Posts with the label small space living
Showing posts with label small space living. Show all posts
Showing posts with label small space living. Show all posts
Monday, July 12, 2021
HOW TO STYLE OPEN FLOATING SHELVES
Open floating shelves are a great way to display your collections. As an apartment dweller, I know that space is at a premium and vertical space is important real estate.
I love having a place to display the things that I have collected and love, and open shelves give me that opportunity while allowing me to rotate my collections.
Choosing Your Floating Shelves
There are many different styles of floating shelves, and what you choose will depend on your own personal decor style.
Let's start with the glass floating shelves. The shelves that I am using today are the glass shelves in my apartment.
I chose to use vintage shelves that I purchased at an estate auction several years ago. I like the glass because I think it adds to a more open look that expands my small space. However, wood floating shelves are also a great look.
The type of wood you choose will depend on your decor style and the look that you are trying to achieve.
Displaying Artwork
Floating shelves are a great place to display art. When we think of displaying our artwork and photos, we usually think of hanging them on the wall, but open shelves allow us to lean them. This is not only great visually but allows us to rotate our pieces more easily.
For my shelves, I have chosen two vintage paintings. You will notice that one is unframed while the other is in a beautiful gold frame. They both, however, are a similar style, which gives a more cohesive look. For interest, I have staggered them slightly.
If you love a more eclectic look you may want to experiment with using different styles together. Try different groupings until you get a look you like.
Shop Vintage Fishing Boat Paintings
Adding Items Of Various Heights And Textures
It's important when choosing your items to choose ones that vary in height as well as texture and that will draw your eye upwards.
I started by adding my collection of vintage glass apothecary bottles.
The bottles are of varying heights and blend well with the oil painting. They also add a pop of color to a mostly neutral theme.
On the bottom shelf, I chose a large brass vessel along with a small studio pottery bowl. Both pieces have curves lines and work well with the artwork on that shelf.
You can see that the shelves are really starting to take shape.
Displaying Books
Open shelves are a great place to display your books. If you are an avid reader or an old book collector adding books to your shelves is not only great visually, but can help free up other space.
I chose a small stack of antique books for my vintage-themed shelves. I love old books, but new books will work equally well on your shelves and can be stacked as I have them or displayed vertically.
Shop Design Bloggers At Home Book
Adding Houseplants
It's hard for me to style any area without a houseplant, and shelves were made for them.
Houseplants add color and life to your shelves and pothos are one of the most forgiving of houseplants. If you just can't get houseplants to grow, then a vase of fresh flowers will make a beautiful addition.
Well, my shelves are done and I am really happy with how they have turned out.
The most important thing to remember when you are styling your own open floating shelves is to use the things you love, the things that give you pleasure when you look at them every day, and to remember that shelves can be redone as often as you want.
Find more home decor ideas and more ideas on styling open shelves.
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Tuesday, March 16, 2021
DECORATING WITH TRANSFERWARE IN A SMALL SPACE
Last week I started a series on maximalism in a small space. As we have retreated to our homes over the last year we have craved coziness and comfort and I talked about the importance of bringing out the things we love and displaying them in our small spaces.
I have collected blue and white transferware since my early twenties. It was at that time that my grandmother gave me some things that had belonged to my great aunt and among those things were some lovely blue and white transferware plates.
For many years, while living in larger homes, I displayed those plates in my china cabinet and at times kept them hidden away in a cupboard.
I soon realized that I loved my transferware and I wanted to look at it every day. Even though I am in a small space, those pieces make me happy.
So I place my transferware here and there throughout my small space. I believe it enhances the other things around it.
Don't feel like you have to decorate with plates only in your dining area. Throw out those old rules. These two plates are in a narrow space in my bedroom
(Cloudy days are definitely not good for photographing in small spaces, but sometimes you just don't want to have to wait for that sun to come out.)
I also love to share the transferware love with others, so you can usually find a few pieces in my Etsy shop. How beautiful is this plate? I'm only parting with it because I have two of them.
I also wanted to show you this Spode teapot I found on Amazon. I am really crushing on this.
In the meantime I am looking around my small space thinking of other spots I might place more transferware.
(Simple and Serene Living participates in the affiliate program at Amazon. I may receive commissions for products purchased on this site.)
Thursday, October 24, 2019
GALLEY KITCHEN ORGANIZATION
I don't know about you, but I love having an organized kitchen, and when you live in a city apartment with a small galley kitchen it gets to be a necessity.
