Dwelling downsized

Daniel and Marilynn Tynan are taking downsizing seriously. They've lived in about 430 square feet for a year and are loving it. Daniel, an architect, and Marilynn, an interior designer, wanted a small space they could redesign just for themselves.

They used to live in 1,800 square feet.

Going small is a trend among aging baby boomers, empty-nesters and those keeping a closer eye on their dollars.

Within their small space, located on the peninsula, the Tynans have everything they need, Marilynn says. She points out that they have a full-size washer and dryer, dish-

washer, cooktop and refrigerator.

There are larger apartments in downtown Charleston that don't have all of those, she says.

They also have one closet in the apartment, she says. It has a long shelf with storage in wicker baskets that are stacked on top of each other.

The closet forms the dividing wall between their bedroom and gathering room, which includes the kitchen and dining and living areas.

While the two are happy with their residence, Marilynn does say living large in a small space is a big challenge.

Making it work

Fitting your stuff into an apartment or townhome after living in a single-family house does require making adjustments, experts say. The good news is that there is almost always something a resident can do to make compact quarters a bit more livable. Experts, including those at hgtv.com and marthastewart.com, say adjusting successfully to a smaller space is a matter of being solution-oriented.

Here are some items that can help small spaces live larger by solving storage problems. Most can be picked up at big-box, hardware and, sometimes, resale stores.

--A few vintage suitcases stacked in a living room can serve as an end table, a place to store throws and blankets or to keep craft and hobby supplies. Polish the worn leather, oil the old hinges and clean the insides, but preserve the character.

--Concentrate the contents of a former home office into a computer armoire or desk system. Some have fold-out "tables" attached inside the doors to provide more work space. An unfinished piece can be painted to coordinate with a room color or design features.

--Moving from a place with a garage costs a lot of storage space. Put screwdrivers, stud finders and other essential tools in a 5-gallon bucket. Expand its storage capacity by adding a pocket organizer that hangs down the sides and a tray that fits over the top to hold nails and screws.

--If the new place is a townhome, use the space under the stairs for shelving that can function as a bar. It's also a good place to add a few collectibles.

Kitchens & baths

--Ease the shock of losing a kitchen island by purchasing a cart that can provide added space for food preparation and storage. A rolling one can be used to take food from the kitchen to dining and entertainment areas. Its shelves can provide extra storage.

--If kitchen cabinets don't have built-in organizing features such as lazy susans, they can be purchased and added. Stand-up spice racks can slide in and out of cabinets for easy access, and some sold are adjustable to accommodate different size containers.

--Add narrow shelves to bathroom walls in vertical arrangements to display toiletries and other items that formerly would have been put under a bathroom counter or in a linen closet. Apothecary jars or canisters for storing sponges, swabs and bandages are useful and pleasant to look at.

--And you probably can't have too many baskets for storing just about everything, especially ones with tops. Choose a variety, including ones with ethnic designs or pops of color that coordinate with the room's decor.

Reach Wevonneda Minis at 937-5705.