In a previous life of living large, downsizing has now become a necessary part of life for most people. Rather than dwelling on what you don’t have, make the most of what you do have. There are many ways to make a smaller space feel comfortable and inviting allowing you and others not to notice the size, rather notice how nice your space is.

BALCONY/DECK

Decorating a small balcony or deck is much easier than most people realize. There is no reason to leave your space empty considering all you really need are plants and some form of outdoor lighting. Hanging plants are a good option for decorating vertically and adding some color. They may also be used to disguise a bad view. If your view is the backside of another apartment you can hang plants all along the entire top of your balcony. If you’re lucky enough to have a great view, you can hang plants just in the corners to keep your view clear. Also, flower pots can add color and an element of comfort. If you’re interested in furnishing the space here are a couple ideas:

Small Bistro Set - These sets usually include two chairs and a small table and run anywhere from $150.00 up to $400.00+. You can find them at Target, Lowes, Fred Meyer, etc. However, I found them the cheapest at Home Depot.

Chest/Bench – Place a chest against one of the walls or railing, cover the chest with a nice cloth, place a few pillows on the ends and use the wall(s)/railings as the backrest. You could then use this bench not only for seating, but also for storage.

Hang a Hammock – Hammocks come in all different shapes and sizes. You can choose from Brazilian hammocks that cradle your body and can be hung on walls to hammock chairs that hang from the ceiling. Whatever you choose, they come in all different sizes, colors and are super comfortable!

Lighting is another way to make the balcony/deck more inviting. There are multiple options for plug in or solar power lights. If you live in an apartment/townhome solar power wall lights are a good option. Another option, a little more expensive, is to purchase an outdoor floor lamp. These start around $100.00 and go up, but look very clean and classy. Another fun idea is to hang rope light either from the banister, or above on the ceiling.

KITCHEN

The kitchen has become more than just a place to make food; rather, it is a place of migration for friends and family. Interestingly enough, regardless of how popular the kitchen is, it is usually one of the smaller rooms of the home. The key to making the most of your kitchen space is….no clutter! For some of us, this is much easier said than done. However, here are a few simple ideas to help keep your most commonly used kitchen items close by without being in the way.

Hang It Up – One of the most obvious locations for storage that we all have are the inside of cabinet doors. Use this space to hang a spice rack or small shelf. Hanging shelves in any “dead space” will allow you to utilize every inch of your small kitchen while allowing you to keep things off the countertops. Wall and ceiling racks can also be considered for bigger, heavier options to free up some cupboard space.

Illusion – As helpful as cabinets are for storage, they can make a small space feel closed and crowded. Opt for some cabinets and some open shelving (can easily remove cabinet doors for instant open shelving). This will make your space feel more open and inviting. Also, lighting and color are two important factors in creating the illusion of a larger kitchen. The year 2009 is all about colors like yellow, blue and violet for kitchens. Recessed lighting coupled with bright color schemes will brighten up your kitchen and make it feel bigger.

Clear Up Counter Space – As nice as it is to have every single kitchen appliance you own out for display and/or for easy use, it makes for an unnecessarily cluttered space. Displaying the spice rack and fruit bowls are one thing, but that big espresso maker or blender? Some things are better left stored away in a cupboard until they are needed.

LIVING ROOM

The living room is probably the most used room of the entire home for most people. Whether you’re just lounging for the evening, or having company over, the look and feel of your living room is important. Many people often make the mistake of cramming this room with a huge couch, big screen television, and an oversized lounge chair leaving the room feeling crowded and dark. Here are some tips to make this room as comfortable as possible; regardless of the size.

Color – As with any small room color is an easy way to create the illusion of a larger space. Try choosing “cool” colors like blue or green for this room. These colors can create the illusion of higher ceilings and are neutral enough to easily decorate with.

Mirrors – Strategically placed mirrors can create the feeling of a larger room. The idea isn’t so much about the glass itself, rather the light that reflects off the glass. Consider either hanging a wall mirror, or using a piece of mirrored glass as a decorate item on a coffee table or mantle. You can place candles on this mirror for a more elegant look.

Window Treatments – There are many different options here. You can choose ceiling to floor flowing curtains that can make the ceilings appear higher. You can also choose a decorative piece to hang horizontally just on the top of the window. If you go with a horizontally hung treatment, you can hang blinds that can easily fold down for window coverage when you need it. No matter what you decide, window treatments are a great way to add color and texture to an otherwise bland room.

