Sipping in Style in Small Spaces

Downsizing is a scary word for some. When I decided to downsize, it meant moving from a one-bedroom apartment into a school bus with less than 200 square feet of living space. It was going to entail a lot more than simply getting rid of a few things. One of my main concerns was how I was going to maintain my sense of style in such a small space without sacrificing quality. I couldn't just bring my oversized melamine plates painted with appealing, bright aviary scenes, nor could I fit every single mug I'd collected over the years into the limited cabinet space. But, what I also couldn't do was settle on cheap, poorly made, mass-produced plastic kitchenware that everyone and their college roommate have owned since IKEA was all the rage. Don't get me wrong, IKEA was great when I was living off of ramen noodles and lunchables.

There's a popular notion that a small space means you can't have nice things or that the options are extremely limited. This just isn't true. You don't have to forego quality and style to save space. My first rule of downsizing was that everything had to be, at the very least, dual-purpose. That meant that the mugs I decided to keep had to be used for something other than sipping coffee or tea when I wasn't sipping coffee or tea. A mug with a lid, for example, is a terrific storage container for leftovers! Not to mention, the expertly crafted handle allows for it to be hung like the work of art it is, saving vital counter space (without the lid, of course). Limited on drawer space? Why not throw your cutlery into a mug for easy access? Having the Eleanor Silverware set on display also makes for a great conversation starter when I have visitors. It usually begins with something like, "That's a beautiful cutlery set! I've never seen anything like that before!" I don't recall receiving those kinds of compliments in college. In fact, if I had that conversation at all, it usually began with, "Oh, I have the same set! IKEA, right?"

When dealing with minimal square footage, multipurpose is a must. Below are a few additional ideas for maximizing your small space:

• Screwing small hooks underneath cabinets is a great way to hang and display beautiful pieces with handles.
• Place pieces of anti-slip shelf liner in between stackable items for protection from damage.
• Use a clean sink for storage; Add a cutting board cover or drying rack to the sink for even more storage, er rather, display, as I prefer to call it.
• Use the wall to exhibit a stunning bowl or simply use the bowl for a fruit basket.
• If you are one of those people, like me, who need a set (4-count) of mugs, use the two that probably are just sitting on the shelf, collecting dust, to propagate some plants.

Nothing says adulting quite like buying quality kitchenware. Purchasing products from a reputable, family-owned, and stylish company that uses environmentally friendly materials makes my choice simple. If you're considering living in a smaller space, chances are that you're at least mildly concerned about the environment, which means that eco-friendly materials are important to you like they are to me. Did you know that 10 million tons of plastic are dumped into our oceans annually? If I can limit my contribution to that disgraceful and Earth-damaging number, then count me in. And if I can do it while expressing myself, then not only will I be sipping in style, but I'll be saving the Earth one sip at a time, as well!