Before I moved into this apartment I had it mapped out in my mind how I wanted it to look. It's pretty much how I do most of my decorating. I plan in advance, and most of the time it works out just how I saw it.
I liked the fact that there was a bare wall. I saw it as a space where I could hang things that I use on a daily basis. A space where they would be within easy reach.
I'm so lucky to live somewhere that has a maintenance staff that hangs things for me. They don't charge. Probably to keep someone like me from pulling out my trusty drill.
I love how the hanging bars turned out. I constantly use the things that are hanging there. The cast-iron skillet was my mom's and it's the only frying pan I use.
Another space I've utilized is above the stove. I found the hanging wire shelf at Home Goods. It is a good spot to corral my cooking utensils, a pretty vintage plate, and a salt and pepper shaker.
Most of the cooking I do now is pretty simple as I am cooking for one, but I definitely enjoy it more with a bit of organization.
I liked the fact that there was a bare wall. I saw it as a space where I could hang things that I use on a daily basis. A space where they would be within easy reach.
I looked online at what was available at Ikea and knew they had just what I wanted. As there is an Ikea here in Atlanta I made a trip there with my daughters right after I moved in and bought two hanging bars with hooks.
I'm so lucky to live somewhere that has a maintenance staff that hangs things for me. They don't charge. Probably to keep someone like me from pulling out my trusty drill.
Another space I've utilized is above the stove. I found the hanging wire shelf at Home Goods. It is a good spot to corral my cooking utensils, a pretty vintage plate, and a salt and pepper shaker.
Read more about home decor.
Until we meet again join me on Pinterest, Instagram, and Etsy.
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Thursday, September 26, 2019
IS IT COTTAGE OR FARMHOUSE
When I look at my decor I often ask myself whether it is cottage or farmhouse style.
I guess it is a bit of both so maybe I should say eclectic.
I have always dreamed of living in an English cottage, so my goals in decorating my apartment have been to have an English cottage feel in an urban Atlanta apartment.
That isn't necessarily easy, because when I look out my windows I see a car park for the next door apartments along with trees and a lot of ivy.
I love lots of prints on the walls, cozy throws, pillows, houseplants, old books, and chintz, but I also love rustic touches.
When I see photos of actual English cottages I notice that they have all of those things.
I want my space to be comfortable and cozy, and I guess that describes a cottage or a farmhouse. They are both "lived in" spaces.
To me they are spaces that just say "I am home" when you walk in the door, and that is definitely how I feel about my little home.
Who cares what label you give it.
I guess it is a bit of both so maybe I should say eclectic.
That isn't necessarily easy, because when I look out my windows I see a car park for the next door apartments along with trees and a lot of ivy.
I love lots of prints on the walls, cozy throws, pillows, houseplants, old books, and chintz, but I also love rustic touches.
When I see photos of actual English cottages I notice that they have all of those things.
I want my space to be comfortable and cozy, and I guess that describes a cottage or a farmhouse. They are both "lived in" spaces.
To me they are spaces that just say "I am home" when you walk in the door, and that is definitely how I feel about my little home.
Who cares what label you give it.
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
PARTIAL BEDROOM REVEAL.
It seems like it takes me so long to put all of the final touches on my new home when I move. I guess I am what my father would call persnickety.
No matter how large or small my homes have been I have always wanted them to be somewhere that I love walking into and then feeling comfortable as I live there.
This little apartment is no different and it often requires me to sit and look at a space to know exactly what I want to do.
I have partially finished my bedroom, finished being a relative term as I know I will always be tweaking it.
Today I thought I would share one corner of the space, as it is the most finished part of the room.
I love when I walk into it and see this.
This room has wonderful light with its wonderful floor to ceiling window,
Over the bed I have hung an original oil painting along with four vintage butterfly prints.
I decided to use my brass lamps in here. I have had these lamps for about 40 years, but didn't use them in my last apartment. I'm happy to be using them again.
I also continued the butterfly theme with the magazine holder. It's nice to have magazines by my bed for late night reading when I want some decor inspiration.
This old wicker chair is a wonderful place to sit and read or just gaze out of the window. My Betsy Wetsy doll that I got for Christmas 62 years ago sits there most of the time, but she doesn't begrudge me my time there too.
I've draped one of my quilts over the back of the chair because I wanted a true cottage feel in this room.
I've simplified the shelf in this apartment with a plant, a plate, a christening gown, and a blue straw hat.
