end up inside.

From Pinterest (original source unknown), a clever hanger to neatly hang your scarves and pashminas. Edit!: sharp-eyed reader Nessabirdie let me know in the comments that this hanger is available from The Container Store. Well done, Nessa! Thank you!

Better Homes and Gardens has a good one: use shower curtain rings to hang your purses, making them easy to slide around to find the one that matches your outfit.

Keep all your sheet sets as organized as Martha's by folding them and putting them inside one of the set's pillowcases. (And if you need a tutorial on folding a fitted sheet, check out this video from Lifehacker.) (Via Storage and Glee.)

Finally, if your closet likes to fill up with old electronics and computer junk as much as mine does, take a look at this cord storage solution from Instructables (via Storage and Glee).

Carving out a closet: sectioning off space to serve as storage

2011-08-17T09:00:00.000-07:00

I don't know anything about this fine young gentleman other than he was photographed at a demonstration just before New York voted to legalize gay marriage, and that I really want to be his friend.

He's also absolutely right -- closets are for clothes (fabulous, fabulous clothes), and not people who are made to feel different. But... what if you don't have a closet?

According to real estate law, a bedroom is a room that 1) has a door that closes, and 2) has a closet. But the reality is that sometimes we have odd-shaped apartments carved out of what used to be large old houses, or single-room studios that used to be part of a warehouse, and all sorts of weird situations that sometimes leave us without a proper closet. So, how's one to store their clothing collection?

There are a few options, like wardrobes, but try this on for size: section off a part of your room as a closet using a curtain. This takes installing a curtained door on a normal closet to the next level -- instead, you're essentially installing a curtain that runs the length of a wall, a few feet out from that wall. (I would suggest 2.5 - 3 feet to make sure it's deep enough for your hangers to fit properly.)

From This Is Glamourous via Re-Nest

From West Elm via Crafty Cook-Ups

If you don't want to bother covering up with a curtain, you can still designate a part of your room as closet space while leaving your clothes out and in the open. You'll have to take care to keep up with your hanging and sorting, 'cause there's no hiding your mess. But if you view your clothes as wearable art, then show 'em with pride!

From Jenny Shus

Found on Lovely Undergrad's Pinterest

Hack your way to superiority: Lifehacker's small-space tips

2011-08-16T13:40:00.000-07:00

Lifehacker is a regular stop on my Google Reader train. They have amazing tips and tricks for, well, life -- everything from productivity to work to your home. (Their photography articles have been invaluable as of late, since I'm finally learning how to use a camera that didn't come inside of a phone.)

And the best feeling in the whole wide world is reading Lifehacker and seeing an article on something I already do. That's when I like to get out my Smuggie and pat myself on the back.

But there is still much for me to learn, and Lifehacker's Top 10 Space-Saving Household Projects is chock full of good ideas. Observe:

7. Fold Your Clothes Efficiently for More Drawer and Suitcase Space

Whether you're trying to pack light for a trip or just fit as many clothes into your dresser as you can, proper folding technique is key. For packing a suitcase, you're best off rolling your clothes, stuffing your folds, or using the bundled packing method for a space-efficient, wrinkle-free suitcase. Suit wearers will want to brush up on folding and packing a suit coat the right way, too. At home, make sure you know how to fold a dress shirt effectively to save closet space, and fill your drawers from front to back instead of top to bottom for easy access.
3. Use Every Inch of Your Shelves

Shelves are a great way to store your stuff, but if you find even your shelves are cluttered, there are other ways to maximize your usable space. With the magic of magnets, you can store things on the underside of your shelves or on the wall behind them. You can also save a lot of shelf space by using collapsible items in your kitchen.

In addition to tricks like these, Lifehacker frequently features beautiful and organized workspaces to serve as inspiration. A particularly apropo example is Mnerd's tiny corner desk area; with only 274 square feet in his apartment, Mnerd (who has the best username ever) still carves out a neat yet inspiring space to GTD. (That's Lifehacker speak for "get things done!")

Be sure to check out Lifehacker regularly for more hacks and inspiration like this. Perhaps someday they'll have an article on how to make a Smuggie of your very own.

The Ottoman Empire (full of furniture, for some reason)

2011-08-12T15:07:00.000-07:00

Target is basically my favorite store. Here's how I roll: I walk in, grab one of their sleek red and gray carts, toss my purse in, walk past the accessories section, ogle the purses, wish they were real leather, swing by the cosmetics section, check out their Essie nailpolish colors (they never seem to have the most recent collection), then move along to the very exciting things I actually need. I inevitably end up at the checkout with cat litter, tampons, maybe a bottle of wine or pint of ice cream, and I wonder to myself what other items I should throw into my cart so that I don't look like the crazy cat lady that the cashier will surely think me to be.

On my most recent trip, these caught my eye. We've covered storage ottomans (over on Design*Sponge) and ottomans and trays before, but these are a bit of both.

