Weight Watchers Chicken Salad With Grapes And Walnuts

Weight Watchers Chicken Salad With Grapes And Walnuts

Print the Recipe

This super simple Weight Watchers chicken salad recipe is loaded with texture and flavor. It's indulgent and simple to make.

You can use this recipe to serve on salads, in wraps, on sandwiches, and even with fresh veggies for dipping. It's a tasty and versatile lighted up chicken salad recipe that everyone will be sure to enjoy.

For those of you looking for chicken salad with nuts and dried berries, this one will be a hit! Of course you can always substitute or eliminate things that you don't like. This recipe is flexible as well, those of you not on Weight Watchers can use more nuts, mix ins, and full fat mayonnaise for a more indulgent flavor.

Personally, I like the lightened up version. It's tangy, crunchy, loaded with protein and so easy to make. I enjoy using this for lunches throughout the week. My Weight Watchers chicken salad is calculated for all three myWW+ programs so you can enjoy it and track it based on which plan you follow.

If you are looking for another light and easy lunch or dinner, try out my Weight Watchers Apple Walnut Tuna Salad! You should also try out these WW Chicken lime tacos!

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Making chicken salad is a great meal prep. If you don't already prep your meals in advance you are missing out! It's a wonderful way to keep on track with the Weight Watchers program.

Having healthy meals on hand that are already prepared is a way to keep yourself from "cheating" and eating something convenient but high in points. If you are making this recipe for dinner you might want to throw in some extra points and have a roll, wrap, or sandwich. For lunches you can serve this over fresh greens for as salad or use it for dipping with celery, sliced peppers, and cucumbers!

This recipe goes great with fresh veggies so if you want to serve it with a side salad at dinner you can definitely do that too. It's versatile, if you don't like the walnuts you can swap them out for something else like almonds perhaps? Just be sure to recalculate the recipe to make sure the points stay the same.

Here are some kitchen essentials that I like to have on hand when making recipes like this for meal prep:

Making healthy meals is a breeze with these kitchen essentials. Keeping things like this on hand makes my life so much easier in the kitchen.

Some things that are great to have on hand when prepping meals like this is a cutting board, sharp knives, and storage containers.

What do I need to make a healthier chicken salad recipe?

You can find the full list of ingredients and amounts in the printable recipe card at the bottom! For your shopping list you'll want to add the following items.

You will need boneless skinless chicken breasts, light mayonnaise, walnuts, dried cranberries, eggs (hard boiled eggs), dry minced onion or onion powder, and black pepper!

If you are serving this chicken salad on rolls, wraps, or on bread you'll need to add those to your list. You will also need to add them to the points total for your recipe! The points below are only for the ingredients in the chicken salad itself!

How to make Weight Watchers chicken salad:

This recipe could not be easier. If you are like me and you have cooked chicken and hard boiled eggs on hand you'll just need to chop everything up and throw it all together! Check out how simple this Weight Watchers chicken salad is below.

In a large bowl, stir chicken, eggs, walnuts, and celery together

Add in mayonnaise, dry onion, pepper, and cranberries and stir until well combined

Serve immediately or place in refrigerator until chilled

Looking for more delicious recipes to try?

If you are looking for even more delicious Weight Watchers meals to add to your lineup for this week you won't want to miss out on these classics. My family doesn't even KNOW they're eating healthier thanks to these delicious meals.

Try out Peanut Butter Parfait For Weight Watchers, Orange Fluff Dessert | Weight Watchers Fluff, Weight Watchers Ground Turkey Sweet Potato Skillet, Weight Watchers Pepperoni Pizza Casserole Recipe, Weight Watchers Instant Pot Macaroni and Cheese Recipe, Weight Watchers Chicken Enchiladas Recipe, Weight Watchers Cabbage Soup, and Weight Watchers Chili Recipe!

Have a whole bunch of hard boiled eggs you need to use now? Try out these Weight Watchers Deviled Eggs.

How do I track this chicken salad for myWW+?

Below is the points breakdown for one serving of this recipe. It's about 6 servings of 1/2-3/4 cup each depending on how big your items are chopped. I usually divide the whole recipe into six servings. I use about half of mine for meal prep anyway!

You should always create the recipe for yourself in the recipe creator on Weight Watchers if you have questions. We are all human so you should plan accordingly. Always track for yourself using the exact brands and items you have on hand. Items can vary from brand to brand so even small changes can impact the points.

