We’ve been living in a small 1.5 bedroom apartment for many years now. Before we had kids, we were living in 1 bedroom apt downstairs in the same building. We had plans to move (for many years) but for some reason it never really worked out for us, never found a place that we can call it a home. We really got bought into convenience of living 5 minutes away from everything (work, school, groceries and growing coffee and food Mecca!). We love our current building, it was built in 1920s so it has lots of charm and personality (like the gold moldings around the ceiling!) but it has never really been renovated (esp. Kitchen and Bathroom) and as a renter, it’s somewhat limited to how much investment you want to put into your house that’s not your own. Because I thought I’ll move out of this apartment sometime soon, I was never really that inspired to decorate or organize our space. I think looking at some of these inspirations, I decided to at least minimize our living in our small space and make it work for us even if we end up moving out in the near future. It’s never too late to organize and de-clutter, right? These photos are not pictures of my home (Gawd, I wish!!), maybe I’ll need to post some before and after shots just to show you how much “de-cluttering” I had to do.
These inspirations caught my eyes because they seem to be right at the budget where I can probably afford. They seem to be furniture and items that can really make the place cozy and comfortable. De-cluttering is never ending project but I’m giving it a stab at it, one corner at a time. ; )
I like living in a space that has open view to other rooms like living room to the kitchen or living room to the dining area. Check out this built-in wall bookshelf. Isn’t it great? I also love the low desk at the bottom for reading and writing. [via images of Living Room, Book Wall]
Heavy iron standing ladder to hang your throws or towels. No head board instead of nice shelf for photo art gallery. [via images of Standing Ladder, Bedroom Gallery]
I’m so getting this leaning shelves for organizing toys and books from Land of Nod! and low wide bed with plenty of storage built-in. [via image of Leaning Shelves, Low Bed]
Whether it’s the oversize table or small table? definitely next to some good natural lighting. [via image of Oversize table, Small table]
Kitchen with plenty of maneuvering space and that flooring is kind of awesome. A good unit to hang all your utensils and tools. Kitchen is probably one area where I wouldn’t mind investing the most. I think it’s because I like spending time in the kitchen. I kind of own it. [via image of Kitchen, Hanging Unit]
Ok, I seem to be obsessed with these leaning units!!! Perfect for saving space at the entrance area [via image Leaning Mudroom Unit]
And for my own small yet do-able luxury, a coffee bar and a wine crate garden. [via image of Coffee Bar, Wine Crate Garden]
Do you find these ideas inspiring? Do you have a working system at home that helps you to keep things organized and de-cluttered? Please share as I am desperate to get this project going! Ideas and suggestions welcome. Would love to hear from you! _Selina