Blog
Small Spaces: Tips for Maximizing Style and Functionality.
For some Trinis, small spaces or “nooks” do tend to feel more inviting. But they can easily become unmanageable. This is why these challenging spaces have earned an unfortunate reputation, but in truth, they can turn out to be the most charming. We just need to think of them as special, not small.
Small Spaces & Furnishings
More than in any other room, the trick in finishing small spaces is to use what space you have wisely. Play up any qualities the area may have such as mouldings, other architectural details, or a great view. Remember to look for furnishing and storage solutions that are in scale and proportion, that function efficiently and that you find visually appealing.
A small space does not require a lot of furnishings, but what furnishings it does have, needs to work hard. Look for furnishings that do double-duty or that are specifically designed for small spaces. For example, a coffee table that can be raised to dining-table height, a side table with many drawers for storage, or a scaled-down sofa or settee that can be used for conversation, reading or daydreaming.
A small space for sitting overlooking a gorgeous aerial view in HomeWork Design Studio’s Glass House Project.
A charcoal grey armchair makes a statement against the white corner wall.
A second level rectangular shaped bedroom nook with sofa, is a cosy reading retreat in The Heritage Project.
This light-coloured bedside bookshelf doing double duty as a side table and showcase for the decorative seashells in the Beachy Retreat Project.
Design Elements
You can accentuate the sofa, daybed, or chair with a splash of texture and colour such as the Matador Leather Chindi throw pillow, or this beautiful white Brickyard daybed set or Luxury Loot’s faux fur throw pillows.
A Brickyard white microfiber 6-piece set is elegant touch to your daybed/twin bed.
An off-white faux fur pillow enhances a grey accent chair in a small window space.
One great thing that a small space offers is the opportunity to let loose your design inhibitions. There might be a bold colour or graphic wallpaper you have always liked but were not daring enough to use anywhere else in the home. Because the square footage is small, there is little risk as your investment would not be great enough to deter you from trying something new.
The bold orange throw pillow and wall art accent the black and white tones in this Estuary home office.
Luxury Loot’s Matador Diamond Design Leather Chindi Pillow adds bold texture to any décor.
The Woodrose throw pillow gives that soft, warmth to any wood grain or light-coloured furniture piece.
A few questions to ask yourself:
- What’s the purpose of this space? Are you trying to make it serve too many functions? Can you simplify?
- Can you edit down to only what you need? Find the middle road between restrained and overflowing.
- Can you use pieces you already have for more than one purpose?
- Will that dining chair also work as a desk chair? Can that stool serve as a bedside table?
- Can you create a focal point to lead the eye away from the space limitations, e.g., a decorative headboard, an oversized painting, or a beautiful chandelier.
- Is there a view that you can draw into the room? Is there a way to minimize window treatments to let in as much natural light as possible? Or maybe use more light-coloured panels that provide that clean, uncluttered look? Like this this white textured panels.
- Are you taking advantage of all the space, such as shelves over doors, under-bed storage?
Small spaces can be enhanced with white panels as they add that clean, simplistic aesthetic to brighten your room.
Small Spaces & You
No matter what the size of your space, living gracefully is the goal. This is not a call to necessarily redecorate the room but to make the effort to clear the visual clutter. This does not mean turning your interior into a minimalist space, but it does mean eliminating everything that interferes with your comfort and tranquillity. If you still feel cramped or uncomfortable, try reducing the number of pictures or paintings on the wall, or collectibles on the table.
A small room is a perfect opportunity to balance function and form, beauty, and necessity, making it the perfect reflection of you!
“Want more designer tips for FREE!?”
Subscribe to our email list and be the first to know about our exclusive sales, new products, and design inspirations.
Wait, there’s MORE! You’ll also get access to special discounts and promotions ONLY available to our subscribers!
So, what are you waiting for? Sign up today and enjoy the benefits of being part of our Luxury Loot family. You won’t regret it!”