Living Large In Small Spaces - 10 Clever Ways to Maximize and Organize Your Space

Thirty-third post in the series 

"Living Large in Small Spaces"

Hello Cottage Friends,

Welcome to another edition of Living Large In Small Spaces.

Today I thought it would be fun to share some nifty space saving/organization ideas and products that help small spaces live larger. (And declutter castles, too.)

No compensation was received for sharing these ideas and products. If you pin any of them, please do so from the original site. 

Ready?  Here we go!


#1 - Pull a wheely.

For a small kitchen where counter and floor space is limited this rolling cart really fits the bill. Roll it out when you need extra prep space and then tuck it back under the counter when you're done. Neat.



Traditional Kitchen by San Francisco General Contractors Mascheroni Construction

#2 - When is a step more than a step?

Our friends at Small House Catalog are brilliant.  This is such a super solution for stowing shoes, boots or garden clogs before entering the house. Conquer the clutter!

Small House Catalog

#3 - The cat's meow.

This ingenious built-in stairwell laundry is part of a Montreal loft renovation.  Miss Kitty has her own lounging spot, too.

Eclectic Laundry Room by Montreal Architects & Building Designers John Hannah Architectural Design & Rendering

#4 - A real page turner.

An under-the-stairs library with a place to curl up and read. The only thing I'd add is some storage under the bench. 

See this and more great under the stair ideas here.

Float Project Design & Ideas

#5 - What's under your bed?

This pretty bed is practical, too. The platform has real drawers for storage. So much nicer than pulling out plastic boxes and canvas bags from under the bed (which is what I've done the past 5 years).  

Pottery Barn

Sawdust Girl has a free tutorial for a DIY version of  this Pottery Barn Queen Size Platform Storage Bed here.

#6 - Think inside the wall.

Claim the space between your wall studs for storage. The Family Handyman has directions for building this wall niche here.

The Family Handyman Build a Wall Niche

(Our new cottage has room for a built-in wall cabinet next to the shower.  We've blocked out the space between the studs, should we decide to add it later.)


#7 - It's a wrap.

Repurpose a common stool into a movable gift wrapping center. Or how about an umbrella and outdoor wear organizer in the mudroom? Get the tutorial at 2 Little Hooligans here.

2 Little Hooligans

#8 - Here's the skinny.

In tiny bedrooms where room for nightstands can be tight, this repurposed desk really knocks it out of the ballpark. Check out how it was done at Mandy's Sugar Bee Crafts here.

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Sugar Bee Crafts

I did something similar in our last home, removing and painting the drawer units from a beat-up 1940's vanity.

#9 - Don't stub your toe.

Your kitchen storage solution just might be hiding behind your cabinet toe kicks.  The Family Handyman has a tutorial for building under-cabinet drawers here.

The Family Handyman

#10 - Know when to fold 'em.

For just under $400 you can have a wall tool storage and fold up/down workbench from benchsolution.com.  

Workbench when you need it.

Folds down when not in use.

Not up for spending $400?  Instructables.com has a DIY version here.

Instructables DIY Fold Down Workbench

Hang a tool peg board above the workbench and you're good to go.

What storage and/or organization challenges do you face in your home? Or maybe you have a tip or two to share with us. 

Do tell. :)

Join me next Saturday for another post in the special series

 Living Large in Small Spaces

See more of the 

Living Large In Small Spaces Series here.

From the comments I've received, many

people have been encouraged by the homes and lives shared here.

If you live in a small space I'd 

love to feature your story, too.

Send me an email and let's collaborate.

(See the "Contact Me" page for my email address.)