While we normally look at the footprint of a space to find more room, when space is tight, don't forget to look up. If you're lucky enough to have an upstairs, Gregory pointed out that you can use that space above the stairs for display or storage. If you've got high ceilings, (and even if you don't) use the walls above a desk, in a hallway, or above the toilet for a set of streamlined shelves that can hold boxes with projects, books, supplies or framed artwork.
Small Space Solution: Going Vertical
If you keep what's on the open shelves streamlined and color coordinated it won't add to the visual clutter of a small space, it will become a part of the decor, like the picture above. West Elm and Ikea both have floating shelves that can hold up to 30 lbs.
Don't forget about conventionally kitchen related storage and organization ideas for a home office. This is the Asker Series from Ikea used to free up some counter space in an office. Could be great in a bathroom to hold makeup brushes and qtips or whatever else you like to keep out. A great example of using the walls to organize and keep things organized and contained.
Comments (7)
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teswt
view Maxwell's profile
Hi AT! I couldn't agree more about using your walls to draw the eyes up. I have a feature on my blog, Loving Living Small, call USING YOUR WALLS where I post tips about vertical space. I referenced AT in one of them! Thanks for all of your great posts! Love your site!
http://lovinglivingsmall.blogspot.com/2008/02/using-your-walls-floor-to-ceiling.html
view lovinglivingsmall's profile
Where is the first image from or to be more accurate, what is it of?
view lolax's profile
Trust a cat to find a lounging space anywhere! :)
Bhavna
view AnIndianSummer's profile
I'm definitely adding artwork above my staircase!
fresh photography for hip homes
www.jennifersquires.ca
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view Jennifer Squires's profile
lolax, that top image might be from Small Space Big Style. At least I think that space was featured there. It's a home office in Queens, if memory suits.
view ridge_van_winkle's profile
Although I'm not an interior designer nor an architect, I do have an eye for good architectural design. In my opinion, it is quite a challenge to design a small interior space. You have to consider aesthetics, function and maximizing space... Going vertical is the most desired solutions if you don't have the space... :) Even the cat, comfortably winks in agreement... :)
view zeniamai's profile