Printable Weight Watchers Chicken Salad Recipe:

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
• 4 eggs, boiled and chopped
• ½ cup celery, chopped
• ¼ cup walnuts, chopped
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ¾ cup light mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon dry minced onion
• Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, stir chicken, eggs, walnuts, and celery together
   
2. Add in mayonnaise, dry onion, pepper, and cranberries and stir until well combined
   
3. Serve immediately or place in refrigerator until chilled

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Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 258 Total Fat 15g Saturated Fat 3g Trans Fat 0g Unsaturated Fat 11g Cholesterol 169mg Sodium 336mg Carbohydrates 10g Fiber 1g Sugar 7g Protein 20g

As with any of our recipes, carb counts, calorie counts, WW points and nutritional information varies greatly. As a result, your nutritional content depends on which products you choose to use when cooking this dish. The auto-calculation is just an automated estimate and should NOT be used for specific dietary needs.

This recipe is in no way authorized or associated with the Weight Watchers Program.

Weight Watchers Chicken Salad With Grapes And Walnuts

Source: https://www.midlifehealthyliving.com/weight-watchers-chicken-salad/

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Orange And White Living Room

Orange And White Living Room

Johner Images Getty Images

Ask the experts: Our expert panel answer questions on DIY, eco design, mortgages, cleaning, architecture, consumer issues and more

Question: 'I want to decorate my living area in white. Which shade should I choose, and what's the best way to introduce a contrasting colour, perhaps on a feature wall?'

Sustainable design expert, Oliver Heath, says: 'Light is one natural quality that we all aspire to have more of in our homes. So it makes sense to include plenty of white surfaces that it can bounce off and reflect around the space.

Yet while these pristine spaces may look aspirational in pictures on social media, I often feel that they can be quite stark, filled with uncomfortable glare and, of course, they are difficult to maintain in their immaculate condition.

To combat glare I often tone down pure brilliant white to a softer natural shade. The choice may largely depend on the orientation of your room – north-facing rooms will need warmer shades while south-facing ones can take cooler bluer tones. If you'd like to combine softer shades with increased light, you could consider using Dulux's Light and Space paint which, it claims, is twice as reflective as normal paint.

Vincenzo Lombardo Getty Images

If you're considering an accent colour instead of painting a feature wall, why not introduce darker greys or black in smaller bursts around the room with furniture or accessories; think table or chair legs, shelving, window or picture frames. This will add texture, detail and gravity to a room, much in the same way that sharper contrasting shadows may be introduced on a sunny day.

Balance these bursts of black with the fresh green foliage of ferns, palms and larger-leaved cheese plants – they're good for your wellbeing and will love the natural light as much as you do.

From: House Beautiful magazine

Get inspiration, ideas and advice wherever you are! Follow us on Facebook: House Beautiful UK | Pinterest: House Beautiful UK | Twitter: @HB | Instagram: @housebeautifuluk

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Orange And White Living Room

Source: https://www.housebeautiful.com/uk/decorate/looks/a2258/white-paint-shade-decorating-room/

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Small Kitchen And Living Room Ideas

Small Kitchen And Living Room Ideas

 Photo Courtesy: [BakiBG/Getty Images]

There are many wonderful things about getting older, but going through the aging process also means you might start experiencing bodily fatigue, achy muscles and joint pain more often than you used to. Because of this, you might have difficulty moving and exercising. But you don't have to let that slow you down. It's vital for older adults to get regular physical activity — the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity activity — but what if you want to gently ease into more movement without exacerbating aches and pains?

One way to get started is to practice chair yoga. Chair yoga exercises are a perfect way for you to stretch and get moving, all while you're safely seated in a chair — no need to get down onto the floor. This type of yoga can help loosen your muscles, improve circulation, build strength and even relieve stress. Even better? You can do it any time from the comfort of your own home.

Photo Courtesy: [SilviaJansen/E+/Getty Images]

Chair yoga, or sitting yoga, for seniors is a modified version of traditional hatha yoga to help relieve body aches and stay healthy in a safe and accessible way. Hatha yoga is a form of this type of exercise that's more gentle and more slowly paced with a focus on stretching and breathing. It's ideal for anyone who lives with pain that could make more complex yoga poses difficult, such as chronic pain, osteoporosis and multiple sclerosis. Additionally, chair yoga can also be ideal for people who spend long hours sitting in a chair.

