Creative Solutions for Small Living

So what does one do when they have glassware and china but doesn't have the dining room space for a conventional china hutch?  Enter the curio cabinet.  This is the one Jon picked.  I was dubious but after putting them together (yes I got 2 - one for each corner) I must say that it's a good move.

As you can see, no wasted space.  In a small apartment, that is a must.  Plus with my glass and chrome dining table it works.

We did the less-is-more with some creative solutions for bookcases.  Enter IKEA on that one.  We were very limited how deep they could be in the living room without blocking the walkway.  We checked every place we could, measured the ikea bookcase we currently have, and ended up ordering 2 more.

Having to think outside the box as it were ... I just wish when it was outside the box, it was already assembled.

I can't take credit for the photo - that is the photo that is used on Amazon where we purchased the curio cabinets.  When I get the dining room finished, I'll post photos.

Trash - out of sight out of mind?

No that's not my kitchen but it is the same floorplan as mine (sort of)

We have a tiny galley style kitchen.  I thought the big issue would be where to put all of my cookware.  Thanks to some creative thinking and space saving devices, that isn't the problem.

It's where do you put the trash can?

We've tried under the sink counter.  Not really convenient.  Then we tried having one in the dining room.  Hated it.  Now we're back to the under-the-counter solution.  Of course that means that the tiny trash can gets full every day or at least every other day.  Yes with just two of us it is amazing the amount of kitchen trash we have.

There's a lesson there I'm quite certain.

So for now, I'm still trying to figure out an equitable - and aesthetic - solution to our problem.

at least I can take out the trash and haul to the dumpster anytime I want.  If we had been on scheduled trash pickup I don't know what we would do.

photo credit:  beaumont farms

Downsizing - it ain't for the faint at heart

No I cannot take credit for the graphic but I am finding the wisdom within it.

Going from a townhouse to an apartment has been interesting.  I'm very glad I didn't try to bring my dining room furniture because there is no way it would have fit.  We just brought the table and chairs.

Of course that means that I now have no place for my china or glassware.  Every piece of furniture from showcases to china hutches were all just way too big.  We're trying to minimize the used space and maximize the empty space.  Not easy in an apartment but necessary for Jon.

Enter Amazon and the curio cabinet.  I found two that would fit in the small corners of the dining area.  While I absolutely loathe putting together furniture, there really isn't a furniture place here that sells small minimalist stuff.  Welcome to the heartland eh?

While surfing on amazon I also found two night stands and a headboard that Jon liked so I guess I will be putting together furniture for a while.

Should've brought my power tools I guess.

We also ended up needing to purchase a new washer and dryer.  Jon and I cruised the Lowes store here in Lexington and he picked an energy efficient set.  While I was dubious, I must admit that while they use less water and electric, they do an absolutely awesome job.

Our only real issue has been the kitchen trash.  We tried the under-the-cabinet route and hated it.  So I have a trashcan in the dining room now.  Less than perfect but we will work on that one as time goes.

Now to try and find an entertainment unit that can do double duty and house most of our books.  A challenge to be certain.

What do you want to bet I end up on Amazon and having to put it together as well?

because apparently less is more doesn't apply to the best of the best books that we couldn't leave --- which equal 9 stacks about 5 foot high in the guest bedroom.  Who knew I had 3 copies of In Cold Blood?  Who knew how hard it would be to choose which of the 3 copies I would take?