Exploding the Myth
Typically, decorating advice focuses on the all-encompassing goal of making the space look bigger. Unfortunately, with this line of thinking, the focus is in the wrong place.
If your main goal is to create a larger living space, it' would be much easier to just go out and buy futons for beds, and throw pillows for sitting on the floor, and you're done with decorating!
However, if your goal is to create light filled rooms that are comfortable, inviting and harmonious, you'll want to make certain decisions that will accomplish that goal. So how do you maximize the space you have, no matter the size? Start with these ten steps.
1. Put rooms on a diet. Too much furniture is a common problem in small spaces. Get rid of the things that don't support the main purpose of the room.
2. Downsize. Oversized furniture might look good in the furniture showroom, but it can overpower a smaller room. Proportion is key. Smaller pieces for smaller rooms. Try a loveseat for seating instead of a full size sofa.
3. Put paint in its place. In a smaller home, color is best as the background for a room, not the focal point. Use a neutral color throughout the house or several shades of the same color.
4. Black is back. A dash of black is an important element in any room. It adds depth, creates a focal point and causes other elements in the room 'pop'.
5. Flower power. Flowers are important and often overlooked as an accessory. As living art, find at least one place in your home for fresh flowers and change them often.
6. Mirror, mirror on the wall. A well placed mirror adds depth to any room and reflects light, making the space appear brighter and larger.
7. Forget the skirts. Show the legs on your upholstered pieces. This creates a feeling of more space by allowing your eye to travel across the room and see more of the floor under the furniture.
8. Be selective. Put out only your favorite things. Accessory clutter will destroy the beauty and grace in any room.
9. Don't overdo the windows. Keep window treatments clean and simple. Sheer fabrics, fabric shades and some blinds help prevent a 'heavy' treatment from taking up too much space in a smaller room.
10. Let there be light. Good lighting is critical in a smaller home. Two key elements are 1) soft lighting for warmth and 2) focused lighting for tasks. Use dimmer switches, candles, and floor lamps for ambiance and variety in your lighting.
Remember, for any size space the goal may not be to 'make the room look bigger', but it could be to make the room more comfortable and inviting. . . no matter the size!
Please let me know your thoughts, comments or questions. I'd love to hear them.
Typically, decorating advice focuses on the all-encompassing goal of making the space look bigger. Unfortunately, with this line of thinking, the focus is in the wrong place.
If your main goal is to create a larger living space, it' would be much easier to just go out and buy futons for beds, and throw pillows for sitting on the floor, and you're done with decorating!However, if your goal is to create light filled rooms that are comfortable, inviting and harmonious, you'll want to make certain decisions that will accomplish that goal. So how do you maximize the space you have, no matter the size? Start with these ten steps.
1. Put rooms on a diet. Too much furniture is a common problem in small spaces. Get rid of the things that don't support the main purpose of the room.
2. Downsize. Oversized furniture might look good in the furniture showroom, but it can overpower a smaller room. Proportion is key. Smaller pieces for smaller rooms. Try a loveseat for seating instead of a full size sofa.
3. Put paint in its place. In a smaller home, color is best as the background for a room, not the focal point. Use a neutral color throughout the house or several shades of the same color.
4. Black is back. A dash of black is an important element in any room. It adds depth, creates a focal point and causes other elements in the room 'pop'.5. Flower power. Flowers are important and often overlooked as an accessory. As living art, find at least one place in your home for fresh flowers and change them often.
6. Mirror, mirror on the wall. A well placed mirror adds depth to any room and reflects light, making the space appear brighter and larger.
7. Forget the skirts. Show the legs on your upholstered pieces. This creates a feeling of more space by allowing your eye to travel across the room and see more of the floor under the furniture.
8. Be selective. Put out only your favorite things. Accessory clutter will destroy the beauty and grace in any room.
9. Don't overdo the windows. Keep window treatments clean and simple. Sheer fabrics, fabric shades and some blinds help prevent a 'heavy' treatment from taking up too much space in a smaller room.
10. Let there be light. Good lighting is critical in a smaller home. Two key elements are 1) soft lighting for warmth and 2) focused lighting for tasks. Use dimmer switches, candles, and floor lamps for ambiance and variety in your lighting.
Remember, for any size space the goal may not be to 'make the room look bigger', but it could be to make the room more comfortable and inviting. . . no matter the size!
Please let me know your thoughts, comments or questions. I'd love to hear them.
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2 comments:
Inspiring article, Barb. We have a small home and reading your tips was helpful for looking at ways to maximize our space while making it homey. I especially liked, "put the room on a diet"...and keep only objects that serve the main purpose.
The articles spreads a great message on the bedding.
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