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Living in a small space doesn't mean we need to sacrifice style or functionality. In fact, with the right design approach, you can create a cozy and inviting home that maximizes every square inch. When designing my client's spaces, functionality and maximizing the potential of any space is my top priority. I'm always up for the challenge of creating spaces with multifunctional use along with aesthetics. In this blog post, we'll explore creative home decor ideas tailored specifically for small spaces, helping you make the most of your pint-sized pad.
If anyone understands the struggle of designing and decorating small spaces, it's me. My living room, shown above, is the only room off the kitchen before heading down hallways to either my office or the bedrooms & basement. I don't begrudge the size though. I find it cozy and relaxing and almost feel like it forces us to keep the clutter out, and hang in one spot as a family to catch up. With our busy lives, this space is our center hub. Here are a few tips that I find helpful with utilizing our small spaces while making a big impact:
Space-Saving Furniture: Introduce multi-functional furniture pieces like sleeper sofas, ottomans with hidden storage, or foldable dining tables to optimize space without compromising style. Slimmer accent chairs and apartment sized sofas make these smaller spaces incredibly comfortable & cozy.
Clever Storage Solutions: This is a must for small spaces. There are so many ways to incorporate storage furniture into your area. Storage coffee tables that can hold blankets, pillows or toys (for my parents out there 😆). Utilize wall space with wall-mounted shelves, floating cabinets, and hanging organizers to keep clutter at bay and make the most of every inch. Baskets are a necessity in any area but be careful, they can lead to things being lost and forgotten in there!
Light and Bright: Although I love bringing bold colors and patterns into smaller spaces to make them stand out and powerful, with a common space I like to embrace light, neutral colors on walls and furniture to create the illusion of a larger space. Additionally, maximize natural light by keeping window treatments minimal and using mirrors strategically to reflect light. The accessories are where the patterns and bold colors can come in.
Strategic Layout: What better excuse is there for rearranging on a daily basis? 😆 In our old house there was never a week where furniture was getting moved around to see if it worked better in another area. Experimenting with furniture placement allows us to create functional zones within our small spaces. Use area rugs to define separate areas for lounging, dining, and working, ensuring a cohesive flow throughout the room.
Scale Appropriately: This actually should be number 1. I cannot tell you how many times I have heard "we just purchased this sectional and it's too big for the space" or I see side or coffee tables that are sized incorrectly. When shopping we tend to forget the measuring aspect before buying furniture and accessories, especially if we're out and we see a living room set in an oversized warehouse that looks like it would all fit in our smaller space. ALWAYS plan and measure before handing the credit card over. Tape the pieces out on the floor if you need to! I always say "less is more" so avoid overcrowding by selecting smaller-scale furnishings that offer comfort and style without overwhelming the room.
Decorative Accents: Add personality and charm to your small space with carefully curated decor accents like throw pillows, rugs, artwork, and indoor plants. These small touches can make a big impact in enhancing the overall look and feel of your home. Here's a blog post I wrote a few years ago about the benefits of adding greenery to your home - If you are looking for easy indoor plants to take care of I highly recommend easyplants.com or Perfect Plants.
Flexible Seating: Incorporate flexible seating options like stackable chairs, poufs, or floor cushions that can easily be moved around to accommodate guests or create additional seating when needed. There can be an added benefit if you have storage poufs or ottomans. For smaller spaces I love putting these storage ottomans under a floating tv console that way you can use them when you need to and they easily can be moved out of the way later.
Maximizing Wall Space: Take advantage of vertical space by installing floor-to-ceiling shelving units or tall bookcases to maximize storage and display opportunities while drawing the eye upward, creating the illusion of height.
Declutter Regularly: Keep your small space organized and clutter-free by regularly purging items you no longer need or use. Embrace the minimalist mindset and prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to belongings.
Personalize Your Space: Make your small space feel like home by incorporating personal touches and meaningful decor elements that reflect your unique style and personality. Be mindful to try not and clutter up your shelves or walls with every single item. Display whats most meaningful to you at the time and this leaves room for switching out your decor when you want. You can read my homestyling tips blog here .
With these creative home decor ideas, you can transform your small space into a stylish and functional oasis that feels cozy and inviting. Whether you're living in a studio apartment, tiny house, or compact urban loft, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your limited square footage and create a home that truly feels like your own.
Happy Decorating!
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