• Blog
    • In the Home
    • Shop
    • Projects
    • In the Kitchen
    • Lifestyle
    • Design Work
    • Wedding
  • Shop
    • Shop my Home
      • Living Room
      • Bedroom
      • Office
      • Sitting Room
      • Entry
      • Outdoor Spaces
      • Nursery
      • Powder Room
      • Kitchen
      • Dining Room
    • Shop my Outfits
    • Shop Instagram
    • Where I Shop
    • Amazon Shop
    • Presets
    • Design Boards
    • Splurge or Save
  • Services
    • Interior E-Design & Styling
    • Branding & Design
    • Content Creation
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Contact

Meg Leonard | Design & Lifestyle Co.

In the Home

7 Tips for Small Space Living

July 7, 2021

I have learned a lot about small space living after 5 years of being in our city rowhome and am happy to share what has made our home complete of the perfect balance of comfort & function. Here are 7 tips to make the most of your own small space!

 

Strategically Choose Paint Colors

The first thing we did in our home was paint. We had an orange kitchen, green bedroom, and dark brown master bath. Not only did a fresh coat feel like a fresh start, but going with a brighter, softer color instantly made our spaces feel bigger.

That is not to say that you should just paint everything white! Sometimes, an accent wall can anchor a space and pull your eye through, which can make it look bigger. Try it on a bookshelf wall, for example.

 

Bring in Natural Elements

It took me years to get on the greenery train. I started with a faux fig tree and I immediately felt so much happier in our home. It just adds some life, real or not. Since then, I’ve incorporated house plants which purify the air as a win-win.

When it comes to small space living, maximize your space by displaying plants in corners, windowsills, on top of shelves, or hanging from the ceiling. 

Even if its small, it will make such an impact to making it feel like home!

 

Consider Window Treatments

You can create the illusion of higher ceilings with floor to ceiling treatments. Curtains with a vertical stripe help play up the height of the room and light & airy linen or cotton fabrics allow natural light to shine through and keep it bright. 

 

Properly Scale Furniture

You may think that maximizing the space may mean to buy a loveseat and some accent chairs, or a sofa to pair. I’ve actually learned that a sectional best utilizes a smaller space so there is no awkward empty corner. However, play it to your specific space! Just make sure that all furniture is to scale. Materials (fabric type, wood vs. glass) can also help with this.

If you are unsure of how to choose properly sized furniture, I wrote two helpful posts:

6 Tips to Select the Right Sofa here

6 Steps to Select the Right Coffee Table here

 

Maximize Storage with Functional Pieces

Thoughtful storage will be around forever. For example, utilize ottomans with removable tops to store items, which also doubles as extra seating for additional guests. 

Utilize open shelving! When it comes to decorative objects, they usually serve a visual purpose. However, you can find a lot of items that also serve a purpose to store items. I have a few posts that help with this:

7 Coffee Table Styling Tips here

8 Steps to Restyle Shelves Successfully here

Kitchen Shelf Styling here

 

Establish a Decor Style or Theme

Small spaces tend to be open spaces. This calls for an importance of a cohesive style as many rooms are visible at once. Everything does not have to match, but thinking about your shades and palettes, finishes, metals. If the eye can flow through nicely, it appears to be a welcoming, airy space.

 

Less is More

Lastly, you hear this with everything – however, it couldn’t be more true! It is so easy to overdo it and clutter up your space. If you’re feeling frustrated, scale back and simplify. Let things breathe and take the time to see how your space best aligns with your day-to-day function.

 

Pin this Post for Later

2 Comments
Share

You May Also Like

Beach House Build | Customizable Fine Art with Minted

March 23, 2022

7 Tips to Swap & Organize Your Closet Like a Pro

October 13, 2022

The June Recap

June 30, 2022
  • Wenndy
    May 17, 2020

    Hi! Thank you for this post. I’m in need of some serious guidance. I always believed that sectionals were not for sharing spaces, but I’m SO ready for something different.
    Can you describe how our furniture should be to scale? I’m not sure I understand. ?
    It should be noted that I have a 3-wall living room. Where the fourth wall should be is a hall that leads to a hall, the foyer, and the dining room. On the wall opposite the “fourth wall” are French doors. So that presents several challenges.
    Thank you.

    Reply
    • Megan
      Wenndy
      May 18, 2020

      I’d have to see a photo but it sounds like you can put a sectional on one of the two walls that face that fourth wall, so everything remains open. As opposed to not facing that 4th wall and closing off the space. Hope that helps!

      Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel Comment

Previous Post
Beach House Build | Announcement & Floor Plan Walkthrough!
Next Post
TJX Weekly Finds: 7/8

Categories

  • Design Work
  • In the Home
  • In the Kitchen
  • Lifestyle
  • Projects
  • Shop
  • Wedding
behind the brand
Meet Meg

Meet Meg

I'm so happy you're here! With a high-taste design eye & a love of affordable finds, my goal is to help you achieve attainable, simple style to create a happy home. By day, I'm lucky to work with brands to foster their growth. Let's chat!

favorite retailers

Where I Shop

Brooke & Lou

Etsy

H&M Home

Pottery Barn

McGee & Co.

Overstock

Target

Terrain

Wayfair

World Market

Amazon Shop

Presets

Frequently Asked Questions

The MLCO Playlist

The ultimate playlist for a happy home, updated monthly – follow along!

