Creating a striking
Strategies for designing a small space
design in limited space is a thrilling challenge.
With limited space, creating a striking design with a clean, streamlined aesthetic isn’t easy, but it’s a thrilling challenge. And in many ways, we honestly believe that a small space is way more fun to decorate than a large one. Why? You need fewer resources. Adore marble? Thanks to your tiny kitchen, you only need 4 or 5 feet to create the countertop of your dreams. Have your eye on a fancy wallpaper? You’ll only need half the amount you would in a typical bathroom.
Pottery Barn’s new small-space collection features stylish, multipurpose furniture and decor that serves a practical need without sacrificing quality or artisanal design. As the average U.S. house size shrinks, small-space living is on the rise, but that doesn’t mean our homes have to skimp on style. We talked with Monica Bhargava, Pottery Barn’s executive vice president of design and product development, to find out the dos and don’ts of designing sizechallenged spaces, the trends we should adopt and the one thing we should never do.
Map it out. While Bhargava notes that “small spaces require creativity,” never compromise your personal taste or style. However, planning is key. “It is important to map out your living space and take into consideration the different uses of the rooms and the moments that can be created,” she says. “Just because you have a small space doesn’t mean that the design has to be one note. Go for a dramatic moment, pop of color or counter design. Play with configurations and make sure to maximize utility without sacrificing comfort.”
Pro tip: Invest in multifunctional pieces and mobile designs that can be easily moved around, if needed. Your small space should be designed for entertaining, working and living, with character and charm.
Apply this four-letter word
rule. Now that you’ve unleashed your creativity, and the design juices are flowing, there’s one thing you need to consider first. “Don’t forget the four-letter word: E-D-I-T,” Bhargava says. “Prioritize what you need and what you don’t. Choose multifunctional furniture that fits your specific lifestyle, and donate or recycle the items that create clutter in your space.”
Pro tip: Keep pieces that tell your story and helps define your individuality.
Never compromise style. You only have to peek inside the home of stylish New Yorkers to know that tiny can be chic too. “Never feel as though you need to sacrifice style and quality due to the size of your space,” Bhargava says. “There is a clever solution for every size home. Express your style through pieces that are adjustable or customizable. These individual pieces allow you to plan the perfect configuration for your space.”
Pro tip: Consider each piece carefully to curate a room that fuses fashion with function and speaks volumes about who you are.
Stay on neutral ground. To ensure a cohesive, unified space that feels light and airy, Bhargava says stick to a neutral palette. She loves anything from classic white to dramatic charcoal or even chocolate. “Choosing a neutral color for paint and larger furniture pieces allows you to bring in soulful accents such as patterned pillows or wall accents that catch the eye,” she says.
Pro tip: Bring home a few sample paint pots in all the neutrals you love, from light to moody, and test them on the walls first.
Home in on three important
qualities. Even when you don’t plan on overfilling a space, new things enter the home daily, and if they don’t have a place, they can end up as clutter (something small spaces don’t have room for). Always consider every piece and ensure every room has these three important qualities. “No matter the square footage, it should be functional, comfortable and a reflection of your own personal style, so you are designing a space that you are truly happy to call home,” she says. “Also, every room needs texture, and small spaces are no exception. Texture adds warmth to your space, so add textured pieces to your room to make it feel more inviting.”
Pro tip: Remember quality over quantity, and invest in the right pieces that are stylish and practical.
Introduce multipurpose products. If you want to make the most of your small space, invest in furniture that has more than one function. “Choose pieces with unexpected storage compartments and space-saving extensions,” she says. “Also, don’t neglect wall space. With mounted storage and modular shelves, you can make the most of every inch.”
Pro tip: Add shelves that also have hooks so you can hang up pieces that might turn into clutter on the ground.
Invest in chic storage. Since most small spaces don’t come with built-in storage (bonus if yours does), invest in stylish storage to separate everyday items and things you don’t use daily. “Rolling carts are amazing, as they can be used in any room of the home, from the kitchen to your workspace,” she says. “I also like to use compact versions of traditionally large pieces, such as dressers.”
Pro tip: With the right positioning, a small dresser can also double as a bedside table.
Implement small-space
trends. Since most trends are in one day and out the next, it can be tricky knowing which ones are worth the investment. That’s not the case with small-space trends, which are focused on design function over fashion to maximize your space and really open it up. “As many small spaces lack ample storage, we see the importance of vertical storage and more integration of smart furniture,” Bhargava says. “Creating your own private moments within your small space will also be a big trend. Whether that be a reading nook or an intimate dining area, think of subtle divisions that will create a sense of escape and relaxation.”
Pro tip: Create vignettes on top of multipurpose side tables to add extra style, personality and flair.