Many seniors find their lives become sedentary with each passing year because movement may become more tiring, uncomfortable or painful. Practicing chair yoga regularly can provide a way to prevent or relieve those issues. It's a low-impact way to get the blood in your body flowing and stretch your muscles.

In terms of equipment, all you need for chair yoga is a stable, armless chair. Make sure the chair is resting on a flat, stable surface and that you're wearing comfortable clothes that allow for a generous range of motion. Chair yoga can also be ideal if you're a wheelchair user.

Benefits of Chair Yoga for Seniors

 Photo Courtesy: [RyanJLane/Getty Images]

Getting regular exercise can add years to your life and slow the aging process. However, many types of exercise can become more difficult to perform with age. High-impact exercises like weightlifting, running and other types of intense cardio can be particularly hard on your joints and muscles. Chair yoga provides a way to get your body moving without stressing your joints with hard impacts like running does. Practicing chair yoga for 20-30 minutes per session several times a week can provide significant health benefits.

First of all, it can help manage and reduce pain. One recent study from the Journal of American Geriatrics Society found that chair yoga effectively helped relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis. Furthermore, chair yoga involves stretching the neck, upper back, lower back, shoulders, arms, legs, knees and ankles without much impact on the joints. This not only reduces stiffness, tension and pain, but it can also help to improve mobility in the long run.

Another potential benefit is improved flexibility, which can make it easier to perform regular movements as you go about your everyday routine. Being flexible also can improve muscle coordination and posture and lower the risk of future muscle soreness and injuries. Chair yoga helps improve your strength and balance as well, meaning falls become a lot less likely. Having a strong body also increases your ability to withstand injury.

Chair yoga even has benefits for your mental wellbeing. As with traditional yoga, chair yoga involves a lot of deep breathing, which can help clear your mind similarly to meditation. This often results in reduced stress, a better mood, less anxiety and a calmer state of mind.

Try These Great Chair Yoga Routines

 Photo Courtesy: [Fitness With Cindy/YouTube]

There's no need to leave your home, join a gym or go to chair yoga classes at a fitness studio — plenty of outstanding chair yoga routines are available online. Some are written out with pictures, while others are instructional video workouts you can follow along with.

If you're unsure about the idea of following along with a chair yoga video, you can simply make your own routine consisting of exercises sitting in a chair. Here are some great options for all skill levels:

The Forward Bend Pose involves bending over so your chest is resting on your thighs and your hands are reaching towards the floor. If you can, place your palms fully on the floor. To get the most out of this stretch, hold for 30 seconds or more, taking slow, long, deep breaths.

The Chair Pigeon Pose is another great chair yoga stretch. Sitting up straight with your knees aligned above your ankles, bring your left ankle to your right thigh. If you can, try bending forward as low as possible to make the stretch more intense. Hold here for several deep breaths before doing the same pose with the opposite leg.

For the Chair Spinal Twist, begin by sitting sideways on your chair facing right. Twist your torso to the right while grabbing the back of the chair with both hands to anchor yourself in that position. Stay here for several deep breaths. Then, switch to the left side.

The simple Overhead Stretch starts with you sitting up straight in your chair, facing forward with your arms relaxed and hanging by your sides. As you take a deep breath in, slowly begin to raise your arms up towards the ceiling. Once they're fully extended upward, take a moment to engage your core and ensure your back is straight. Hold this position for a few seconds. Let out a long exhale while slowly lowering your arms back down. Repeat this a few more times.

You might find it easier and more convenient to follow an exercise video routine that provides instructions and demonstrates the different positions for you. There are plenty of free chair yoga classes and routines for seniors to choose from. Here are some that come highly recommended:

• Chair Yoga for Seniors With Adriene: Adriene is a master of making yoga fun and easy for everyone. In this 17-minute chair yoga video, she guides you through the moves slowly and clearly so that it's easy to follow along and enjoy learning the basics.
• Gentle Chair Yoga With Mary Beth Kealy: This gentle, stimulating 41-minute chair yoga practice is great if you want to spend a little bit of extra time stretching. The background of the video incorporates soothing, meditative music to make the experience especially relaxing.
• Chair Yoga for Lower Back Pain With Cindy: Cindy walks you through 18 minutes of sitting yoga for seniors. The stretches are specifically designed to ease lower back pain while helping you build strength at the same time.

