Decorating in Small Spaces

Decorating in Small Spaces

Sometimes smaller is better, especially when it comes to space.

Think cozy and quaint rather than throwing your hands up in the air and screaming: "Oh it's so cramped! I give up!"

There's no need to be discouraged. In fact, decorating a small space can be a fun challenge that requires you to be more innovative than ever.

Start out by acknowledging the many advantages inherent to small homes. Small rooms generally require fewer furnishings and accessories, so your decorating budget can get you a little further. Small rooms can also inspire you to do something we all need to do: get rid of clutter.

Since storage space in small dwellings is likely limited, getting rid of unnecessary items is a must. However, people living in larger homes with plenty of storage can more easily fall into the pack rat mode, too. And of course, small spaces can be quite inviting, that is if you decorate consciously and creatively.

So, for each area of your home, you might want to consider these ideas to help you maximize your space as well as your decorating dollar:

Kitchen: Use over-the-cabinets space for storage of little-used items or decorative display of collectibles; hang pots from a rack suspended from your ceiling; open up cabinet and drawer space by placing cooking utensils and spices in baskets, crystal bowls or ceramic pitchers.

Living room: Paint the walls a light hue and use sheer curtains to invite in the sunlight; instead of a coffee table, use an ottoman with a tray on top to hold drinks and prop up your feet (also for extra seating in a pinch); create tables that do double duty as extra storage by stacking suitcases, using an old trunk, or by stacking two old soda or wine crates and adding a glass top.

Bedroom: If there's ample space in your closet, move your dresser inside to free up main area floor space; instead of night tables, place a small, wall-mounted shelf on each side of the bed to hold nighttime needs like a small lamp; if you're low on closet space, use the space under your bed to store out-of-season clothing; if you need an armoire but can't afford one, make or buy an inexpensive bookshelf and attach curtains (or canvas) to cover up the clothing but still offer easy access.

Bathroom: Use an over-the-commode shelving unit to hold essentials if cabinet space is sparse; use several decorative hooks instead of a towel bar and you can hang up more towels (and robes) in a small wall area.

Another vital rule in small space decorating to keep in mind is that dark colors make things appear smaller and light colors make things appear bigger. If you're tired of your white walls, a taupe or sand color is a great substitute. These aren't gleaming, but they also are not dark enough to close a room in, making it longer than it is.

You can accent -- that is add a little color -- with candles, pictures, paintings or pillows, or brighten things up with curtains. If you have a lot of windows to dress, stick to a neutral color because a dark color can have the same effect as painting your walls.

Also, multi-function pieces of furniture are perfect for small spaces. For example, try a loft bed, which puts your bed off the floor. If it's high up, it opens up the floor space for other purposes. A couch or desk can fit easily underneath, too for more space saving. If you don't have enough space for a bed, or you don't like sleeping in high places, a futon or pull out couch can act as a couch by day and your bed at night.

Need more storage space? A storage chest can easily double as a coffee table. Hanging shoe racks are also a way to create more space in a closet. Toiletries can hang, too, creating more counter space for other bathroom supplies. To create the illusion of a bigger space, try hanging a large mirror reflecting a window from across the room. It instantly makes the space look bigger.

Finally, it is important to find the style that you like. Whether it's Modern, Victorian or Country French, the style should reflect your personality. After all, you're the one who is going to be living there. With a little creativity, you can make living in a small space as comfortable as living in a castle.

Written by Debbie L. Sklar

The Patz McMillan Team

The Realtors Friends Recommend