Picked up a few essentials for the primary bath th Picked up a few essentials for the primary bath that may make your life easier (& prettier) too ✨ Head to stories or the link in bio to browse & shop a few items I’m loving at the moment!
•
Shop my entire primary bathroom on the blog and much more! Message me with any questions.
•
•
•

primary bathroom, bathroom decor, neutral bathroom, faux florals, terracotta vase, spring decor, marble bathroom, wall sconce, ring dish, polished nickel, brass hardware, affordable hardware, master bath, marble shower, calm bathroom, bathroom towels, bathroom art, amazon find, Etsy art, target home, home decor#LTKSale

Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/44Pru #bathroominspiration #bathroominspo #tileinspo #neutralbathroom #neutralhome #showerinspiration #marblebathroom #bathroomrenovation #bathroomreno #bathroomvanity #bathroomdecor #bathroomcounterdecor #bathroomremodel #marbleshower #cabinetrydesign #bathroomvanity #vanitydecor #bathroominspiration #smmakelifebeautiful #neutraldecor #neutralhome #neutralaesthetic #interiorstyling
Spending most of my days in this little corner wit Spending most of my days in this little corner with baby and so grateful for how it’s shaped up in the temporary ✨ In case you missed it, a lot was shared this week to inspire your happy home - no matter what stage you’re in! Catch up via stories. Thanks for being here 🤍
•
•
•
Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome 
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/44AgG

 #traditional home  #newhomeideas #smmakelifebeautiful #flashesofdelight #homeimprovements #mybhg #homesweethome #cozyhome #livingroominspo #traditionalhomes #flashesofdelight #lightandairy #pillowarrangement #livingroom #livingroomdecor #livingroomstyle #livingroomstyling #coffeetabledecor #coffeetablestyling white sofa, slope arm sofa, traditional sofa, loloi rug, moody living room, neutral living room, gold mirror, fireplace mantel decor, coffee table decor, spring home decor
Here’s to weekend light ✨ I’ll be organizing Here’s to weekend light ✨ I’ll be organizing in between all things baby to make for a happy home this Spring. If you’re looking to do the same and in need of new pieces, be sure to check out this week’s affordable new arrivals edit and a round up of all the best weekend sales on the blog. Shop affordable pieces from top retailers all in one space - Happy Weekend!
•
•
•

Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome #LTKstyletip #LTKsalealert
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/44xaG
The key to organization is to simplify, prioritize The key to organization is to simplify, prioritize and create accessibility ✨ On the blog, I’m sharing tips and products used to organize my primary bath. View and shop the space at the link in bio!
•
If you’re wondering, the gel keeps the trays from moving around and causing damage to your drawers! A tik tok hack I found that takes little time to do.
•
•
•
Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome 
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/44ueg
Home organization, spring cleaning, bathroom organization, under the sink organization, make up organizer, bamboo organizers, clean home, bathroom cabinets, amazon home 
#bathroomdesign #bathroomremodel #bathroomideas #bathroomrenovation #bathroominspo #bathroomorganization #undersinkorganization #sinkorganization #drawerorganization #drawerorganizer #drawerorganizers #homeorganization #homeorganizing #homeorganizationtips #springcleaningtips #springcleaning
Little swaps go a long way and upgrading our stair Little swaps go a long way and upgrading our staircase lighting with this antique brass piece provides a balance of modern traditional as we continue to renovate our home ✨ #ad Urban Ambiance has a beautiful selection of lighting for all spaces and you can easily shop my light and others I considered via the LTK app! @urbanambiancesocial #urbanambiance
•
•
•
#entrywaydecor #hallwaydecor #staircasedecor #staircasedesign #homedecor #ceilinglight #ceilinglights #traditionalhome #homerenovation #homebeforeandafter
It’s become a part time job placing orders from It’s become a part time job placing orders from this spot 🤭 I’ll spare you the baby items and instead am talking about a few items I’m loving at the moment - from home to lifestyle. View each and shop via stories or the link in bio!
•
•
•

 #homesofmaryland #smmakelifebeautiful #showmeyourstyled #inspotoyourhome #apartmenttherapy #myhyggehome #mylovelyneutrals  #homeoffice #homeofficedecor #homeofficedesign #homeofficegoals #homeofficeinspo  #woodsandwhites #cozyhome #consoletablestyling #pocketofmyhome #simplehomestyle #smpliving #homedecor #consoledecor #sideboardstyling #consoletablestyling #consoletabledecor #targethome #targethomedecor #deskdecor #deskstyling #deskinspo

console sideboard, office cabinet, storage cabinet, console table, muted green table, Sage console, office decor, office design, book stand, amazon decor finds, Target home decor, oversized white vase, wood links, home decor books, shelf styling, console styling, white oak u shape desk, waterfall desk, neutral rug, woven basket, office chair, neutral office, affordable rug, McGee and co desk, modern traditional style, home office design, office layout, wood desk, swivel chair 

Follow my shop @megleonardco on the @shop.LTK app to shop this post and get my exclusive app-only content!

#liketkit #LTKhome 
@shop.ltk
https://liketk.it/443KH

 

  • Blog
  • Shop
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy

© Copyright 2022 • Meg Leonard Co.

 

Loading Comments...