Hello friends! I hope you enjoyed your weekend! We had far too much rain here…although it did allow me to spend some time finding inspiration online. I am constantly amazed at the endless sources of gorgeous ideas on downsized living. When I found this amazing loft in Sweden via here, I knew I had to share it with you!
Let’s take the tour of this beautiful 657 sq. ft. dwelling…
Pale floors and walls make the space feel expansive. The playful pops of color add interest and create focal points. Love that pink couch!
Wall mounted shelving provides plenty of storage without visually taking up square footage. Streamlined tables with slender legs keep the furniture light.
Before we head to the gorgeous kitchen and terrace…let’s take a peek into the bedroom and bath…
The whimsical wallpaper really gives the room personality and is perfectly balanced with the white bedding. So fresh! Notice the sweet floating bedside table too – remember the more floor you see the bigger a room feels!
Although simple, this bathroom has a lovely appeal with the candy striped curtain and punches of red!
On to my favorite part…the kitchen and terrace! Wait till you see it…you won’t want to leave.
Isn’t it fabulous? I love the contrast of the light wood floor with the dark tile of the kitchen. Again, the use of bold colors in the back-splash balance all the white and you gotta love the abundant sunlight! Speaking of the sun, ready to step out onto the amazing terrace?
I know, breathtaking, right? This is where I would be spending as much time as possible!
What did you like best?
All images via
downsizing, interior design, Small Space Design
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apartment, candace kramer, design, downsize, downsize my space, downsizing, interior design, lifestyle, small space, small space design, small spaces
Summer is my season to spend afternoons in the garden (when my schedule allows) and really get my hands dirty. I find it both relaxing and rewarding. As many of you know, we are also in the process of downsizing and I often wonder what my next – inevitably smaller – outdoor space will be like? So I thought, why not round-up some fabulous inspiration and share it with you! Ready…let’s go…
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Just because you move into a more urban environment, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t create your own little green oasis. I love how these lush, emerald walls of plant life create an outdoor room and a place to retreat from the world.
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Lucky enough to have private roof access? Don’t let it go to waste! Look how lovely this vista is! Using vibrant colors for your planters only instills the space with more energy and interest.
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The glass walls of this home allow more of the outside in, creating a beautiful flow to the gorgeous rooftop garden.
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Perhaps you have a small yard with your downsized home and you can’t give up that patch of grass? Okay…but keep it reasonable and easy to manage. You didn’t give up that huge house to spend your days behind a lawn mower right? This modern streamlined approach makes the space feel larger and more open. Built in seating maximizes your entertaining capacity.
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Or go almost maintenance free with concrete pavers, contained beds and crushed granite. I love the use of squares in this very rectangle space…a nice contrast.
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Short on space? Go vertical. These re-purposed paint cans now overflow with lush greenery and don’t encroach on the limited square footage.
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Oh and I just adore this idea! Turn a discarded pallet into a terraced garden wall! Even the tiniest of balconies can accommodate this installation! How to do it? Go here for DIY instructions.
Want more inspiration and ideas…check out these books. (Click on them to go to Amazon). Each is loaded with fantastic designs that will certainly inspire your own urban garden.
Remember downsizing isn’t about giving up what you love, it’s about changing the way you live to encourage a simplistic, peaceful, green lifestyle!
Do you have an urban garden right now? I would love to hear what you have done with it!
downsizing, environmental design, Garden, interior design, Lifestyle, Small Space Design
| candace kramer, city garden, design, diy, downsize, downsize my space, downsizing, environmental, environmental design, Garden, garden project, green, interior design, lifestyle, pallet garden, planters, rooftop, small space, small space design, urban, vertical gardening
Summer is finally here, so when I found this fabulous Boathouse makeover over on Remodelista, I had to share with you. Look at how Seattle-based architects, Bosworth Hoedemaker, converted this rather dull, concrete boathouse into a stunning yet simple guest cottage.
Doesn’t look like much from the outside but open up those doors…
Front row seats to the lovely Hood Canal…
Building codes prevented the team from making exterior structural changes so they had to focus their creativity on the interior space.
The stairs can actually be raised so a boat can be stored here during the winter months…love the seasonal functionality here. A small space has to work extra hard to meet all your needs and this one does just that!
I really love the plywood walls – a rustic and suitably nautical touch. As for the industrial lighting – perfection!
Ahhh…my favorite spot – the sleeping loft, with gorgeous views!
I could sure spend some time here…couldn’t you?
Images via here and here.
downsizing, environmental design, interior design, Lifestyle, Small Space Design, Uncategorized
| beach house, candace kramer, design, downsize my space, downsizing, environmental design, interior design, lifestyle, small space design, space planning
Happy Friday!
So…ever heard of a dacha? Well, neither had I until I came across a story in Food & Wine magazine. A dacha is a Russian summer cottage and they are widely seen through out the country. Most of these homes were built during the Soviet era and had size restrictions – a majority of them under 270 sq. ft! Oh yes – gorgeous, downsized homes that are abundant with charming character and summer spirit! I knew I had to share their beauty with you…
So blissful right? I could definitely spend my summer at one of these!
Where is your favorite place to be in the summer?
Have a lovely weekend!
Images via here and here.
downsizing, interior design, Lifestyle, Small Space Design
| candace kramer, dacha, design, downsize, downsize my space, downsizing, food and wine magazine, interior design, lifestyle, russian, small space design, small spaces
Just wanted to pop in and do a quick post about what’s been going on at Windermere this week – It’s Community Service week where the whole team over here does our bit to help out!
This year, I’m heading up the program and I’m so happy to be helping out a wonderful local organization – Community Warehouse. This volunteer based organization helps low-income family turn their houses into homes by providing home goods such as dishes, glasses, pots and pans, sheet, blankets, towels etc. Here’s a list of exactly what is needed and what they do not accept.
Locals have been going through their households, cleaning out what they don’t need and dropping off goods at the Lake Oswego Windermere office. It’s been fantastic seeing the residents really pitch in and donate some great items! We only have one more day – so go thru your stuff and see what you can part with. It’s a win win. You get a more organized house and the great feeling of helping those in need!
Community, Events, Local News
| candace kramer, community, community service, community warehouse, donate, downsize my space, downsizing, lake oswego, local, portland, Real Estate, volunteer, windermere
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