Fancy-Pants Closet Doors With Washi Tape

Between my last two apartments and my remarkable lack of blogging, I've put in a lot of DIY time that hasn't made it to the pages of Tiny-Ass Apartment. Even though I don't live in this particular apartment anymore, I thought I'd share a project that really classed up the joint: adding fake molding to my closet doors with washi tape. I was inspired by Molly at Almost Makes Perfect, and by inspired I mean copied almost exactly. I mean, her doors looked so good I knew I wanted to replicate them in my own home. I'm in the habit of documenting my home projects, so I'll share my process with you here, but be sure to check out her blog for more DIY-goodness. I also experimented with a new way to cut the corners so that the strips line up perfectly, which you'll see later.

Sooo turns out, I bought way too much washi tape. I only needed two rolls. But they were on sale for a dollar apiece, and I can use the rest for other projects.

Bustin' out all over: TAA in Bust Magazine

Tiny-Ass Apartment has made the leap to print! I was thrilled to be asked to write a piece for Bust Magazine about living in small spaces. I've always enjoyed reading Bust; it's a smart, funny magazine aimed at equally smart, funny women. The article, "Tiny Furniture," goes over the "Tiny Space Gospel," which contains lessons that can be applied to any small home. It also offers specific, creative solutions to common problems like storage or figuring out how to fit your furniture.

Here's a small taste of what you'll find in the April / May issue on pages 46 through 51. Be sure to pick up your own copy soon; it's the one with the adorable Ellie Kemper on the cover. (BTW, who else can't get the Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt theme song out of their heads? "IT'S A MIRACLE!")

The Small-Space Manifesto

Image via Refinery29

I think people are getting sick of small-space stuff. After ages of worshipping at the feet expansive mansions (and McMansions), small homes are finally getting their due from the design world. They’re showing up in mainstream design blogs, getting their own magazine issues, their own TV shows, and their own movements.

But there’s been a backlash a-brewing. Mostly, small space homes are being maligned as twee, hipster, and self-congratulatory. Maybe you’ve rolled your eyes at someone bragging about all their worldly possessions fitting inside a suitcase (guilty), marveled at the lack of self-awareness of small space dwellers who pat themselves on the back for somehow managing to do what people have done for decades, or just plain poked fun at the trend through parody. And along with the cultural equivalent of a side-eye, the trend of tiny homes is facing some real growing pains. Cities debate whether they should be even be built (note: San Francisco did approve the micro-apartment plans), and even if you’re building it yourself, there’s the issue of where your home is going to go.

I get being over it. I also understand the logistical problems. But the fact is, there’s no turning back. Small homes are not only here to stay, but they’re going to continue to take over.