Resource Links:

https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/older_adults/index.htm

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3410195/

https://www.allinahealth.org/healthysetgo/move/exercise-is-key-to-living-longer

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28008603/

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Small Kitchen And Living Room Ideas

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3 Pc Leather Living Room Set

3 Pc Leather Living Room Set

AOpen's SFF Media PC Hits the Living Room

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We've been fans of the home theater PC over the years, though the reasons for having one are less compelling than in the past. As consumer electronics devices have added new technology, dedicated de-interlacing circuitry, and HDTV support, the home theater PC has become something of an overly complex curiosity.

But like the tug-of-war between PC gaming and consoles, the advantages shift back and forth as product cycles march forward. Several years ago, home theater PCs were mostly confined to hobbyists. Now, you can buy them off the shelf, many running Windows Media Center Edition. Companies like AOpen are now creating barebones systems with media-centric features, like dedicated transport controls and remotes in order to make life a little easier.

Jason Cross reviewed the original AOpen XC Cube about a year ago, so we won't dive into performance details or core features. The new EA65-II, aka the XC Cube AV, has essentially the same internals as the original: Intel 865G chipset, compact motherboard with one PCI and one AGP slot, and the same sideways-mounted heat sink. The new shoebox-shaped unit, however, is black, with the addition of front-panel A/V controls.

When you power up the XC Cube AV, blue LEDs light up behind the front-panel transport controls, and an LED text readout indicates its current function–TV/Recording, DVD/VCD Display, Video Clips, Photo View, FM Radio, or MP3/CD Music. If you're in Windows mode, the LED just reads PC. This display remains on when the system is turned off, assuming it's connected to wall power.

Can a small-form-factor PC that looks like a tall DVD player find happiness in your living room? We put the system through its paces to find out.

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3 Pc Leather Living Room Set

Source: https://www.extremetech.com/computing/73790-aopens-sff-media-pc-hits-the-living-room

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Everyday Living Brand Furniture

Everyday Living Brand Furniture

10 Beautiful and Affordable Furniture Brands to Consider

If you're not a fan of affordable Swedish furniture maker Ikea and ready-to-assemble furniture, you have plenty of other options to consider without breaking the bank. It's possible to create an impressive home and hearth on a budget by scoping out the best brands and looking for pieces at online venues like Hayneedle.com, Overstock.com or Wayfair.com or budget brick-and-mortar outlets like HomeGoods. Additionally, don't hesitate to visit your local thrift and consignment shops to find affordable pieces made by these 10 beautiful and affordable brands.

Ashley Furniture Homestore

Well established with hundreds of stores around the United States and Canada, Ashley Furniture offers numerous styles, from classic and traditional to contemporary. The furniture is usually good quality, although most pieces aren't premium. If you're looking for full sets of furniture, Ashley has you covered.

CC0/ErikaWittlieb/Pixabay

Bob's Discount Furniture

You may have caught a few cartoon-style television commercials for Bob's Discount Furniture over the years. The ads typically display and compare prices on screen. Bob's is similar to Ashley Furniture and is known around the country for its in-store cafes with kid-friendly cookies along with its large selection of classic to contemporary pieces and sets.

CC0/ErikaWittlieb/Pixabay

CB2

If you love Crate & Barrel, you may swoon over CB2, the primary brand's hip, modern and affordable little brother. Online or in-store, the inventory includes modern furniture and decor. Many pieces are designed to fit into smaller apartments and homes.

CC0/jarmoluk/Pixabay

Cort Furniture

If you're looking for the highest quality craftsmanship in upholstered furniture, dining room sets and home accessories, look to Cort Furniture's online or store outlets. Cort resells its gently used rental furniture that was used by clients to furnish everything from executive apartments and model homes to movie sets. It's hard to find this level of quality at a better price.

CC0/ErikaWittlieb /Pixabay

Kvell

A newcomer to the online furniture world, Kvell is making a splash with its fresh contemporary brand of simple furniture and accessories. A Canadian brand, this very fashion forward company has plenty of pieces designed and constructed for daily life. Check out the Kaptain chair with molded plastic seat and solid beech wood legs for a surprisingly budget-friendly example.

CC0/marcelokato/Pixabay

Muji

Muji is as hip and affordable as Ikea but with a minimalistic Japanese design influence. Muji means "no-brand quality goods" in Japanese, and the lifestyle brand has everything you need to live and work within a budget. You can find Muji stores dotted around New York City and San Francisco as well as a few other choice locations.

