Use the right decor to increase your space
When dealing with pint-sized bedrooms, narrow hallways and lessthan-grand living rooms and kitchens, being intentional about your design approach becomes paramount.
“Overall, the key to decorating a cramped space means selecting small-scale pieces and less of them,” says Candace Nordquist, an interior designer based in Gig Harbor, Wash.
While that process often necessitates an initial mass decluttering, a focus to create and maintain the perception of space is also important, she says.
Here are a few of her tips for pulling that feat off:
When choosing furniture While it’s important to keep a style balance throughout your home, it’s just as necessary to not shy away from mixing and matching larger items with smaller-scale pieces.
“This is what keep rooms visually appealing,” Nordquist says.
In the living room, she recom- mends selecting pieces of furniture with exposed legs and individual chairs instead of large couches, as they keep the space feeling lighter and less bulky.
To further maximize the area, try pulling larger pieces of furniture away from walls — even just a few inches between them will make the space feel more airy — and opt for an ottoman to double as extra seating rather than additional chairs, which are likely to crowd the space.
In the bedroom, focus on keeping the space simple and streamlined.
“In this room, it’s nice to go with a large bed and headboard for impact, and to pair them with smaller side tables or even wall-hung tables instead of nightstands to balance the space.”
Doing so will help open the area around the bed and provide muchneeded storage solutions, she says.
When choosing paint colours It’s a well-known fact that lighter colour schemes make a room feel brighter and larger, while darker, more dramatic and contrasting colours absorb light and can make a space feel cramped.
To maximize the airy feel in any room, Nordquist suggests reserving deep hues for accessories and even small-scale built-ins — doing so creates a rich juxtaposition that gives a room dimension and depth — and erring on the side of light when selecting wall paint shades.
“A monochromatic scheme that features different shades of the same colour is preferred and softer, as it moves the eye around the room smoothly,” she says.
Painting room trim and mouldings the same colour as the walls takes the space-increasing visual impact one step further.
When choosing lighting fixtures Mixing and layering your lighting is important, as the more light a space has, the more depth that light creates, Nordquist says.
Incorporating ambient, task and accent lighting throughout a room is ideal to help spread brightness throughout, while the inclusion of recessed can lights also helps illuminate the space by adding pools of down light.
When choosing accessories Here’s where strategic editing comes into play, Nordquist says.
While there’s no need to toss all of your books, photos and objets d’art in favour of a completely blank slate, you also don’t want to overwhelm small spaces with unnecessary clutter.
Find a happy medium by displaying a selection of your favourite accessories, she says, but be purposeful about the pieces you choose.
“Remember that there doesn’t have to be something on every surface or every inch of wall space.
“Eliminate the clutter and make what you include in the room meaningful.”
When adding small-scale furniture to a living space, should traditional pieces such as an end or coffee table prove too large, incorporate multipurpose ottomans or console tables to your design for an updated, design savvy fix.
Look for bright, textured, storagefriendly ottoman options and for glass, mirror or Lucite console tables. The latter will reflect light, offer extra surface area for accessory display and keep the feel of the space open.