Small Space Desk: Swiss Army Desk

Lately I’ve been on a binge for any useful object that “closes up”. It’s nice to have the ability to uncluttered your space by shutting the doors on it, like the Kitchen Armoire below.

I’ve had my eye on these portable desks for some time now. There is something inherently masculine about utilitarian military objects. The Swiss Army Desk is no exception.

The desk is a small footlocker-sized box that opens to reveal a writing surface and some shelving. They are perfect size for students, and you can toss it in the car and take it home with you on the weekends. There is plenty room for books, a laptop and much more. Did I mention they are painted olive drab green for that oh so GI Joe look?

The one pictured here is for sale on ebay. I also found two more photos on flicker. They are perfect small space desks, which can be easily closed when not in use. The only things that are missing are a fold out bottle opener and some tweezers.

Small Space Kitchen: The Armoire Kitchen

Kitchens are an important part of any home. Eating at home saves money, is often more healthy than eating out, and can be a rewarding experience. The challenge of small space living is to use what you have. Not just objects, but the space. The efficient use of space is as important as only owning what you need. If there is a utensil or a pan in your kitchen that you have not used in 18 months, let it go.

Although this kitchen is not suited for gourmet cooking, it is a superb example of efficiency. The Armoire Kitchen by Yester Tec is one of the finest examples of a truly self-contained kitchen I have seen.

The Armoire Kitchen is a handsome maple cabinet. It looks like any standard armoire from the outside, but inside it is anything but standard. The upper doors of the unit fold back to reveal the kitchen countertop. There is a small stainless steel sink, a 2-burner cooktop and a microwave hood. The bottom of the unit conceals a small refrigerator/freezer combo and a dishwasher.

There is no skimping in The Armoire Kitchen with appliances by Subzero, Kenyon, Paykel, and GE. This is some primo stuff that makes my personal small kitchen blush. I don’t even have a dishwasher... well my wife, but she doesn’t count. The unit is not exactly inexpensive — regular price $13,327 and sale price $9,300 – $9,700. But hey, all that kitchen bling aint cheap

More Small Space Portable Living: Little House on the Trailer

So it seems to me that there are more and more portable living options popping up these days. Last year I covered several portable dwellings. In January 2008 I covered the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company. This year the Little House on the Trailer reminds me of the Tumbleweed.

The Little House on the Trailer is available in slightly more spacious versions up to 400 sq ft. Although essentially a mobile home, these structures are beautiful. With a much higher attention to detail than is normally found in traditional mobile homes, The Little House on the Trailer is more like high-end construction.

The owner of The Little House on the Trailer Company, Stephen Marshall, is able to achieve some very dramatic floor plans in these small packages. There are several versions available: offices, dwellings, and “art spaces” which are basically small studios.

The units come ready to be occupied — just hook up the plumbing and you’re in business. They are not inexpensive. The home pictured at the top retails for $65,000, but still a bargain considering the attention to detail.

Portable homes are a great way to add square footage to your existing home and an appealing mobile option for a starter home. Via apartment therapy.

Small Space Living: Personal Update

I can tell from the emails I receive that at least some of you have noticed my absence from posting.

The last part of 2008 was very hectic for me. I left my old job, started a new job, and I was just generally exhausted by the holiday season. I do feel like I am returning to some sort of stability and I am endeavoring to resume posting.

There is so much cool stuff out there for 2009. The economy, I fear, will also be encouraging people to downsize their lives, and I’ll be here to direct the traffic.

So welcome back and buckle up — there’s some good stuff coming.

Small Space Book Chair by Annika Schmidt

As you are all aware, I love multi-function furniture. Although this piece is just for sitting, it can be used in several different ways making it multi-functional in my book.

I stumbled across this chair one night while looking at some other pieces by Annika Schmidt. I am entirely enamored with it — the colors, the textures, the whole presentation. I also enjoy lounging about on the floor with a pillow, and this chair looks like just my sort of seat.


The chair is made of various fabrics/materials including batting, felt and I think bent plywood. I love the idea of just flipping trough it to find the perfect height for you. Flat or against a wall, the possibilities are endless.

Small Space Utility: Swiss Army Key Hack

I love Instructables! I have written before about the wide array of fascinating hacks, projects and how-tos.

I particularly enjoy this hack because I have too many keys — way too many. I also like pocket tools, so it’s a match made in heaven… or at least my pocket.

The basic gist of this hack is to take your Leatherman Micra, or cheap knock-off, and swap some of the tools for your keys. This idea just plain kicks butt. It’s the best of everything — less key bulk and more refined tool selection. Smaller is better and you carry only what you need!

There is some cutting and drilling involved, but the end result is quite cool and very functional.