CC0/p_kennedy123

Poly & Bark

Another new online modern furniture brand, Poly & Bark is making waves for its affordable high style. The brand keeps its prices low by selling online, primarily through Amazon, where you can find dozens of excellent comments and ratings about the furniture.

CC0/StockSnap/Pixabay

Project 62

Target has long been known for its leading edge when it comes to affordable style, and its new Project 62 furniture brand is ideal for budget-conscious consumers who love modern style. Even Architectural Digest Magazine can't stop talking about the mid-century modern brand, calling it a brand made for the "discerning millennial set."

CC0/Free-Photos/Pixabay

Sauder Home

You'll find the well-established brand of Sauder Home furniture everywhere, from online stores to Walmart and Costco. Its tagline - affordable style - rings true. Wood and upholstered pieces are for the budget- and style-conscious. There's nothing clunky about Sauder's designs. From home office to bedroom furniture, it's streamlined, well-made and worth some of the ready-to-assemble elbow grease you may have to put into a piece.

CC0/ErikaWittlieb/Pixabay

Urban Outfitters

You may have dismissed Urban Outfitters as just a clothing store for college kids, but it has evolved into a furniture retailer of simple, attractive pieces that go beyond the "dorm" look to spruce up adult living areas, especially apartments. Pieces are modern to eclectic but fit into traditional decor as well.

CC0/Free-Photos/Pixabay

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Everyday Living Brand Furniture

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Handy Living Furniture

Handy Living Furniture

Tom Erdman

WHEELING, Ill. – Handy Living General Manager Tom Erdman is stepping back from his current position to work as special projects manager, effective this month.

Erdman led the way in Handy Living's development of furniture for drop shipment in scales and construction normally associated with white-glove delivery.

"This will allow Tom to pursue interests outside of the industry, while staying involved with Handy Living and all of our partners and friends throughout the industry," said Handy Living President Kenneth Shonfeld in a release. "Tom will still be involved in projects ranging from product development, merchandising and supply chain. We are proud of all of Tom's accomplishments and excited to continue working with him in a different capacity."

Moving forward, Vice President of Sales Brad Farris will take the lead on Handy Livings selling efforts, and General Manager of Asia Lily Tian will be responsible for managing all our production capabilities.

Shonfeld said that upon founding Handy Living in 2005, joining forces with industry veteran Erdman "was the best decision I made."

"We committed to creating the first home furnishings supplier dedicated exclusively to the online market, and it has been a wonderful and adventurous 15 years," he said, adding that Erdman has worked "tirelessly on behalf of our customer and the consumer to design an incredible line of product for the e-commerce ecosystem.

Handy Living hosted a surprise cocktail reception in its Las Vegas Market showroom at the recent show where customers and the company honored Erdman's contributions.

"While he will not be traveling internationally, he will continue to provide his expertise (as well as his bad jokes and colorful shirts) in our merchandising, product development and supply chain initiatives," Shonfeld said.

I'm Powell Slaughter, senior editor at Furniture/Today. I returned to the publication in January 2015 after nine years of writing about furniture retail strategies and best practices at a monthly magazine focusing on home furnishings retail operations. Prior to that, I spent 10 years with F/T covering wood furniture, the last five of those as case goods editor. Upon my return to F/T, I developed coverage of the logistical and service aspects of the furniture industry as well as following the occasional, home office and home entertainment categories. In April 2018 I took over the upholstery category, with responsibility for coverage of the fabric and leather stationary and motion upholstery, recliners and massage chair categories.

Handy Living Furniture

Source: https://www.furnituretoday.com/furniture-people/erdman-changes-role-at-handy-living/

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Living Spaces Vs Ashley Furniture

Living Spaces Vs Ashley Furniture

Linda is a seasoned writer and bedrooms authority. She loves sharing design trends, decor ideas, and useful tips with her readers.

A while back I penned an article about design secrets for small apartments. Since many of us are downsizing these days, I thought the subject warranted a second look. Actually, there are many ways to make the most of your cramped quarters.

Some of these ideas will involve getting your landlord's permission, if you are a renter. If you position these changes as property improvements, your landlord may be happily agree. Just be aware that some of your nifty changes may have to stay with the apartment when you move. The other ideas involve changing your perceptions about space usage, using different types of furnishings, and being efficient with furniture placement.

