Small Space Design…Big Ideas

Great rooms may be great, but what about smaller spaces? Kitchens and living rooms tend to get a lot of attention and effort when it comes to decorating, with smaller spaces being ignored. But let’s face it, a home is a big investment and as such you want to appreciate (and use) every square inch. As a result, small space designs require more creativity and big design ideas. 

To ensure you are loving all the spaces in your home, try some of these big design ideas such as:

Being Bold

Whether it is using bright orange paint on an accent wall, or a busy-patterned wallpaper for the powder room, being bold can help a small space stand out. Further, being bold can help make a small space appear larger. It may seem counter intuitive, but bold dark colors and/or shining metal accents can actually help to create a visually “large” impression of a space.

Boldness also applies to the furnishings of a room. Many people think small spaces need small furniture, but that isn’t always the case. Smaller pieces can actually make the space look off balance and create an awkward feel in a room. Using large rugs where most of the furniture can be placed on the rug is a great way to make a small space feel more open.

Going Vertical

Good design can help expand a small space vertically. For example, floor to ceiling shelving with doors and a mix of open and closed storage provides an illusion of space for our eyes. Hanging drapery panels as high as the wall allows can also add more height in a room.

Featuring Flexibility

Movable, convertible, flexible furniture is another design tactic that can help a small space stand out. You may want a desk and/or bed in a guest bedroom, but will you really need them 24-7? By using flexible furniture such a Murphy bed that can fold up when not in use not only frees up floor space and makes the space appear bigger, it can also inspire visions of multiple uses for the room. Loft beds, tables on wheels, and other flexible furnishings can help promote the impression of space and use options.

Using Mirrors

Mirrors are a small space’s best friend. They can be used within a gallery wall or on a wall adjacent to a window to make the space seem larger and brighter. Be it decorative or large and installed, the power of mirror to make a small space feel open and airy is key.

Designing for small spaces can be challenging, but it can also be quite fun. Don’t be afraid to be creative and think outside the box.

Content provided by Lita Dirks & Co (LD & Co)

LD & Co is a nationally recognized, award-winning interior design and model merchandising firm. LD & Co has successfully partnered with builders and developers for over 25 years to create communities that excite buyers and sell homes.