Yes, my plants continue to multiply and I've got plans for the other wall in this room for more plant display. (I may need a twelve step program)
No matter how large or small my homes have been I have always wanted them to be somewhere that I love walking into and then feeling comfortable as I live there.
This little apartment is no different and it often requires me to sit and look at a space to know exactly what I want to do.
I have partially finished my bedroom, finished being a relative term as I know I will always be tweaking it.
Today I thought I would share one corner of the space, as it is the most finished part of the room.
I love when I walk into it and see this.
This room has wonderful light with its wonderful floor to ceiling window,
Over the bed I have hung an original oil painting along with four vintage butterfly prints.
I decided to use my brass lamps in here. I have had these lamps for about 40 years, but didn't use them in my last apartment. I'm happy to be using them again.
I also continued the butterfly theme with the magazine holder. It's nice to have magazines by my bed for late night reading when I want some decor inspiration.
This old wicker chair is a wonderful place to sit and read or just gaze out of the window. My Betsy Wetsy doll that I got for Christmas 62 years ago sits there most of the time, but she doesn't begrudge me my time there too.
I've draped one of my quilts over the back of the chair because I wanted a true cottage feel in this room.
I've simplified the shelf in this apartment with a plant, a plate, a christening gown, and a blue straw hat.
Yes, my plants continue to multiply and I've got plans for the other wall in this room for more plant display. (I may need a twelve step program)
Wednesday, August 1, 2018
COZY AND ECLECTIC BEDROOMS
I love my little space, and although it is decorated in a primarily English cottage style, I also consider it eclectic. I love picking up things wherever I happen to see them and adding them into my decor.
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I usually have a rule that if I add something in then I have to remove something. There is only so much room in a 450 square foot apartment, but it is amazing what can be done.
I am always looking for ideas for a cozy eclectic look, and thought I would share some of the bedrooms I have found with you.
I love this look. The owner of this bedroom has used a mix of elements to create this wonderful look. Cast iron, wicker, and painted wood all contribute to the style.
I really like the look of this cozy little bedroom in Melbourne. Old suitcases are one of my favorite decor items, and this one is wonderful. The pops of color against the white background make a great statement.
I am always looking for ideas for a cozy eclectic look, and thought I would share some of the bedrooms I have found with you.
I love this look. The owner of this bedroom has used a mix of elements to create this wonderful look. Cast iron, wicker, and painted wood all contribute to the style.
I really like the look of this cozy little bedroom in Melbourne. Old suitcases are one of my favorite decor items, and this one is wonderful. The pops of color against the white background make a great statement.
Although this style is considered boho chic, I might call this eclectic luxe. Although it is too fussy for me, it is definitely eclectic and interesting. What do you think? I'm afraid I would get up in the night and break a leg.
I love this. Of course since I have a white cast iron bed I feel a special affinity to this look.
So many fabulous looks with eclectic style decorating, and the great thing about it is you can decorate on any budget.
Saturday, March 17, 2018
SMALL KITCHEN ORGANIZATION
A big downside though is lack of storage.
I've recently been working on my closets and shared some small space closet solutions here. That is an ongoing project.
Kitchen solutions now have me sidetracked.
I am lucky to have quite a bit of cupboard space, but I still am having a problem getting it all organized.
I saw this lid storage idea several places on Pinterest and found it on Amazon.
Kitchen solutions now have me sidetracked.
I am lucky to have quite a bit of cupboard space, but I still am having a problem getting it all organized.
I saw this lid storage idea several places on Pinterest and found it on Amazon.
 |
| source unknown
It would be wonderful to have room for this trash can storage cabinet and it has a built-in cutting board. 
My trash can takes up so much space under my sink.
Why oh why do I not have room in my kitchen for something like this?
 source unknown
Why oh why do I not have a lot more money?
This is an apartment kitchen idea that I can really get behind. You can hang so many things on pegboard. I would give my eyeteeth for wall space for this.
Maybe in my next apartment.
This is a space that I definitely utilize in my apartment. I do like the wire baskets that this apartment dweller has used. I am using woven baskets above my cabinets.
Wow, what is that old saying about if you hold onto something long enough you might need it?
I have several of these metal file holders and I've been thinking about selling them. I never thought about using them in a kitchen. Hmmmm!!
Okay, one more. This metal rail with hanging baskets is one I am seriously contemplating too. Not sure if I have room. Too much on my counters, but I may make space.
I am now going to go into my kitchen and contemplate for a while. |
Wednesday, November 1, 2017
IN THE MOOD TO NEST
I remember when I was pregnant with my two girls, in the last trimester I would get in the mood to clean and organize my home.