A small space doesn't have to be a negative. In fact, there are a number of pluses to living small. First and foremost, it takes less time to clean a small dwelling. You are also forced to become more organized, and that's a good thing. It also costs less to heat and cool fewer rooms.

In This Article

1. Hallway Dining Room
2. Multipurpose Kitchen Table
3. Simple Bedroom Furniture
4. Multipurpose Office
5. Countertop Vanity
6. Use the "Dead" Space Under the Stairs
7. Plan the Space
8. Layer Colors
9. Take Cues From Hotel Bathrooms
10. Create Book Nooks
11. Go Vertical
12. Clear Tables
13. Murphy Beds
14. Bunk Beds
15. Armless Seating

From Hallway to Dining Room

kowaleski, CC BY 2.0 via flickr

From Hallway to Dining Room

The photo above is the perfect example of changing your perception of how a space is used. You'll notice the pass through to this kitchen has mirrored closets along one wall. This creative tenant wisely converted the space into valuable square footage by outfitting it with a small, drop leaf dinette set. Now it is perfect for a candlelight dinner, a spot to do homework, or a part-time home office, rather than simply using the long, narrow space as a pass through from one room to another.

Multi-Purpose Kitchen Table

audinou, CC BY 2.0 via flickr

Multi-Purpose Kitchen Table

If you are lucky enough to have an eat-in kitchen, why not let the table pull double duty as an additional work surface. This picnic-type table can be called upon for food prep if counter space is limited. And, as in our hallway example above, can be used for non-kitchen-related activities, such as tackling household finances or crafting with family.

Keep It Simple

PRINSOTEL HOTELS, CC BY 2.0 via flickr

Keep It Simple

Resist the temptation to overfill a small bedroom with furniture. An uncluttered space is more calming and conducive to rest and relaxation. Our example room has a low dresser and nightstands. A large mirror leaning against the wall gives the illusion of more space. A headboard outfitted with light fixtures eliminates the need for bedside lamps. A floor lamp provides additional ambient light without taking up space. A wall-mounted flat screen television would complete the minimalistic vibe in this small bedroom.

A Room for All Reasons

Better Homes and Gardens

A Room for All Reasons

At first glance, this cheerful room appears to be a home office. Upon closer inspection, you'll note a small sofa or loveseat, an ottoman, and reading lamps. Sure, space is at a premium, but it is being used to its full potential. If you have a home-based business, this room will serve as command central during the day. At night you can cozy up with a good book, soft music, and a glass of wine, and unwind from your hectic day.

The office setup is pretty easy to accomplish. Your home improvement center has tracks, brackets, and laminate shelves to convert an empty wall into storage for office and miscellaneous household items. The "desk" is probably no more than a folding metal work table dressed with a gathered skirt attached with velcro. Place a piece of custom-cut glass on the table top, for an easily cleanable work surface. Tuck a file cabinet or two under the table skirt for hidden document storage.

Instant Vanity

seamus_walsh, CC BY 2.0 via flickr

Instant Vanity

If you're dealing with a tiny bathroom and have extra space in the bedroom or hallway, why not install a countertop to use as a vanity area. In this photo, a pre-made section of countertop was positioned between a side wall and wardrobe unit. To provide maximum support, install using French cleats along the back wall and at least one side. As with most of these ideas, the vanity can also be used as a desk to catch up on personal correspondence.

Solution for "Dead" Space

Better Homes and Gardens

Solution for "Dead" Space

The wasted "dead" space under stairs offers a great place to carve out additional storage when you're living small. This particular idea expands kitchen storage—use it for kitchenware overflow, pantry items, pet supplies, or as a wine closet. Using the cleat system, install an upper shelf as a countertop. To keep the need for carpentry to a minimum, purchase tracks, brackets, and shelves for the lower portion. Leave the shelves open or gather two rod pocket curtain panels on a tension rod placed just below the top shelf.

This idea creates extra storage no matter where your staircase is located. It makes a cute mini-library for books, or a place to tuck away toys, DVDs and other household clutter. To organize smaller items, place them in labeled plastic bins. That way, you'll always be able to find what you need!

