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.
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Wenndy
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.
Megan
WenndyI’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!