MAKING SPACE

One advantage of the flood was clearing out all the extra items from my bathroom. Most things were damaged, but I also threw out/ recycled all the half-empty travel shampoo bottles, make-up that never really worked and facial products that did little more than make my face break out. Minimalism is my new mantra. Underneath my bathroom sink and my bathroom cabinet are now clutter free!

Tackling my bathroom has inspired me to clear out my closets too. The first thing I plan to do is get rid of excess items and then organize the rest in gorgeous storage containers. Here's some creative inspiration and cool containers I've found...

 Image courtesy of Martha Stewart

Source unknown

While these are not closet solutions, definitely a creative use of space...

Such cool stairs and storage...

Another view (Image found via Deco DIR)

(Image courtesy of Deco DIR)

MeBox found via Storage Glee

Bigso Bold Box

 Cutter Box

Pandan Storage Boxes

Friday Obsession- Lucite Trunks

This week I have been obsessing over these fabulous lucite trunks. They're perfect for displaying something bright and colorful, or can be a cool addition on top of a graphic rug. In small spaces they're functional without taking up a lot of visual space. These trunks are especially sleek and modern... love it!

I  believe that a lucite trunk and your Grandmother's wing chair can live happily together...

(photos courtesy of Mecox Gardens, House Beautiful, Jordan Cappella, Lonny Magazine)

Friday Obsession- Vintage Tea Cups

For quite a while, every trip to the thrift store, or late night on eBay in usually partly in search of brightly colored tea cups.  I love them because they're so versatile and you don't have to have a complete set. One or two in each pattern is fine, as they look great mixed and matched on a table. I think they'd be perfect for serving ice cream on a warm summer night.

They look lovely with small bouquet on a nightstand or bureau...

Perfect for stashing jewelry in a drawer, I also put them out to hold rings and earrings on a nightstand...

I've also seen them given away as party favors at a wedding. The possibilities are endless...

(images courtesy of Domino Magazine, Martha Stewart, first image unknown)

Saving Space...

I have been looking for ways to maximize the storage in my tiny apartment, scouring books, magazines, and websites for inspiration. A good thing that my college roommate sent me this slideshow today of Zach Motl's fantastic under-the-bed storage. (Thanks Rach!)

This is even better than a Murphy bed...

A few more pictures of this inspiring space... 

 I love the tiny green kitchen alcove.

The pop of red against the painted black floor is amazing.

See the rest of this awesome small space here.

(Photos: New York Times)