The open wooden frame of these ottomans provides a small bit of storage -- perhaps a stack of magazines or a basket with your remote controls in it. With the flat side up, you've got yourself a tiny coffee table or side table. And presto-changeo, with the cushioned side up, you can put up your feet or create extra seating for a guest.

Perhaps next time I'll put one of these in my cart along with my Friskies, Tampax, and Ben n' Jerry's -- and a shovel, roll of duct tape, and handsaw. You know, just to make 'em wonder.

I choo-choo-choose you: A train caboose turned home

2011-08-10T09:00:00.000-07:00

If you see a classified ad that says, "Cabooses for sale," I wouldn't blame you for thinking something... salacious. (Especially if the ad were in a paper like L.A. Xpress.) But in 1975, Marcia Weber saw that very ad in the back of the Wall Street Journal and it turned out to be actual cabooses -- the train kind.

Marcia and her then-husband purchased a wooden Soo Line train caboose, built in 1909, as a vacation home. Years later, Marcia decided to make the train car her primary residence.

The caboose is only 337 square feet, and sits on a piece of track on her property in Northwest Pennsylvania. Back in 1976 it cost $6,000 -- but it's required a bit of renovation since then. The caboose originally didn't have any heat or plumbing (they had installed electricity prior to Marcia's moving in, but it was obviously not original). These basic necessities, along with a bathroom, a front porch, and some other upgrades to make the place livable, were added. But outside of these renovations and a few cosmetic touches, everything is as it was in 1909.

Marcia had her doubts about moving from a 2,500 square foot house to a tiny caboose, but now absolutely adores living in her "36-year labor of love." “I sold 95 percent of my belongings and feel very free as a result,” Marcia told the Tiny House Blog. “Plus, I can clean the whole place in fifteen minutes. The area here is absolutely beautiful and I spend a lot of time sitting on the deck reading and just looking at my surroundings. It’s all mountains, ponds, and open space.”

Sure, it may not be a big caboose, but it certainly is a cute caboose.

From Tiny House Blog via Craft, and Dornob.

A safer book nook: DIY shelves in your fireplace

2011-08-08T09:00:00.000-07:00

We've covered using nonfunctioning fireplaces here on Tiny-Ass Apartment before; the possibilities of what you can stuff into your fireplace are endless. But for some, storing books in your hearth is a lil' too close to book burning. At the very least, there's a concern about the lack of respect the tomes are afforded, and a worry about how dirty and sooty they'll get.

Now, as a book lover myself, I can understand. There's nothing like feeling a page between your fingers, hearing the binding crackle as you open it, smelling the paper and ink and... OH OKAY I WANT A NOOK. They're so bad-ass, with their e-ink and their wifi and touchscreens and magic gagetry. But still, I feel that paper books do deserve respect and a pride in their display. That's why this idea from Better Homes and Gardens appeals to me. It still utilizes the unused fireplace space, but shows you how to create a shelf inside to protect your paperbacks. It's the best of both worlds.

Via Better Homes and Gardens.

Square pegs: pegboards in the kitchen

2011-08-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

Apartment Therapy: Chicago

We've already covered ad nauseum how I'm not the greatest cook. But there is still a way in which I might be able to emulate Julia Child, one where there's a low risk of my setting my stove on fire.

InteriorDesign.net

Child's considerable collection of kitchen accoutrement was displayed on huge pegboards in her kitchen, with the outline of each item drawn onto the board for quick and easy identification when putting those tools back in their proper places. One could immediately see and grab the thing that they needed, wasting no time when racking that lamb or filleting that fish or whatever it is that real chefs do.

More of Julia's impressive boards (InteriorDesign.net)

Pegboards can be a great way to increase your storage space in a small kitchen, and to keep yourself organized -- no more searching for that one whisk that seems to hide at the back of your drawer. Putting your tools up on the wall makes use of otherwise wasted vertical space, freeing up precious counter and cabinet space.

Apartment Therapy: Chicago

CafeMom's The Stir

Pegboards can also serve as a kind of decor. Colorful boards, like the ones below, can add a pop of bright color to your wall, tempered by the shiny brasses, silvery steels, and black irons of your cookware.

SassyRadish's Flickr

The Kitchn

Putting all of your pots and pans on the wall can lead to a cluttery feel, certainly. But as Thomas Jayne says in his piece for Interior Design, Julia Child was "hospitable to the point of flirtation," and that her pegboards "contrasted remarkably with modern style kitchens where all the equipment is hidden and all the surfaces too clean and stark (kitchens we used to laugh at and call Gropius-gone-wrong.) But, then her kitchen was radical too, because virtually every piece of cooking apparatus was displayed, certainly not the norm, but nonetheless a remarkable, welcoming gesture." After all, a kitchen should be a place where you can feel right at home amongst your tools, cooking food to share with loved ones.

Or in my case, microwaving leftover pizza.