The small living trend started many years ago in other countries and started here in the states several years ago. Now the scene is boiling quite nicely and some of the early adopters have learned a few years from actually living in smaller spaces for a few years now. The following are some of the most recent tidbits of wisdom the American small living pioneers are sharing.
Feng Shui Tips for Small Apartments
In a land of bigger is better, it takes some skill development to live in smaller spaces. Rodika Tchi from About.com says there are two main skills you must master to have good small apartment or studio feng shui.
- Clutter clearing and good organization skills;
- Subtle skill of creating a harmonious division between different open areas.
She also provides some great insights on some of the main feng shui priorities in a small apartment or studio, which are the Main door & entryway, Sleeping Area / Bedroom, and Mirrors. If your small apartment’s chi is out of whack, try some of Rodika’s advice.
Chet has two keywords for you for small space living: sliding and castors. She says she knew right away that she would need sliding doors, but it was only recently that she figured out she needed castors. Chet uses her castors to move a writing desk around for the best light and to have it double as a breakfast table.
Small footprint products for tiny footprint houses
Now that the market for small footprint lifestyle is growing, vendors are starting to respond with supply for the new demand. Check out some of these hot new items.
World’s Thinnest Espresso Maker
The Jura Capresso ENA 5 provides a full bean to cup experience in an elegant 9.5″ footprint. Nothing is sacrificed in this tiny stainless steel packaging.
- LCD three-color alphanumeric display
- Automatic cleaning cycles
- ENA CLEARYL water filtration system (eliminates the need for decalcification)
- Stainless steel lined ThermoBlock heats quickly to minimize wait times before initial brewing and steaming
- Zero Energy Button and Energy Save Standby Mode shuts down power consumption while not in use
Available from Crate & Barrel $1195
Tiny Living
Need a tiny iron or a skinny toilet brush? Tiny Living is an online store that specializes in products to serve the small space lifestyle.
On going tips
If you are considering living in a smaller space or already are and are looking for inspiration from others who are making the small space living choice, here are some blogs for you:
- Loving. Living. Small. 365 – A great daily blog from a woman living in small space in Los Angeles.
- Restyled Home – Daily musings about all things decorative, family, and life by Linda MacDonal.
- Living Small – Living Small operates out of a 509-square-foot housette, or “teeny house” in Seattle. Occupants: Two people, two cats, and a whole lotta love.
Tags: small living, tips