Small Spaces with Big Style (Part 2)
(In our second installment of “Small Spaces with Big Style” we explore a few more of the critical elements of creating beauty with limited room space. If you haven’t yet, check out part one.)
1. Rugs - Go big and bring it home. Large area rugs add that same design element to a room that the vertical elements do – which is creating an illusion of a bigger space than what is really there. Large rugs give the visual of a grand space without losing that cozy feeling. You are again tricking the eye into believing the space is bigger than it actually is. Another design tip for rugs in a small space is to incorporate a nicely textured rug with a tall pile (height of fibers in the rug). This adds another layer of visual dimension and warmth creating a welcoming feel to the room.
2. Cohesive Style – Pick and stick with your style, color pallet and emotion that you want to elicit in the room and then commit to that. Too many different styles in a small space creates chaos making the room feel “off” because it doesn’t flow. We’ve all seen those rooms that try to incorporate too many design elements in a space. You may not know why it doesn’t work. You just know it doesn’t. It’s because too many things have been put in a small space that doesn’t work right together. My suggestion is don’t be afraid to look up very specific styles on Pinterest and Houzz to pinpoint what look you love best. Look at some pictures (here) for inspiration and then go from there. A few design tips when discovering your style:
We’ve always been told to not use dark colors in small spaces because it closes the room in. However, new rules apply now; I always tell my clients maybe warm and cozy is exactly the style and feeling you are wanting. If that’s what you want then go for it. Paint dark warm colors on your walls, use rich and deep fabrics and leathers on your furniture with textural pillows and throws.
If you want light and airy with that clean open mid-century modern look for your style, then use white walls, lighter upholstery on furniture pieces with warm wood tones on side tables and shelves.
The only rule about cohesive style is to remember not over-decorate that style with whatever you use. Clutter will close a room in and cause your eyes to not know where to look first. Remember less is always more. Declutter should be your rule of thumb with any style.
3. Scale – Scales are our friends in the design world. It creates balance in a room. We’ve all seen those oversized pieces of furniture that take up too much space in a room. My rule of thumb I use for scale is if it looks like it’s overpowering a room then it probably is. Use intuition. If it feels too big and cluttered then it probably is.
4. Bold and balance – This goes back to cohesive style. If you are going with a light and airy design style, don’t be afraid to use a bold pop of color to create interest and balance. For instance, if you have an ivory color upholstered chair or loveseat then try using a bold orange, blue or green in artwork, décor or pillows. Conversely, if you are going with dark and moody walls and emerald green velvet loveseat or chairs then balance those bold colors out with an ivory or light gray in maybe fur pillows, art, vases or decor. Design is always about balancing out all the design elements in a space.
5. Utilize corners – Yes, baby, things do belong in corners. Greenery does. By anchoring a room with greenery you are making the space inviting and alive. Green is always life in a room even in small doses. Potted greenery, fake or real, in gorgeous pots or vases add to the style of the room to pull it all together. Side note, if you don’t have a green thumb then skip the real plants (because dead plants suck the life out of a room!)
There you have it, folks, the abc’s of designing and decorating a small room or space in your home or office. If you think you need more help or if you have a friend who would love design tips, I’m always here for consults and to answer design questions. Reach out to me today here and we can set up a time to talk.
Until the next blog (“Defining 2020’s Top Design Styles” arriving in January): Create. Design. Inspire.
Amy Elizabeth
