Big Style for Small Spaces: Design Do's and Do Not's

Small Spaces, Big Wins – Tips for Making the Most of Any Space

Updating small spaces can make even the best interior designers crazy. Fitting all the pieces you think you need in the room can seem like a puzzle with no solution. Whether it’s a studio apartment or a she-shed, striking the right balance between style and functionality is key.

To help solve these small space puzzles, follow these dos and don’ts to turn your small rooms into hard-working and versatile spaces that perfectly match your family’s needs.

Contain the clutter

If there is one thing that can make a small space feel even smaller, it’s clutter. Whether it’s packing too much furniture into the room, or overdecorating the walls and tables, excess stuff will interrupt the flow of the room and leave people feeling anxious.

Look for opportunities to remove pieces that don’t serve the purpose of the room, keeping it as functional as possible. Additionally, look to invest in things like storage ottomans and other pieces that can help conceal items when they aren’t being used.

Always remember – less is more for small spaces!

Stay versatile

Possibly the most important tip for maximizing a small space is to decorate with versatile items, allowing the space to serve multiple purposes within your home. For a guest room, think about a comfortable sleeper sofa or a sleek fold-out desk that can double as a shelving unit. Not only will you have space for family and friends to say, but the room can also work as an office or recreation room.

For kitchens, consider multi-use appliances and surfaces. Our Butcher Block Countertops are a perfect example. They’re sleek and stylish, easy to maintain and stand up to culinary rigors year after year.

Make a statement

When planning an update to a small space, try to find one unique piece that you can build off of instead of multiple smaller pieces. Whether it’s a statement sofa or a beautiful piece of art, designing around that one piece will help the room feel more cohesive and draw the attention to that specific point instead of the size of the room.

What to avoid?

There are also plenty of faux pas that can be made when updating a small space, so be on the lookout to avoid these common design mistakes:

• Limited lighting – Not having lighting versatility in a small space can make it feel cramped and unbalanced. Look for a sleek sconce or thin wall light to add different lighting options.
• All white walls – Although this seems counterintuitive, having every wall white can actually draw attention to a lack of natural light and can leave the space feeling uninspired. Choosing a softer color for the walls, like a light blue or grey, can help keep the room inviting and open.
• Oversized furniture – Just because it’s comfortable, doesn’t mean it’s right. Instead, find the right balance between size and comfort to maximize your area.