We called it nesting.
These days the cooler fall temperatures and the approach of the holiday season puts me in the mood to nest.
My apartment is pretty small, just 540 square feet so I am limited in making changes.
Gone are the days when I can move furniture around. There just isn't any other way that I can see to arrange the furnishings.
I also have very limited storage space so I have to make the best use of what I have, and I am having problems fitting it all in.
I'm afraid that one of these days I am going to open a closet door and everything is going to fall on my head.
Starting today I have decided to start cleaning, sorting, and organizing. It's not my favorite thing to do, but I know I will be happier when I hopefully get it done.
My plan is to stay in until Friday and see how much I can get done. If I don't surface by then you may want to send someone in to make sure I am not buried at the bottom of a closet. (I only have two so it won't be hard to find me)
Hopefully this weekend I will be able to share that I have made some real strides. Then again I might be tempted to binge watch Stranger Things season two.
That's the good thing about being older and living alone. If I don't get it done there is no one else to care and no one will really know.
Oops, except the few thousand people who read my blog, but I'm sure none of you will tell.
We called it nesting.
These days the cooler fall temperatures and the approach of the holiday season puts me in the mood to nest.
My apartment is pretty small, just 540 square feet so I am limited in making changes.
Gone are the days when I can move furniture around. There just isn't any other way that I can see to arrange the furnishings.
I also have very limited storage space so I have to make the best use of what I have, and I am having problems fitting it all in.
I'm afraid that one of these days I am going to open a closet door and everything is going to fall on my head.
Starting today I have decided to start cleaning, sorting, and organizing. It's not my favorite thing to do, but I know I will be happier when I hopefully get it done.
My plan is to stay in until Friday and see how much I can get done. If I don't surface by then you may want to send someone in to make sure I am not buried at the bottom of a closet. (I only have two so it won't be hard to find me)
Hopefully this weekend I will be able to share that I have made some real strides. Then again I might be tempted to binge watch Stranger Things season two.
That's the good thing about being older and living alone. If I don't get it done there is no one else to care and no one will really know.
Oops, except the few thousand people who read my blog, but I'm sure none of you will tell.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017
CONTENTMENT AND CHANGES
Yesterday I was reading Claudia's post at Mockingbird Hill Cottage about a Danish decorating term called Hygge. It boils down to finding a sense of comfort, coziness, and contentment in your home.
Not a problem for me. That has always been my goal in decorating any space that I call home.
When I walk in my home and close the door on the chaotic world we live in I want to feel that I am releasing my breath. That I feel love and safety in my surroundings. That it simply is home.
I have found that in my small apartment.
That being said, I have realized that I will not be in this apartment forever. Changes are happening. My older sister is moving out to Arizona to live with my younger sister. She will be gone in a few short months. It will be a good thing for her because she isn't able to adequately take care of herself any longer. It will be good for my younger sister because it will give her some needed help with finances.
My mom is 92 and will not be here forever. She has said she just likes being with her friends.
As for me, I have finally decided that I need to stand up for what I want, and that is to be closer to my daughters and grandchildren. I am tired of living in limbo. My grandchildren are growing up and I am missing it and I am missing them.
I am going to Georgia in a few weeks and I am going to look at another retirement apartment. Their waiting list is two years, so it won't be a quick move, but at least I will feel like I am moving towards a goal that I really want.
Life is too short and I believe we need to live it as we want. We all deserve happiness.
Not a problem for me. That has always been my goal in decorating any space that I call home.
When I walk in my home and close the door on the chaotic world we live in I want to feel that I am releasing my breath. That I feel love and safety in my surroundings. That it simply is home.
I have found that in my small apartment.
That being said, I have realized that I will not be in this apartment forever. Changes are happening. My older sister is moving out to Arizona to live with my younger sister. She will be gone in a few short months. It will be a good thing for her because she isn't able to adequately take care of herself any longer. It will be good for my younger sister because it will give her some needed help with finances.
My mom is 92 and will not be here forever. She has said she just likes being with her friends.
As for me, I have finally decided that I need to stand up for what I want, and that is to be closer to my daughters and grandchildren. I am tired of living in limbo. My grandchildren are growing up and I am missing it and I am missing them.
I am going to Georgia in a few weeks and I am going to look at another retirement apartment. Their waiting list is two years, so it won't be a quick move, but at least I will feel like I am moving towards a goal that I really want.
Life is too short and I believe we need to live it as we want. We all deserve happiness.
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