Space Planning at Its Best

Paris Sharing, CC BY 2.0 via flickr

Read More From Dengarden

Space Planning at Its Best

Who says you can't get everything you need in a small room? This living/dining room is the perfect example of proper furniture choices and placement. You have a couch, sizable coffee table and chair to anchor the room. A wall-mounted television frees up surface space. A low credenza under the TV gives you a lovely place to display accessories and store things below. The bookcase give you more display and storage. The contemporary table and chairs are a great place for an intimate dinner for two or a spot to finish up paperwork at the end of the day.

The Ultimate in Space Planning!

Layers of Color

Apartment Therapy

Layers of Color

Add depth to a diminutive space by layering colors. The first layer consists of the kitchen backsplash, which is a chocolate stone or brick. The lower kitchen cabinet, visible to the rest of the space, is a sunny yellow. The wall partially enclosing the kitchen is a rich pumpkin orange. The partial wall creating the front entry, is painted in bright, springtime green. Your eye takes in the different layers of colors on vertical surfaces and your brain processes it as added depth and space.

Hotel Bathroom Tricks

Theme Park Mom, CC BY 2.0 via flickr

Hotel Bathroom Tricks

We've all been in smallish hotel bathrooms and have marveled at the clever use of space, vowing to try some of those tricks at home. In our above bathroom example, several ideas come to mind. To increase space in a tub/shower combination, install a curved shower curtain rod. It's amazing how a few inches of extra space makes the shower area feel twice as big! Open shelving below the sink is another trick that gives the illusion of extra space in the bathroom. If you lack towel rod space on the walls, install rods directly to the front surface of your sink vanity.

Nook for Books

Colleen Duffley, Metropolitan Home

Nook for Books

Here's another fabulous way to convert an awkward area into much needed storage. Often, small, older apartments and homes have weird little nooks that serve no useful purpose. Choose the type of shelving that works best with your décor and make the most of that funky indentation. Chunky, dark wood shelves turns this architectural afterthought into a beautiful display area for special keepsakes and books. A matching dark ceiling and recessed light really make these shelves a design statement.

Go Vertical

Better Homes and Gardens

Go Vertical

Here's a solution for those of us with a single pedestal sink in a small bathroom. While this type of sink adds vintage character, it gives us no place for storage. Flanking the sink with two vertical cabinets takes up little space (providing you have room for them!) and adds needed height to a tight room. Cabinet sides are also the perfect place to install towel hooks. Just make sure the materials will hold up to humid bathroom conditions. Glues used in particleboard and veneer construction may separate when exposed to excessive moisture.

Seeing Clearly

jo-h, CC BY 2.0 via flickr

Seeing Clearly

If your search for the perfect coffee table has left you feeling claustrophobic, consider one with a clear top. A coffee table topped with glass or acrylic is virtually invisible in the room. It gives the impression of space in the center of a seating group. This choice may not be best if you have little ones running around the house. This drawback aside, clear coffee tables open up a room and add a touch of sophistication to your small living room.

Murphy's Law

Associated Fabrication, CC BY 2.0 via flickr

Murphy's Law

A Murphy bed is one of the oldest space savers in the book. According to the Murphy Bed Company, the first of these beds were made in 1918 in San Francisco. This proves that living small is far from a new concept.

Murphy beds are a genius solution for homeowners short on space, but long on creativity. They are a great way to utilize every inch of a studio apartment. Plus they're much more comfortable than a convertible sofa bed and allow you to keep the bed made up even when it is in the wall. Most modern Murphy bed systems come in a cabinet unit with finishes that compliment your furnishings. You can also choose coordinating desk units, cabinets and bookcases to create a work/sleep configuration.

New Twist on Bunks

Home-Designing

New Twist on Bunks

Kids love bunk beds, but traditional bunk beds are bulky. Enter the fold up bunk bed! These bunk beds fold lengthwise into a wall system to give the kids room to play or study during the day. The Lollipop system above features an integrated ladder that doubles as bed support and optional folding headboards. The company offers closets, work stations and wall storage units to completely outfit your child's room without taking up too much space.

Disarming Charm

Better Homes and Gardens

Disarming Charm

For super close rooms, select armless sofas, sectionals and chairs. Arms eat into traffic patterns and become obstacles in a tiny room. Armless seating looks sleek and lightweight, giving your living room an airy feeling, which translates into spaciousness (at least in the mind's eye!)

Questions & Answers

Question: What are the trendy designs for a living room?

