dwell :: 10 Ways to Solve Storage Problems in Small Spaces

Downsizing your life in order to live small sometimes requires creative ninja moves to find adequate storage.

Having spaces to stow away belongings in underutilized areas is critical to maintaining one's sanity in cramped quarters. Luckily, there are plenty of clever furnishings that do double duty as storage. Finding areas within framed building elements can also be instrumental in carving out space—from storage under stairs to bookshelves built into walls. To learn more about space saving ideas to employ when every inch of living space is critical, check out ten suggestions featured in my article on dwell.com.   

dwell :: Light into dark spaces

I've started writing online articles for Dwell.com. Last week I debuted my first post, concentrating on getting light into dark spaces of your home: 

Maintaining a light-filled interior can be difficult, especially if you’re moving into a compact apartment within a dense development or renovating a cramped, outdated structure.

In homes where tricky locations or close neighbors limit window space, you can still find opportunities to implement innovative solutions that will help bring the outdoors in. This is particularly important in the darker months of winter when that seasonal funk sets in. In an effort to bring light into your dimmest spaces, we’ve rounded up ten effective strategies, check them out here. 

design :: the mantel

I've been spending a lot of time in my living room lately, thanks to the wet winter weather. Now that all the seasonal stuff is packed away until next year, I've been considering how to re-tool my mantle. For several years I had a large mirror over the mantle that I accidentally broke last year stringing twinkle lights, 7 years bad luck, I know! I'm not sure if I want to test my luck with another mirror, although it did reflect a beautiful view of the trees opposite the fireplace, so it's a great way to make the space appear larger than it is.  

I thought I would share some of the images that I found while considering my options. Although I like the spare look of a lot of these images, I have to admit I'm one to layer and go with the abundance. I would love to stumble upon a well priced painting or even a decent framed photo (hello, Max Wanger print) that could really make a statement, but then I would really have to keep the rest to a bare minimum.  I'm thinking I need to start with a bare mantel and then let it sort itself out, but until then I'll have loads of inspiration to consider.

Images courtesy of Jonathan Adler, max wanger, sfgirlbybay, pinterest

ADU :: kitchen materials

Recently I've been working on the design of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a small mini house next to the main house that are sometimes referred to as "granny flats" or "mother in law units". Adding ADU's to properties has been a hot trend in Portland over the last few years, since our density is skyrocketing and the City is waiving certain intake fees as an incentive to build more. This ADU, like many, will likely be rented through Airbnb when not hosting family and friends.

Last week we dove into designing the kitchen. This ADU is two levels, with the main living room and kitchen on the upper level. Each level is approximately 400 sq ft, since ADU's can be no larger than 800 sq ft total. This leaves a tight space to configure into the main common area and requires efficient use of space. Instead of a dining room table, the island multitasks as both prep and eating counter. Clever use of storage space and hardware is integral in making this room successful and integrating all of this into a stylish wall of seamless casework is key. I've been geeking out on all things kitchen design lately in preparation for this project. Although the primary concern is an efficient layout, the material selection holds equal importance. Utilizing good quality materials that age well, are a joy to live with and embody the client's style are the mission at hand. This ADU is located on an urban site with a fairly steep slope, which allows for ample sunlight and fantastic views. The client's main directives for the space were "light" & "warmth".  Vaulted ceilings, 8 foot tall French balcony doors and an open staircase kept the ADU spacious and bright. Pragmatically the home is warmed with radiant concrete floors, but also by the addition of wood walls and casework. Here are a couple of examples of kitchens that blend light cabinets with wood components in spaces with some great height.

Although these kitchens are beautiful, for me they lack a bit of whimsy. In my opinion, a space with it's own quirky character and playfulness add soul to a home. The kitchen is a perfect place to have fun, especially when it's open to every other space, as in this project. I realize one person's whimsy is another person's nightmare, so it's all subjective. Maybe it's a pop of color on the walls, the cabinets or the appliances, a textured wall of tiles or the window in an unexpected location - whatever makes it unique to you. It's still unclear what the rogue element will be for this ADU project, but these are some examples I've been delighted to find.

Images courtesy of: FIGR, domain, studio mcgee, trendir, the jungalow, contemporist

New year

2016 was a big year. I finally passed all my exams and could introduce myself as an architect. I left my position of 17 years to pursue the post of project architect at a firm 1/20th in size. I became a contributing writer for Portland Architecture and Oregon Home Magazine. I interviewed a handful of architects for the Architectural Questionnaire series and launched the PdxC collaborative movement to connect architects with local makers.   

Last year the word that I chose to inspire me, guide me, was "intentional". The word consistently reminded me to make thoughtful, intentional moves to create the change I wanted to see in my life. I remember several years ago, during a performance review, being told that it was apparent that I went along with the flow with no agenda. I know it wasn't meant as derisive, just this person's perception of me, but it made me furious. I was mad because it was true and this path was getting me nowhere. As much as I would love to be carefree and relaxed, I've never achieved much without a plan. So, I had to embrace my inner Type A and get shit done. 

So, 2017. I'm hitching my wagon to the phrase "Show up!". I have high hopes this year, and I need to be engaged, present.  I'm still new in my position, there's so much to learn and mostly I feel like I'm only scraping the surface. Always on my mind is the idea of meeting client expectations, keeping on top of design trends, knowing how things are put together and staying curious throughout the design process. How can I do it better? How can I do it more efficiently?  What can inspire this whole process so it's a joy to the client, as well as myself? 

This year promises to be a momentous year for many of my friends. I'm surrounded by people that are in transformative times in their life: moving to a new city, changing jobs, questioning their careers, making the leap into entrepreneurship.  We are all searching for the right fit, that fulfillment we feel entitled to after decades in this career but if 2016 taught us anything, it's that we can't do this alone. My most important goal this year is to show up for my friends,  colleagues and community.  Do my part to intentionally support and promote collaboration in 2017.     

Images courtesy of: newanlers.com, designschool.canva.com, cristiana.couceiro , dwell.com, garzamarfa.com