House Beautiful annually devotes their July/August issue to small spaces. Sometimes these spaces are practically closet-sized small.

We live in a single story 1,725 square foot home.  By most standards, this is considered small.  I used to think we’d remodel and increase the size, maybe go up, we never did. Now the house seems to be the right sized home for our needs and really always was a comfortable size as we raised our family.  Our youngest son, now an adult, was born within a year after we moved in 30+ years ago! {Time flies, doesn’t it?}

Any time there are articles on small spaces I’m sure to pay particular attention. Not just for the ideas on maximizing storage, but for design inspiration and guidance on the best way to create the look and feel of a larger space, while enjoying the comfort a smaller room brings me.

Here are some of my favorite small space rooms.

The large painting below makes the space feel larger.  The raised, beamed ceiling also gives you the feeling the room is larger than it really is.

The Brooklyn studio below is only 425 square feet of space.  Zach Motl, a window designer for Ralph Lauren, said his goal was to make “one room feel like five”.

I love the look of a well-placed banquet.  It’s always pretty and practical for smaller kitchen nooks. If I had a space for this arrangement I’d copy it exactly.

Kitchens, at least for me, are a critical area when finding places for all the stuff.  I’ve pared down many times, but when you have the dish collecting challenge disease, taking advantage of every inch of possible storage is essential.

The Amy Meier kitchen below makes use of hanging a few plates on the wall, this room has always been a favorite.  Great work on a small kitchen.

Another favorite designer that seems to know how to bring out the best of any space, but especially smaller spaces is Dan Marty.  One of the first introductions to his work (for me) was his bungalow in Corona del Mar.  It remains a favorite where ideas and inspiration for my own home emanates from.

This dining space was in a later Marty home.  I like the double duty the armoire is providing.

The kitchen must be a little short on space based on the proximity of the kitchen table to the cabinets. I think it’s stunning because of the beauty of the table and chairs.

{Photo by Frances Janisch}

This sweet bathroom in a Balboa Island cottage, is a great example of how a light-filled room helps with minimal space.  Our bathrooms are tiny as well.  Maybe in the late sixties builders didn’t think bathrooms were important?

{Photo by Victoria Pearson}

This is the guest bedroom of a 1,440 square foot bungalow.  Designer Stephen Shubel said in his interview he wanted the house to feel like you were on a boat. The bed certainly carries off the idea of a berth.  I really like this room, I don’t think I’d enjoy making the bed each morning. 🙂

Tommy Smythe, Sarah Richardson’s trusty cohort in design, has always managed to make smaller spaces live large.

This mirrored door does what designers have always told us mirrors do for a smaller room…it creates an illusion of a larger room through reflection.

A great collection on display always makes me heart sing, and it makes the size of a room irrelevant to me!

Another clever use of a mirror in a cottage kitchen.

I like the job this display shelf serves…a place to display family photos and architectural interest for the wall.

This is a wonderful way to extend storage space when a piece of furniture wouldn’t fit on the wall.  You have it built into the wall.  The vintage/antique shuttered doors make it appear to be a piece of furniture while proving great display and storage for the room.

{Tidbits and Twine}

 How do feel about smaller, cottage sized homes/rooms? For some they can be claustrophobic, I have always loved the cozy feel of a smaller space.