Decorating Small Spaces
The trick is to keep it well-organized and highly functional. From small apartment furniture to paint choices, here are 8 interior decorating tips for small spaces.
1. Pick the right paint colour
Dark colours may be cozy, but they make rooms appear smaller. Choose monochromatic light colours to make a small room appear larger. Try to avoid a stark white: a warm white, pale blue or light grey is much softer. If you do want a splash of contrast, consider painting the back of shelving units or wall alcoves a darker colour to add some interest and depth to the space.
2. Scale down your furnishings
It may seem obvious, but a small space needs scaled-down furniture: a love seat instead of a full-size sofa, condo-sized sectionals, and compact pieces like side tables and kitchen carts that can be easily moved when guests come for a visit. Chrome or glass accents and light-coloured furniture also create a sense of openness.
3. Choose multi-functional furniture
Choose versatile furniture that does double duty: a convertible sofa with extra storage, a dining table that doubles as a desk, a coffee table with extra storage space, or a wall unit that conceals a Murphy bed. The possibilities are endless!
4. Use smart storage
Hidden storage solutions can help your home look clean and organized. Use every inch of available space and be creative:
Store winter clothes, bulky jackets and sweaters in empty suitcases or rolling bins under the bed.
Add more storage space with wall-mounted shelves or wall-mounted bathroom vanities, tall glass-fronted cabinets or storage ottomans.
Make the most of closet space. A custom closet organizer can create more functional space. Even adding a few additional shelves above the clothes for luggage, shoes, linens or off-season clothes can make a huge difference.
5. Think tall and wide
Use floor-to-ceiling shelving to display books, artwork, photos and glassware. Want your windows to appear taller? Choose extra-long drapes and then hang them several inches above the frame.
6. Open up the space with a mirror
Create the illusion of extra square footage. Well-placed mirrors expand small spaces and brighten any room. Try putting an oversized mirror beside an entryway, or across from a window, and your guests will think they are looking into another room. Create a feature wall with differently shaped mirrors to create a sense of depth.
7. Simple décor is best
Light-coloured walls and bare wood floors make any room feel larger. Keep accessories to a minimum, opting instead for high-impact pieces.
8. Keep it neat
A top priority in a small home is to control the clutter. Make sure every item has a spot, then de-clutter and tidy-up daily. Every few months, throw out or give away accumulated clothing, knick-knacks, books and magazines.
Source: Homeservice Club of Canada