Lifestyle

Lighting your small space can be challenging. Especially, when floor space is limited. However, Apartment Therapy recently posted a clever solution to this problem. By incorporating a variety of pendant lamps into your small space, you can create "an eclectic look along with a pleasant overhead glow."

The folks at Apartment Therapy recommend "choosing pendant lamps of different textures and sizes and hanging them at different heights to create depth and interest. This also creates a layered light source with a softer effect than a single flat overhead fixture."

A sofa is the centerpiece of a living room. So picking a comfortable, yet well designed sofa is one key to designing a comfortable living space. This is especially important for those of you who live in small apartments. A sofa that's too big can overwhelm a living room and leave you feeling cramped.

But don't fret: All you have to do is follow a few simple rules, and you'll be set.

The clutter happens quickly inside many an apartment-dweller's kitchen. The buildup of stuff: pens, notepads, dishes, vases, sleek new appliances, cookbooks and Tupperware.

Before you know it, clutter is stopping you from using your kitchen – however small – to the fullest.

Before the mess cuts into your motivation to cook or unwind in what's supposed to be everyone's favorite room, take heed of the following kitchen-organization advice:

If you think your home library feels overstuffed with your collection of dozens of titles, imagine living in a small space packed floor-to-ceiling with more than 6,000 books!

Such a space does exist, but luckily for the claustrophobic among us it's only an exhibit in London's Victoria and Albert Museum. Part of a show featuring architect-designed small spaces, "Ark" is the creation of Norway's Rintala Eggertsson Architects.

The freestanding wooden tower features a spiral staircase winding up through shelves upon shelves of books, and visitors are encouraged to explore and take a quiet moment with one of the varied titles.

For a more reality-based interpretation, check out this eye-catching staircase that takes the wall-to-wall book theme down a notch, confining it to a single space. The effect is still a major statement, and with practical storage, to boot.

Not ready to commit to such elaborate architectural feats in your own home? Take a look back through the RentedSpaces archives to find some practical ways to incorporate statement shelving into your own home:

While The Perfect Design Blog suggests travel as a way for graphic designers to revive their creativity and broaden their perspectives, we think everyone, despite what you do for a living, can benefit from changes of pace and scenery. But if your summer vacation has passed, or you just can't get away, fear not, apartment dweller. There are simple ways to capture the restorative effects of travel at home.

Below, we present ideas for ways to incorporate travel -- including your own travels -- into the design of your apartment.

Among young urbanites, the general consensus of late is that cooperation is a good thing. New York magazine reports on the trend of collectivism, saying, "The sharing of everything from cabs to clothes to child care is suddenly modish, promoted by city officials, exploited by entrepreneurs, and pursued by legions of everyday citizens."

While the article offers tips on where and how to share everything from pigs to motorcycles in New York, we're most intrigued by the concept of sharing design inspirations, furniture, craft supplies and the like.

Here are some ways to tap into "the new collectivism" in your very own apartment, with social networking sites for crafters and design enthusiasts:

"Three Rules of Work: Out of clutter find simplicity; from discord find harmony; in the middle of difficulty lies opportunity." - Albert Einstein

Living lightly and creatively in a small space can be difficult, especially if you are surrounded by clutter. And when you're just getting started, the idea of decluttering is overwhelming.

So here's my suggestion: Start small. Take 10 minutes out of your day and remove the clutter from one area of your house. Before you know it your junk drawer will be clean, then your closet, and eventually your whole house!

Below are 10 easy and fast ways to get your decluttering groove on:

Celebs are people, too.

Just like us they rent out their properties and rent others properties to live in. Of course, their properties are often quite dreamy (like the Osbournes'), but sometimes they are down to earth in price and style (like Sommerhalder's).

Read on to find out more of what's going on in the life of celebrity property renting...

It can be tough to move on from the Fourth of July; we're all experiencing a bit of a letdown after the fantastic fireworks and mouthwatering grilling sessions, gatherings with friends and family, and downtime away from work. But bloggers have come to the rescue, presenting ways to bring a beach vibe inside. From boardwalk photography, to lanterns and planters fit for a sandy bungalow, to variations on the waterside staple that is the lobster roll, these ideas have us feeling ready for another round of summer.

Keep reading for beachy-keen inspirations.