Design Tip of the Week Rewind! (From 8.11.08): How to Decorate a Small Space

Bringing one out from the archives for ya! Lots of good tips for those of you with some space limitations.

Small rooms always seem daunting to us as we struggle to find ways to use them efficiently and maximize their potential. We all have had to face this challenge, whether its our small city apartment, a small nook in the house that is dying for some love, or that glorified walk in closet the realtor called a "third bedroom". Color, placement, and design can all work together to create the optical illusion of a comfortable and airy space. Here are some simple tips to help make any small space open up:


*Paint the room all one color, including the ceiling, which will eliminate the visual separation that occurs when the ceiling is a contrasting color. Use cooler color hues like a light blue or a mint green to create a feeling of openness and calm.

*Expand a rooms size by using furnishings that increase amount of "negative space" rather than opting for bulk pieces. Negative space is a design term that describes the areas of emptiness surrounding the objects in your room. For example, a couch on legs versus one that has a fabric skirt at the bottom creates more negative space because you can see under the couch from all angles. Another example is using a glass side table with a simple base or a chair with an open back and visible legs.



*Use mirrors! See our August 4th for tips and examples of how to use mirrors to create more open space and depth in your home.


*Declutter the room and try to find multi-functional pieces that you can store your unsightly stuff. Need an ottoman? Than choose one that has storage space in it.

*Reduce the use of patterns. Stay simple by getting furniture with solid color fabrics and incorporating some simple patterns for accents (like throw pillows).


*Stay away from heavy drapes. Instead of choosing those rich floor length curtains, use shutters or blinds. They take up less room, increase negative space when open, and the horizontal lines of shutters actually widen the space.

Lets face it, sometimes the illusion is way better than the reality. :)
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