Whether you have six-hundred or six-thousand square feet to live in, a wise person once said, “work with what you have!” Optimism is key. It’s all in the “how” that really turns those blank canvases into homes and those petite studio spaces go from tiny to cozy. Build mountains out of hills with these easy design tips:
Paint the Town
A fresh coat of paint is just what the doctor ordered. Not only will you feel refreshed, but choosing the right color will bring all decorative elements in the room together. Our eyes often gravitate to larger surface areas first, and, the more cohesion we find in our line of vision, the more that the space will expand before us.
Tranquil nook seen in Benjamin Moore’s ‘Sea Star’ (2123-30)
Screenplay
Often screens are a great divider, but more often than not, they’re sold like an oversized fan-shirt (one-size fits all). As people, we come in different shapes and sizes; and so do our homes. They also deserve to have pieces that tailor to their needs.
The Alvaro Aalto Screen, Courtesy of the Exchange Int
(Shown Above) The beauty about the Alvaro Aalto Screen is that it rolls up into being smaller than 10 inches diameter. Great if you have a roommate, need a dressing space, or have guests staying.
Curtain Call
Natural light is always one of the most powerful forces – in general – but especially in decor. It guides our lifestyles, and in design, it illuminates our focus and reflects color beautifully. Using transparent drapery can let in the light as needed, AND, add a few inches (which goes a long way) to give the illusion that your windows are larger than life!
Seen below is Kyle Marshall’s 700-square foot apartment looking like a mansion with these beautiful drapes.
Courtesy of Architectural Digest
Dual-function Decor
Courtesy of Musa Design
Bookshelves are as much a tool as a decorative element. Not only do they serve as a divider between living spaces they also offer shelf-life to your favorite reads and….even your personality! Add some of your favorite accessories and this bookshelf becomes a piece of art.
Now, if I had to choose one style furniture that is the most beneficial to small spaces, I’d have to go with Scandinavian simply for its ability to be beautiful, functional and well designed for many purposes. These next decor chameleons act as furniture and storage spaces.
Alvar Aalto early example Desk / Secretary
(Shown Above) Need an office? No problem. This desk/secretary / small storage all in one is a perfect example of how Nordic pieces are multi-functional and collectible. This piece has been around since the 1930s and works in modern or traditional rooms.
Erik Buch Bar Cabinet by Dyrlund, Courtesy of The Exchange Int.
(Shown Above) Moving from the books to the entertaining, check out this cabinet (or side table) that expands into a bar. Whether you need that extra storage spaces for office supplies, or a bar cart to entertain your guests, this Erik Buch Bar Cabinet by Dyrlund has all the right moves.
Erik Buch Bar Cabinet by Dyrlund
Let There Be Light
Floor lamps are an easy go-to; but when you’re considering every inch of that living space (literally) these lighting pieces can take up space. There are two solutions to this surface-area dilemma: pendant lights or sconces. With the former, the hanging feature gives a rather abstract presence about the space and draws attention to whatever lies beneath without eating up floor boards. Now the sconce. Sconces are perfect in that they can hang seamlessly on virtually any surface area, offer lighting, and serve as a decorative piece (try brass!)
Courtesy of Gaca Home
Warp and Weft
Show your floors some love with a little patchwork magic. Rugs in bigger spaces are purely stylistic, in studios they can serve the same purpose as the bookshelf, adding a more artistic twist to the traditional room divider. Try a round woven beauty in your small that’ll serve the same function as the paint color in drawing whatever is around it (including you and your loved ones) together!
Courtesy of Traditional Home
Decorating small spaces can be a challenge, so we hope a few of these tips inspire you to make the most out of small living spaces. We would love for you to share your small space design tips that have worked for you
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