Showing posts with label save space. Show all posts
Showing posts with label save space. Show all posts

5.28.2012

Couch-Like Object Thing? Oh, you mean a futon!

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Perhaps you recall a certain tiny Wicker Park apartment. While the Herman Miller Setu Lounge Chairs were undoubtedly fancy, they were also surprisingly unfit for the space. Here's a word to the wise: when you've got hardly any space, (1) don't pick any furniture that swivels, as moving pieces will magically always be in your way, especially when your apartment is crooked (like this one -- the chairs would randomly end up facing the wrong way!) and (2) don't pick furniture with ottomans, as those seemingly tiny pieces of furniture take up precious square footage in a tiny space... and it's easier to trip over things in a small area, too (ow!).


For now, we've opted for a quick fix. The Setu chairs will take up residence in the studio... because, after all, what room in one's house should be fancier than a freaking studio? (Answer: None!) Without the Setu chairs, we have room for a couch-like object. You know, somewhere where you can sit... or lay... or dump a few bags of groceries. The ability to have a multi-functional space was not there with the Setu chairs, so having a futon in their place is actually proving to be quite perfect.



Things that are awesome about this swap:
  • Fancy Setu chairs are in a fancier location... where the dog doesn't roam and the clumsy Carly doesn't lounge, drink-in-hand...
  • There's technically now a "bed," in the event that a human (friend, sister, brother) dares to lodge in this tiny space for a night...
  • While the Setu chairs only provided a solid chair for two people, the futon can fit at least 4 (but it depends on how big everyone is!).
  • Futon = under-couch-storage! There's about a foot of room under the futon, so it would be totally feasible to buy a few low and wide crates or bins to shove things in and stash under the couch. 
  • Futon = multi-functional! People can sit there. You can even set your drink on it and it doesn't spill -- we've tried it! We have also grown accustomed to coming in and dropping our bags, coats, or groceries there for a moment, while we get our bearings. 
  • Great view of the kitchen and TV!
  • Furniture no longer swivels right into your body as you walk by.
  • No more ottomans to trip over... (unless Justin wants some leg room... see below!).



I will never speak ill of WalMart again. On second thought, I'm bound to break that vow the moment I begin waiting in line there... so I'll amend it to this: I will never speak ill of online futon shopping with WalMart again. That better? I suppose it would help if I told you that we paid just over $200 for this at WalMart. 


That means that I won't feel as bad when I break it. :-/

5.15.2012

Hanging Pot Racks (Probably The Best Deal I'll Get All Year...)

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Tiny kitchens are the worst. After a hilarious episode of House Hunters in Minneapolis, I've now re-coined the term "One Butt Kitchen." You know what I'm talking about... those kitchens that are obviously meant for only one butt at a time. Well, that's what we're got to work with. 

On top of being a "One Butt Kitchen," cabinet space was slim pickin's. We installed a spice rack, shelving, and a hanging rack for coffee mugs under a cabinet... but were still stumped as to how to free up space and make the small space we did have more functional. 

One of the biggest "pain points," so to speak, was the pot-and-pan storage. The under-the-counter cabinet situation involved one large but totally not functional space. This lead to piles of pots and pans and the one you wanted was always squeezed between all the others. Everything was a lot of work... and noise...

...until I found an amazing deal. I ordered this Innova Classicor Wrought Iron Oval Pot Rack (yes, that's its full name. Sort of like Prince Edward VanHalen Lichtenstein the Third) for under 40 bucks.

We installed it by putting in four hook screws, then hanging the fixture from a large chain.

Before & After:





And of course, I had to grab a shot from underneath. I feel like I should be cooing like a little baby, staring up at my pretty little big mobile.


The light we had initially hung over the stove is now somewhat displaced. It's currently hanging along with a rarely used pot... just in case we decide we still want it and want to hang it more "chic"-ly from the rack. Any suggestions? :)

 


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