Inspiration can be found in all shapes and sizes, and I would argue that it also can come from any time. Architects and designers look past all the time, if varying degrees, but generally 21 trend is to reward new and innovative. Publications, both print and online, cover trends that seem to be expelled as soon as they are written on, which means that books and magazines 10, five or even one year old is often obsolete and forgotten. I think it is a shame.
An example of this is a book I found at a used book store recently, titled small spaces, recently re-released as a new paperback edition. It was written by Azby Brown and originally published by Kodansha International in 1993, and I was surprised to see how fresh (or is it timeless?) ideas and projects inside was. it made me consider taking some of its 15 chapters and create an idea book focused on the book's theme: "Limitations, such as lack of space can largely be resolved by intelligent design."
Not surprisingly, Brown lived in Japan while you are writing the book (and still do), having moved there from New Orleans. With space problems, to Boggle the Americans, calling for Tokyo and other places creative solutions to living in small spaces. Some techniques Brown discusses are:
• Amongso small spaces feel larger
• Lighting, color and pattern, making small spaces, light and light
• To take small spaces seriously, so every bit of space is considered important
• Compactness and flexibility, so that small space which is used throughout the day
My interpretations of Browns inspiring chapters include Western architecture and interiors. Admittedly goes ideas from East and West back and forth fairly seamlessly; cultural norms (for example, sitting on the floor versus sitting on couches) play a role in the determination of the space, but not as much as they used to. I hope the ideas that follow (and links to previous ideabooks with similar themes) will resonate with you, whether you live in a small space, or not.