Small apartment storage

I shared my obsession with organizing (part of) in my earlier post. Hopefully this post gives you more ideas. I was very lucky when I stumbled upon a wood + metal side table in a second-hand furniture warehouse. This warehouse is like my new obsession and I am always on the lookout for gems.

I purchased it at a good price yesterday and used it immediately to organize my make-up, skin products and accessories.

This table is superb because I can see all my accessories at one glance and pull the drawer to take my pick. Just like in a boutique! If your apartment gets pretty dusty in a short period of time, this table is a life-saver.

I adore this clamshell. It's perfect for holding little items. I personally feel that little jars of cosmetics or skin products resting on their own, invite clutter. .. and we all know that we don't stick to one or two products.

There! My little beauty corner.

{all images by yours truly}

Small apartment storage

Everyone needs a place of solace. For me it's my study. When I'm home after a long uninspiring day at work or after time spent away from my home, I get into my study to feed my thirst for design inspiration and ideas, to feed my soul. I need space (physical and mental) to get grounded.

My study is my hideout, workspace AND dressing room (space comes at a premium in land-scarce Singapore) so I find means and ways to organize, avoid clutter, multi-functional-ize and make it a pretty place while at it.

I use an IKEA Expedit in my study to organize books, craft items, documents, travel momentos AND yes, glassware. I can't afford the space for a full-fledged bar and it is impossible to accommodate all the extra glasses I have in my compact bar-cart, so I use a compartment in my Expedit. If you have to do this as well (to store glasses somewhere other than a proper glass storage area especially on a shelf), use a tray. It functions as a drawer. 

When you have guests over, you may choose to get the tray out a little to reach the champagne glasses behind without toppling the glasses in front, or you may take the entire tray out. No broken glasses, no tears. 

I'd suggest arranging the glasses face down to ensure they are clean inside (no dust, no bugs). If you want to take additional pre-caution, wipe the glasses clean, especially the rims probably a day or two before the party.

... and I digress. A bottle of alcohol in the tray wouldn't hurt as well. A nightcap in the study while working! 

Enjoy the party!

{All pictures from yours truly}

Easy Mornings

Mornings are usually chaotic for the hubz and me. We are grouchy, looking for things or getting in each other's way so, we'll definitely appreciate having a separate vanity from the sink area in the bathroom.

{via here}

{via here}

{via here}

{via caitlyn wilson}

I think all a vanity area needs is a little mirror, gorgeous tray with pretty perfume bottles, baubles and perhaps some pictures to personalise the area. Does it sound too girly? How do I make it gender-neutral?