Pretty Small

Compact apartments are becoming the norm as the planet's largest cities grow more crowded, and residents have learned to work within tight floor plans. This book explores how careful interior planning can turn a modest home into a comfortable place to live.

The volume gathers examples from city dwellers in the United States, across European capitals, and throughout Asia, each showing a different way to get more from a small footprint. Among the subjects are organizing belongings and reshaping a room so it serves different purposes at different times of day. Readers get both ideas to borrow and practical guidance.

The tips range from concealed storage compartments and well-designed bike mounts to rooms that convert between uses and a variety of other space-saving gadgets. The mix of inspiration and advice suits anyone trying to fit a full life into limited room.