Decorating in Small Spaces
Are you considering a move to a smaller home, such as a condominium? If so, then you may be concerned about how to best decorate that smaller space.
Here are some tips for making the most of that space and enjoying the carefree lifestyle that comes with living in a smaller home.
* Move furniture away from the perimeter in small rooms. Many people think putting furniture against the walls, at the very edge of a room (because it makes for a larger interior space), makes that room appear larger.
Actually, you should be doing the opposite. By arranging furniture closer together, towards the center, a more intimate setting is created which can be more inviting.
* Use furniture that rolls, flips or folds. Homeowners with a formal living or dining room frequently say they don’t use them often, but that they are nice to have for special occasions. The same can be said for many spaces and furniture in large homes. So think of a smaller home as simply a place with all that seldom-used space an furniture removed.
The strategic use of furniture that is dual-purpose (rolls, flips or folds) can help satisfy the occasional need for “more” while simplifying every day living. Examples include tables with leaves that can be removed for flipped downward, folding counters, and ottomans that can be rolled under an end-table when not needed for seating or storage. Installing rollers on your furniture makes it easier to move on those occasions when you need more space. There are also some beautiful built-in desks that can be “hidden” behind cabinets when you have visitors.
* Use light creatively.Layering sources of light can give a room a feeling of depth. Diverse lighting (floor, desk and overhead), glass (indoor or exterior window), and mirrors can give a room spatial effect. This also gives a room focal points that help de-emphasize its size.
* Don’t be afraid to use colors.Many people make the mistake of thinking that a small room should be painted completely white… not necessarily. Solid colors can add depth to a room; painting a single wall or accent area, such as arches and door frames, can draw you into a room and distract you from noticing the overall size. And don’t paint the entire room a dark color, because that will make it feel closed in - mixing in light colors help expand the room.
* Add Visual Height. Hanging lightweight vertical drapes or curtains from the ceiling can “add” height to a room. Also, the use of striped wallpaper or crown molding can help draw the eyes upward and add volume to a room.
* Keep things clutter-free. Keeping your space organized and clutter free always makes you feel better, but it is especially important in a smaller space. Don’t just bring “stuff” with you - bring what you really care about and use. Remember, less is more. (See my Tips for Downsizing for more on this).
* Make use of nooks & crannies. Use all of your space well - in kitchens you can add small cabinets and shelves where there are unused wall spaces. Use over-the-cabinet space to display collectibles, or hang pots from a ceiling rack, and use decorative jars or vases to hold utensils and save drawer space. In bathrooms, add cabinets and shelving over the toilet, install pull-out shelving in the cabinets, and use vertical instead of horizontal towel hooks. In other rooms, consider the use of built-in shelving - custom cabinetry can actually be quite affordable and make a significant impact on the functionality and appearance of a room.
* Use screens and pocket doors. Instead of having walls between spaces, consider using screens that can be moved when needed and allow rooms to share light. Also, pocket or pull-out doors free-up space that would have been used to accommodate the movement of doors, while still allowing for privacy.
Most importantly, have fun and be creative as you plan for your new space and enjoy the reduced maintenance and cleaning!
For more tips and articles, check out the following websites
Home & Garden TV
Better Homes & Gardens