Table Gatherings

I always love to see the space in the home where people eat. A lot of people in the US are forgoing formal dinning rooms because they just don't use them. Growing up I think I could count on one hand the times we ate in the formal dinning room. Mainly for holidays. Anyways I guess my point is, no matter how big or small your dinning area is, try your best to have the space as visually pleasing as you can. It can make the dinning experience from AM cereal to a 5 course meal feel that much better!

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A Spot for One or Two

I've always tried to find a spot for 1 or 2 chairs somewhere in my home. A place to read a book or have a one on one conversation. If it can't be inside, I'd go outside in the corner of the yard or small part of a patio. 2 chairs demands a intimate conversation and if by yourself you'll have another chair to prop your feet or stack some books. Look around your small space. I bet there's a place somewhere.

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Rooms with a Summer Time Feel

I love rooms that give off a great "summer time" feel. Not sure if there is a single ingredient that makes a room feel summery. Of course beach towels hanging from hooks is a no brainer, but it takes more then a few sea shells strewn about for me. Tons of sunlight helps, perhaps some blue or bright white paint. I just know it when I see it, and these few pictures have great summer time feels to me. I love trying to make a room fit the seasons. I've found smaller touches are the best. Fall will be here before you know it and it will be time to pull out those great textured throws!

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Small but Charming Kitchens

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Most people do not look for a small kitchen when they buy a house or rent a place. The norm now is huge kitchens with giant islands. Yes, even I have to admit, it would be nice. But there is something about a small kitchen I really love. When you have enough room for a table and not much more, then its good for me. Like a small cafe, enough room for only your bestest pals. Love that. If you are space challenged in the kitchen the best advice I can give is watch what you use for furniture. I use to have these big spindle tall chairs that visually ate up room. I bought the slim low profile mod morrow chair from Pottery Barn and they give the room a more open feel. Your kitchen may be small but your charm value can be big. The above pictures prove that!

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Outdoor Showers

About 2 years ago I picked up a wooden outdoor shower at Target. It was on sale for 1/2 off and I had to have it. When I brought it home, my husband gave me a very puzzled look. I've always had a love for the idea of showering outdoors. My dream shower would really be indoors with windows all around (and privacy of course.) I'm far from being a exhibitionist, I think it has to do with water and the outdoors. Anyways, since then, ever time I see a picture of a outdoor shower I save it. Even if its for just rinsing sand off, I love em'. The payback for my purchase? Our
plumbing went out one morning shortly after I bought it. There stood my hubby, in his swim trunks, taking a outdoor shower before work! He never said another word!

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Small Bathrooms

I have mentioned that my small house has a really large backyard. It is so nice to have. Now, the worst part of my home. Only one bathroom! Ok ok so there is only one. Only one to clean!! The real problem is, its the size of a postage stamp! You would think having one bath they would have made it larger. Nope. Small baths need not lack style. I put in a pedestal sink. Crazy to loose under sink space? Not really. It made the bath feel bigger. I also put in a huge mirror. That helps tons! I do have a linen closet right outside the door, so that helps. I guess what I'm saying is, tiny does not have to be with out style. I do find that it helps to limit your colors to 1-3. White goes with all so its a good starting part. Most people have lots of white in a bath. Use lots of vertical space. Target has some really nice pieces and cabs for baths now that are very well priced. Keep out what is pretty and hide the rest! (before I get asked, none of the above baths are mine! I will always mention in the post when a photo is of my house)

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Bedside Tables

Bedside tables in small spaces are a luxury not to be taken lightly! I've gone threw 3 tries before getting mine just right. It ended up being a small chest with 4 drawers in the front. I love the white square one pictured, but I had to face facts. I'm not neat enough to keep something like that looking the way it should. You can adjust that square to fit just about any size space. My teen aged daughters room had only 1 logical place for her bed. The space for a side table was so tiny, nothing worked. I had a old suitcase that belonged to her grandfather and it fits great. Sometimes all you really need is a spot for a clock and glass of water. We put her sheets in the case for storage (her room is with sheepskin rug). I've used baskets stacked, side chairs, books, you name it. If you have no room on the sides of your bed, try shelving above the headboard. Remember tho, something above your head can fall on your your head! Do be careful trying that!

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