Making the most of small spaces

Making the mostof small spaces
We don't all live in sprawling mansions. Many of us dwell in compact houses, in small studio apartments, in rented row houses. Space is at a premium. Here are some tips from the new book "Small Spaces for Modern Living -- Making the Most of Your Indoor Space" (Sterling Publishing, 2003, $24.95) by Caroline Atkins, available at Amazon.com:
UBe selective about decorative items. Just because you own it doesn't mean you need to show it.
UInstall lots of hooks and pegs for hanging storage.
UGet circular or oval tables, which seat more people in a smaller area, as there are no corners.
UFit drawers into the lower risers of your staircase.
Hinge-It provides spacefor hanging more items
If you're dying for more closet space but can't afford to rip out walls, here's a nifty solution. Hinge-It, an Indianapolis company, makes products for neatly hanging clothes, towels and other accessories in that little-used behind-the-door space. Adjustable brackets fit into the hinge pins on interior doors, and Hinge-It hanging products can alleviate the clutter in small closets and bathrooms. No drilling, cutting or measuring required. Just tap out the existing hinge pins and reinstall them with the Hinge-It organizer attached. Available from $30 in several styles of chrome and white at Bed Bath & amp; Beyond and Linens 'n Things stores. Visit www.hingeit.com for more information.
Use polish, not wax,to remove car scratches
A scratch in the paint on your car can be an eyesore, and certainly is an annoyance. Yet most surface scratches are a lot easier to remove than you might imagine. In many instances, all it takes is a little car polish and a bit of elbow grease. Remember, it's polish -- not wax.
There is a difference. Wax is a protective coating and polish is a liquid that contains a mild abrasive; it is not a protective coating.
A polish-wax is -- you guessed it -- a wax that contains a mild abrasive. It is important that polishing be done in the shade.
Also, it's been found that most polishes, rubbing compounds and waxes work better when applied with a damp rag.
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