Outta Space...

One might think "the bigger the better" when it comes to living spaces but I don't feel that way. Sure big expanses of real estate are nice to look at.  Quite frankly, I prefer the charm of smaller spaces. The practical side of me is drawn to studios because they have the bare necessities, sleep/eat/"go" areas and there isn't a lot of space to maintain. If well laid out and put together, I'd take a studio over a mansion any day.

Here are a few studios that show that great planning and intention can make a grand statement.



Crisp, white, and well appointed.




 

Fun and Fresh!


 

Warm, quaint, and Oh so cozy.

Dream a little dream...

Every now and then I post a picture of a space that I wouldn't mind having in my own home. This would be one!

Oh So Clever!!

Whenever I see something clever, I just  have to spread the word! So here it goes...

 

 

 

 

 

This is such a cute idea. Buy some simple hooks, hang your favorite items, and then trace them with washable marker. Clever and Adorable!!

 

 

 

 

 

Check out this wonderful teen bedroom. Fabulous work by Minneapolis designer Lisa Ball. When I first saw the walls, I thought it was cork. The concept that the cork is the wall covering and another material is used on top of that as a bulletin board is a great idea. However, the texture on the wall is actually a great wall covering by Phillip Jeffries. I'm not sure if that was the designer's intention but either way it is a very clever space.  From the nightstands that double as workspace to the modern taxidermy mounted above the bed. The space is fun and functional and certainly a job well done!

Chic This Week!

Photo Courtesy of Moxieq.com

Unconventional Centerpieces!!!

Every party can benefit from a bit of whimsy and all it takes is imagination.  The above table scape is a love fest of green vessels.  As always, what makes any and all designs great is variation in color, texture, scale, etc. But with that common element (green in this case) that ties them all together. So for your next event, try something unconventional and you may even surprise yourself! Bon Appetit!!

M.I.A.

Dear Readers and Design Enthusiasts,

Thank you for visiting and I apologize for my absence over the past month (yes it's been exactly one month). I had been under the weather and decided to take a much needed break. So thank you all for understanding and now we can get back to all the great design dish and tips.

Sincerely,
M. Daniels

Think Outside The Shoebox!

It's no secret that large living spaces in big cities are hard to come by. So comes the challenge of maximizing your living space! Don't feel inhibited because you're short on square footage.  You can still entertain and do all the things you would otherwise do. Think outside the box moment: Design your space for how you live not for the space you live in.  I know, it may not seem like a major revelation but it is. If you design for how you live you'll find design solutions that will maximize the use of your space.  If you design based on your lack of space, you'll start nixing things, ideas, whatever, before you even get started. You love to garden, but have no terrace, patio, etc. Design your space so you can incorporate a container garden. You like bike riding but don't want to forfeit precious floor space. Mount that baby on the wall and wah-la, storage and art at the same time!

Take a look at this space I designed for a woman who lives in an L-shaped studio and loves entertaining and having dinner parties. It's 319 square feet but it sure doesn't feel like it. There are designated areas that address all her living requirements. If a small space is well designed you may find it hard to leave when the opportunity for a larger space is presented.  So make the most out of your shoebox no matter what size your foot-age is!!  :)



This is a studio but their is certainly room enough to entertain a dinner party of six and then have great conversation afterwards. You should never feel like you have to skimp on style because you're short on space.  I don't really like to break up space with screens and things because it tends to compartmentalize the space and make it feel smaller. This studio is very elegant and effectively suits the needs of its owner. Brava!