Good Things Come in Small Places

When Tanaka Gaines told friends that she planned to live in downtown San Francisco, they didn't believe it. A newspaper advertisement for "a beautiful small space" changed all that. Tanaka hired designer Richard Pennington, who used stylish, multi-functional storage to streamline the space. Tanaka likes living small. The apartment stays clean because everything has to be put away or it's in the way.

No room for a traditional table? Tanaka solved the problem with a double drop-leaf table that she tucks against the window between her kitchen and couch. Other options are a table that folds down from a wall, TV trays stored under a couch or even a coffee table that can raise up to accommodate chairs.