Living in a small space does not dismiss the ability to live large. Often times making small decorative additions can make a big difference in the feel of the room. There are many different affordable and easy options for making the most of your space. Embrace your wonderful space and get creative. Good luck!!

There are few home additions that make as much of a statement as a nice deck.  Whether you use wood or composite material building a new deck can make quite a statement.

With the summer weather approaching the northwest soon I am inspired to share some beautiful decks.

Enjoy!

(www.artofwooddesigns.com)

(www.nadra.org)

(www.rdbmagazine.com)

(www.nomaintenancedecks.com)

(www.gardenstructure.com)

I recently went to my hometown of Fullerton, CA and happened upon a really sweet and interesting exhibit in the local museum. A retrospect of photos taken in Fullerton by architectural photographer Julius Shulman in the 1950s and 60s showcased not only some great black and white photographs, but also the original designs that inspired so much of the retro-chic look that is so popular among design bloggers and homeowners these days. 

While some of the elements of the homes featured in the exhibit would never fly today (countertops with built-in mounts for your blender, for instance) many of the design choices struck me as incredibly modern.  Especially the furniture, which I instantly recognized as pieces that are currently being recreated by such high end stores as Design Within Reach, and more mass appeal stores like Ikea. 

(Via Palm Springs Art Museum)

I find myself wishing I could find some of this original furniture, but that’s a slim chance. So I’ll take what I can get, which is some tips for interior and landscape design. The retrospective showcased how minimalist living can be oh-so-chic. And in a time when the McMansion-era is in free fall, we should all be taking a closer look at the simplicity of designers of this time (i.e. Eames, etc.) and look forward to how these small spaces can inspire the homes of today and tomorrow. Homes that are a humble size, but are just as expansive, vibrant, and beaming with life as any larger luxury home. 

Contractors and homebuilders might also find that the less-is-more design mentality might strike a chord with more homeowners than they think. While luxury remodels might bring in the big bucks, more homeowners might be willing to consider “smarter” remodeling choices that take advantage of the assets their space already has and that maximizes the output from a smaller budget.

(Via Palm Springs Art Museum)

Looking to these homes of the past, from an era of homeowners who had to sacrifice through a major economic depression and two world wars, these homes were truly luxurious. In our own economic recession, history is indeed repeating itself with designs that have spanned a generation and are once again emerging and re-creating themselves with a new modern take that is a reflection of our own time.

I’ll be on vacation for a few weeks – which means a lull in the blogging that will be going on here.

So, to get your home improvement fix here are some other blogs to keep your interest.

OldHouseWeb – a newly revamped blog with knowledgeable writers and lots of other articles and databases to check out too.

MakingItLovely –  the transformations to this blogger’s home are breathtaking! She has an eye for color, style and DIY know how.

ThisYoungHouse – this young couple also has an unparalleled can-do spirit that has endeared their home makeover projects to hundreds of daily readers. They were kind enough to do an interview for us a while ago which you can also read. 

Remodelista – I often think of this as a “boutique” blog. Thoughtfully handpicked images and products that make a refined and beautiful statement. Just like your favorite local boutique store.

And, if you really, really, can’t stand not having new blog posts from us, re-read some past posts to get you through:

Expert Interview: Diane Foreman of Neil Kelly on Historical Renovations
An Afternoon at the Rejuvenation Factory
Container Gardening Brings Fresh Produce Right To Your Front Door!
What the Stimulus Means for Homeowners (or soon to be homeowners)
Need a New Look for Your Floors? Just Add Paint

Bon Voyage!

Clawfoot tubs are great.

They look great, that is. In terms of ease of use, and practicality – well, not so much.

After living with a clawfoot tub for a few months, I would kill for a real shower. Well, not kill…but I do want a “real” shower someday. So to torture myself I spent some time looking at non-clawfoot designs:

(Arciform)

(Sunset Magazine)

(Square Deal Remodeling Co.)

(Remodelista)

For more bathroom blog posts check out our Bathrooms section.

As any weekend warrior and DIY builder knows – sometimes the greatest enemy can be time.