Answer: Trendy living rooms today are designed with modern lines and simple furnishings. Neutral tones and wood keep things clean while the pops of color and metallics make a big statement in terms of non-traditional living rooms. It gives an artsy feel that arises from its combination of modern, bohemian and Scandinavian that gives it a contemporary feel.

© 2012 Linda Chechar

What Do You Think About These Ideas for Living Small?

Marina Sark on July 08, 2020:

perfect ideas

Dcode Interiors from Kochi on November 14, 2018:

Thank You for share valuable information. We are the most famous interior designers company in Kochi, Kerala. More details about our company please visit... https://dcodeinteriors.com/

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on June 10, 2015:

You are welcome, EstherHDS. I remember those days! I hope this will help you make the most of your small space!

Esther from Amsterdam on June 10, 2015:

Thank you for your great ideas! As a student with a tiny room, I can really use it:)

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on March 06, 2015:

Thank you for reading, Kristen! A small end table sounds like a good addition in the bedroom--it's always nice to have a spot for a table lamp and a couple of small accessories.

Kristen Howe from Northeast Ohio on March 06, 2015:

Great and clever ideas, Linda. My new apartment bedroom have a bed, dresser and one painting. I might fit a small end table there real soon--I'm using my drying rack there for the moment. Voted up!

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on February 07, 2015:

You're welcome, Jacobb920! Don't forget to read my companion Hub, Design Secrets for Small Apartments https://dengarden.com/interior-design/Design-Secre...

Jacobb9205 on February 07, 2015:

Great ideas, thank you! :)

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on November 07, 2014:

Medicadavline, I'm so glad you enjoyed this Hub. Give it a go and see if some of these ideas will work in your home!

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on November 07, 2014:

Arco Hess Designs, thanks for checking out this Hub. I agree, some people try to overdo even the smallest of spaces. In this case, less is more. And yes, mirrors do create the illusion of more space. Perfect for small apartments!

Medica Ery Davline from United States on November 07, 2014:

Hai Lindacee..

I enjoy this article because it is very detail. I really love the nook for books. I hope I can make it in my home. Thanks.... :)

Arco Hess from Kansas City, Kansas on November 07, 2014:

You have some fantastic tips. A lot of people seem to love putting a million things in a small place. It is definitely best to go with the bare necessities and keep things minimal so that a place seems bigger than it is. Also, mirrors!

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on April 30, 2014:

And erorantes, I thank you for reading this Hub and your kind comment. :)

Ana Maria Orantes from Miami Florida on April 30, 2014:

Hello miss lindacee. I like your article on Living Small : More Desing Ideas For Small Spaces. You have nice ideas for small places. My favorite is the bed that rest on the wall. I like the nook and the bathroom décor. Thank you for your hub.

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on June 01, 2012:

Tamara, any piece of furniture taking up valuable space in a small environment. Like tables and chairs that limit traffic patterns. Instead of having a grouping of chairs around a coffee table, opt for a integrated coffee table with ottomans that tuck neatly underneath when not in use. Ditch the traditional dining table for a wall-mounted fold down version. And, of course, a bed eats up space that could be used for other purposes during the day. As I mentioned, the Murphy bed is an old invention that solves modern space planning issues. Thanks for reading and commenting!

Tamara Wilhite from Fort Worth, Texas on June 01, 2012:

What bulky items do most people have that you think can be done without?

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on March 28, 2012:

Prairieprincess, thank you! So happy my Hub gave you a few new ideas. Living small can be a challenge, but it really helps us get those creative juices flowing!

Sharilee Swaity from Canada on March 28, 2012:

I enjoyed reading this. My home is pretty small, so I am always on the lookout for new ways to add space and functionality. I liked the ideas that involved making use of small little corners. It makes me want to re-examine some of my rooms, too. Thanks for this! Very useful.

Linda Chechar (author) from Arizona on March 28, 2012:

Thanks alocsin! Yeah, the bathroom is pretty important. Sharing one with two other apartments doesn't work for me! Glad you enjoyed my Hub! Cheers

Aurelio Locsin from Orange County, CA on March 28, 2012:

Just goes to show that you don't need a lot of space to live comfortably. But that 78-square foot apartment is bizarre to me because it doesn't have a bathroom. I really need a bathroom. Voting this Up and Interesting.

Living Spaces Vs Ashley Furniture

Source: https://dengarden.com/interior-design/Living-Small-Design-Ideas-for-Small-Spaces

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