Clever tips for smaller spaces

Well, it looks like I may be moving yet again this summer, and I'm sure that whatever I can afford will be teeny tiny. Let the small space decorating research begin!




Some good advice:

1. Choose a sectional sofa so there are plenty of places to sit. This also creates a cozy room within a room and delineates a pathway behind it.

2. Make a big screen TV the focal point of the room. House it in a perfect fit cabinet and surround it with artwork.

3. Roll out an area rug inside the opening of the sectional and leave lots of hardwood floor visible. A hard-surface floor makes a space feel airier.

4. Choose a light-coloured sofa. Add throws and cushions to warm it up.

5. Place a narrow console table between the window wall and the back of the sofa. Skip the side table and place table lamps out of the way here.

6. Hang handy storage boxes in dead corners. Stack them above each other for even more storage.

7. Lean or hang artwork above built-ins to make walls feel higher.

8. Include a lightweight, small-scale coffee table that’s easy to get out of the way and can double as an end table.

9. If you’re high up, skip the window treatment. Or choose unobtrusive roller blinds.

10. Pick a sofa with legs so you can store books and mags underneath.

-wish.ca

• Place the bed away from the walls but close to the window so you can skip the headboard. Choose a bed that sits close to the floor to free up space at eye level.
• Skip the side tables and use the floor for mags and books.
• Install hanging lamps next to the bed to keep the floor clear and use a large standing lamp with a flat base for overhead lighting.
• Keep shoes in low, wall-mounted cabinets in a row along the wall. Choose barely there roller blinds instead of drapes

-wish.ca










A half round table with a pedestal base instead of legs takes up less space.



via Wish

Juxtaposed: Dwell and Traditional Homes

It really is great that people have so much inspiration when it comes to styling their homes. I don't have anything particular to say, other than I'm sometimes very surprised when I see either an extremely classically styled home or an extremely modern styled home that people actually live there. I guess this is because I've never been in a home with such a focused aesthetic.








I love the cabinet in this room and the outdoor table put together.

Images via Traditional Home




I like the console diagonally and all the plants on it- softens the place up a little.


Wow - I wonder if that kitchen is always so organized...

Images via Dwell

Pretty, cute, and totally attainable!

It's not too hard to find imagery of gorgeous interiors and rooms, but how many of those spaces could the average dweller pull off, and more importantly, live in? Not many. Any image can provide inspiration for a starting point, but I think these images go a little farther. Most (ok, not all- I tried) of the objects look like something you or I would use, have, and/or actually be able to afford in our homes. What do you think?

Old sheets, linens, or clothing could be patch-worked together to create a shabby-chic shower curtain like the one above.


We don't all have the space for a luxurious chaise in the bathroom, but even a chair can provide a little glamor.


Cluttered kitchen? Me too. Try and collect items within a color palette you decide on - or based on what you have the most of already, and the clutter won't look so chaotic, but cute. For example, all the kitchen wares in the above pictures are pastels, and therefore, even when things aren't put away, the chaos looks intentional.

Old pillows serve as cushions and dress up these chairs, found objects like the clementine crates serve as rustic table decor.

Vintage luggage as a night stand or side table can probably be found at yard sales or thrift stores, and lend themselves to a slightly "disheveled" look.


A pile of pretty pillows and a throw can disguise a not-so-great couch. And pillows are less expensive and easier to change out than a couch.



Again, these storage areas are kept looking tidy because all of the boxes, containers, and fabrics color coordinate.

Glasses and jars make a cute and casual flower arrangement



Cover a dingy side table with a vintage tablecloth


The "vintage" look is a great one to adopt, because you can be so versatile. Notice how a worn chair, or a worn tray table make cute nightstands.



I'm not a fan of matching furniture suites or sets. All of this furniture is different, but tied together by the vibrant blue used throughout the room.

A ho-hum and dark dining table is upgraded by adding modern accessories

via Easy Living