While many home renovation projects are quick to finish in a weekend, often that seemingly simple project turns into a much bigger one that has more components and steps than you initially expected. Suddenly, it’s 10 o’clock on Sunday night, you haven’t eaten dinner and you’re no closer to being done than when you started. 

Now you have to decide what to do next: you could wait until the next weekend to start where you left off, or maybe work during the week once you clock out from your day job, but how much is your time really worth?

For finishing off projects you suddenly don’t have time to finish, or to hand off something that you realize is bigger than you can handle, consider hiring a handyman. Many homeowners have a handyman that they trust and use over and over again for little projects. It pays to do research and pick someone you like who you can come back to. You’ll be surprised, especially if you’re always on a busy schedule, how much easier life is if you know you always have a backup plan for finishing household projects.

If you don’t already have a handyman, start looking. Use the samecare, and  guidelines you would for hiring a contractor. Use this list for help: Guide to Hiring Contractors. Once you have the right person for the job on hand, keep his number to call back for seasonal maintenance and other periodic jobs.

The more time you save, the more time you can spend working on other parts of your home, or just relaxing.

Whether you are creating a new kitchen from the ground up, or just want a quick weekend project to update your space, a kitchen backsplash is fun way to make a design statement. There are lots of options for any taste or budget – so, to whet your interest, here’s some backsplash inspiration.

A very common and traditional backsplash material is tile:

(Villeroy&Boch)

(DesignSponge)

(DesignSponge)

For a more modern look you might consider a solid stainless steel surface or tiles:

(HGTV.com)

(Remodelista)

For an easier installation consider these interesting solid surface options:

(Remodelista)

(Swanstone via ThisOldHouse.com)

(DesireToInspire)

Looking for more information on planning a kitchen remodel, check out these posts:

Kitchen Countertop Materials That Make a Statement
Ten Steps for Planning Your Kitchen Remodel with Ease
Hiring a Contractor - A Homeowner’s Checklist

I’m not great with tools. I’m awkward with a hammer, I can never get the pliers to stay in the right setting, and ask me to use the cordless drill without supervision – well, I’m hopeless.

But the more home improvement projects I work on, the more I realize how important it is to have an arsenal of quality tools on hand.  If you have a home that you plan on doing lots of updated on, having the right tools is even more important.  So, here are some tools I’m learning I can’t live without, and some recommendations on how you can round out your own DIY tool box:

Stud Finder - I think I’ve mentioned this one before, but I really really love stud finders. They make hanging pictures, shelves, and whatever so much easier. All you have to do is drag the flat tool across the wall until it beeps, that’s where your stud is.

I’m sad to have just found out that the house I just moved in to, a house from the early 1900’s, is not stud finder friendly. It’s an older lath and plaster constructed home, which according to my smart builder friends, won’t allow you to use a stud finder. Total bummer!

Staple Gun – Just got my first staple gun, and it’s already coming to good use.  I reupholstered a small stool I salvaged from the thrift store with a great new fabric. It also comes in handy for lots of other little jobs around the house.

Cordless Drill -  Whether you are framing a wall, building furniture, or, like I once used it for, creating drainage holes in the bottom of some pots, you’re going to be so happy to have a cordless drill. You have to make sure you have one battery charging while you are using the other, but the convenience of this tool is unparalleled.
Along with the drill, I also recommend getting a good set of bits for your drill, that way you’ll be set for any project that comes you way.

A Great Pair of Gloves –Don’t be afraid to spend a few more dollars the next time you’re at a hardware store to outfit yourself with some quality hand protection. A good pair of gloves will help you through gardening, demolition, framing, and just about any other house project you can think of.

Some other tools you might want to consider are torpedo levels for projects involving leveling awkward small spaces (plus this small level will fit in your pocket), a jig saw, a ratcheting screwdriver, and you’d be surprised how often you might need a rubber mallet.

Another smart option for investing in more expensive tools is to consider buying reconditioned tools. The team over at OneProject Closer .com has done a good job of putting together links to many different tool companies that provide this option. Often refurbished tools are just as good as brand new ones, they just have a lower price.

And, as I mentioned in an older post about renting tools, you may be lucky enough to live near a tool library where you can rent tools for free. Or at least a Home Depot where you can pay to rent tools.

With all the right home improvement tools, you’ll be prepared for anything that comes your way this spring during your remodeling adventures.