My
favorite topic these days is "tiny homes" and "small
spaces". Decorating
a small space can be a challenging task, but using the tips I have provided
below can help you get
started in the right direction.
 |
1. Provide enough
storage.
Try to find furnishings that will give you multi-function capability for your small space. You can even find chairs and ottomans that have storage areas inside of them. Just lift up the top and there you will find space for blankets, pillows or other items.
Try to find furnishings that will give you multi-function capability for your small space. You can even find chairs and ottomans that have storage areas inside of them. Just lift up the top and there you will find space for blankets, pillows or other items.
2. Use containers to
hide clutter.
Buy wicker baskets or steamer type trunks to store out-of-season clothing, linens and towels. They will look great and contain all of those small items that make a room look cluttered.
Buy wicker baskets or steamer type trunks to store out-of-season clothing, linens and towels. They will look great and contain all of those small items that make a room look cluttered.
3. Use mirrors to
reflect the light.
A large mirror or several small mirrors placed strategically can make a small space feel lighter and larger. If you like a more modern style of decorating, furniture and tables with metal or glass can visually expand the space.
A large mirror or several small mirrors placed strategically can make a small space feel lighter and larger. If you like a more modern style of decorating, furniture and tables with metal or glass can visually expand the space.
4. Don’t block the
light.
Covering every window with blinds and draperies can make a small room feel dark and crowded. Leave windows bare or only cover with sheer draperies to let the light shine through. Light always makes a space seem larger.
Covering every window with blinds and draperies can make a small room feel dark and crowded. Leave windows bare or only cover with sheer draperies to let the light shine through. Light always makes a space seem larger.
5. Place furniture in
rooms.
Try to create specific areas for specific activities. Put a bed and dresser in one area for the bedroom and a sofa and coffee table in another area. Having your apartment furnishings put any-old-way can make it cluttered and uninviting. You might have to leave out the bed and use a sleeper sofa, Murphy bed, or another type of concealed bed application if your apartment is super-small.
Try to create specific areas for specific activities. Put a bed and dresser in one area for the bedroom and a sofa and coffee table in another area. Having your apartment furnishings put any-old-way can make it cluttered and uninviting. You might have to leave out the bed and use a sleeper sofa, Murphy bed, or another type of concealed bed application if your apartment is super-small.
6. Create a focus.
If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, accentuate it. Even if you don’t have a natural focal point, create one. Painting just one wall a different color will draw the attention into the room and make it seem bigger. Put a large credenza or entertainment center on that wall and decorate it with beautiful accessories. Play up any view that will bring the outside in.
If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, accentuate it. Even if you don’t have a natural focal point, create one. Painting just one wall a different color will draw the attention into the room and make it seem bigger. Put a large credenza or entertainment center on that wall and decorate it with beautiful accessories. Play up any view that will bring the outside in.
7. Use dividers for
larger apartments/spaces.
You can find beautiful dividers in both thrift shops and high end furniture stores. Use them to enclose various areas of your space. I saw an episode on HGTV where they used four beautiful wooden dividers to make a separate bedroom. It not only provided a private sleeping area, but also created another wall on which to place furniture and art.
You can find beautiful dividers in both thrift shops and high end furniture stores. Use them to enclose various areas of your space. I saw an episode on HGTV where they used four beautiful wooden dividers to make a separate bedroom. It not only provided a private sleeping area, but also created another wall on which to place furniture and art.
8. Keep clutter at
bay.
When you have a small area, clutter is not an option. Too many knick-knacks and too much or furniture that is too big can visually and physically crowd a space. Keep your necessary items, such as extra bed linens put away in a dresser or wicker baskets. Kitchen counters should be kept clean with everything in the cupboards if possible.
When you have a small area, clutter is not an option. Too many knick-knacks and too much or furniture that is too big can visually and physically crowd a space. Keep your necessary items, such as extra bed linens put away in a dresser or wicker baskets. Kitchen counters should be kept clean with everything in the cupboards if possible.
9. Another trick for a
small space is to buy furniture with legs and that are higher off of
the floor.
Your eye will look under these pieces of furniture and add visual space. Furniture that is
blocky and low to the ground makes a room appear more crowded.
Your eye will look under these pieces of furniture and add visual space. Furniture that is
blocky and low to the ground makes a room appear more crowded.
10. Paint with lighter
colors. You don’t have
to use white, but using paint colors that are lighter in color expands a space
more than dark colors.
___________________
___________________
Linda Quiggle can be
reached at 806-355-9601. Prudential, Ada REALTORS is an independently
owned and operated member of Prudential Real Estate Affiliates, Inc., a Prudential
company, an Equal Housing Opportunity.
Follow her on
Facebook: www.facebook.com/findinghomesforaqueen
Follow her team on www.homesofamarillo.info
No comments:
Post a Comment