Small spaces shine with right decor
White backdrops with pops of colour make rooms feel big and trendy
Transforming a small space into a work of art isn’t always easy, but with the right design and decor, you’ll soon have even the tiniest of powder rooms shining with style and livability.
“The first thing to really think about is scale,” says Rachel Sawyer, co-owner of KIT Interior Objects, a treasure-trove of mid-century classics and one-of-a-kind Scandinavian designs. “Everything we carry really has a bit of a story to it,” she says.
Her small space design approach is simple. “Don’t be in a rush. Get to know the space and what you need. Slowly add to it over time and let it tell the story of your life,” says Sawyer.
Start with a neutral backdrop — Sawyer is a big fan of white walls — and then layer on the texture, shape and colour to add drama and interest.
“White is unifying and it calms the eye when you are working with one big room in open-concept designs,” says Sawyer.
She recently worked with Calgary developer Rndsqr to design its Grow show suite in South Calgary. Muuto lighting pendants in black take centre stage.
“They really have this unusual curvature and it looks like industrial-school-type light, but then it’s made from rubber so it plays with material. It comes in a huge range of colours, but the black juxtaposed with the white walls is clean, modern and crisp,” says Sawyer.
Katie Rioux, founder and creative director of DWK Interiors, agrees that the backdrop should be neutral.
“But it is really important to add in pops of colour to brighten up the space — navy blues and camels are really in right now,” she says.
“All of it creates that extra coziness that small spaces need,” says Rioux.
She adds that wallpaper is another great option to consider.
“It creates big impact at a low cost,” says Rioux. It is also one of those design elements that layers on the texture. Toss in a few silk throw pillows and sumptuous draperies to add to the mix.
“All of it creates that extra coziness that small spaces need,” says Rioux.
Shapes from circles to hexagons also weave some juicy eye candy.
“Rooms tend to be square and your couches are a certain shape, so I often think that coffee tables that offer something different, whether it is a cool shape or a tactile material can be really fun,” says KIT’s Sawyer.
When it comes to furniture, think about how you live and move through a space.
“Furniture pieces should be refined. Nothing oversized or overstuffed. There is really something to be said for purchasing furniture that will have a long life. Whether it is a design classic or something that you truly love, find items with a presence,” says Sawyer.
She’s a fan of Scandinavian design for smaller spaces because of its design versatility and scale.
“We have chairs that seem small in a large show room, but put them into a smaller space and they are perfect,” she says.
Both Rioux and Sawyer agree that multi-functional items are golden in small space design.
“Choose items that can be used for more than one purpose — sleeper sofas, wire baskets that have a wood lid that could be used as a table, but also have a storage component, chairs that stack,” says Sawyer.
And lots and lots of natural light is a definite must.
“We suggest placing mirrors opposite the windows to help reflect and spread light around the space,” says Rioux.
But the real key is to make the space yours by adding the touches that speak to you.
“Sit in the furniture before you buy it. Make sure it is comfortable and use soft lighting to create a relaxing, peaceful mood,” says Sawyer.