Decorating Small Spaces 101

HAPPY NEW YEAR CHEAP CHIC-ERS!!  I'm excited for Cheap Chic 2014 and all of my new ideas I will be sharing with all of you.  I know every blogger says this, but I truly am grateful to have a strong supporting network of friends and family. Thank you!

Now to the matter at hand...

We all have at least one room in our house that makes "the cupboard under the stairs" from Harry Potter look like The Great Hall.

Don't fret! There are TONS of tricks to making it look bigger:
(I think we'll do 14 in honor of the new year!)

1. When furnishing a small space, use the fewest number of "large" items as you possibly can.  (Couches, Desks, TV/Media Units, etc.)  This will create the illusion that there's more space.

2. When possible, choose furniture that has legs, or you are able to see more of the floor and possibly the wall behind/underneath the piece of furniture.  This tricks the eye into thinking there's more space in the room.

3. Mirrors always help, but I feel like this was used so much in the '70's that we can pretty much put this one to rest.  But, a strategically placed mirror can really open up a room.  (Just do me a favor, and don't plaster an entire wall with mirrored-panels)  :)

4. Keep it simple.  Don't overload your space with "chotchkies." The more open space your eye can see, (even in a bookshelf, on a wall shelf, on the coffee table, etc) the more open the room will feel.  Remember that if it doesn't have a function, and is in the way (even a little bit), it probably shouldn't be in the room. Also remember to have a balance of positive and negative space. Use your best judgment here.

5. Don't go floor-to-ceiling.  This goes along with some of the previous tips, but the illusion of space goes a long way.  Packing your walls up to the ceiling on every wall creates an almost claustrophobic feeling in the room and won't be as enjoyable.

6. Choose furniture that can serve your needs in more than one way. I personally use my dining room table as my office.  I use my bench for storing my sewing machine and some other sewing supplies, and I use the bookshelf behind where I sit to store books I use when coming up with my ideas for Cheap Chic.  That way, I don't need to clutter up my already tiny apartment with more dark, heavy furniture, and it stays more open and airy.  You could also get a coffee table that doubles as a dining surface if your home doesn't have a dedicated dining area. They are pretty cool:

There are also console tables that can expand into full-size dining tables:

7. Don't shove all of your furniture to the edge of the room.  If you "float" your furniture away from the wall - even just a few inches - it will trick the eye into thinking there's more room behind your piece of furniture.

8. HIDDEN STORAGE!!  This is so important!  In small spaces, inches count. So don't waste the space under an end table or coffee table.  Buy a basket to put under the end table to hold remotes/controllers, and get a coffee table with an extra shelf underneath to hold all of the junk that usually collects on top.  Under beds is a HUGELY under utilized storage area.  I recommend measuring the height of the space you have under your bed, and finding creative ways to create storage for shoes, winter gear, even wrapping paper. (I will admit that my wrapping paper is stored under my bed)  You can even go to your local thrift store and purchase a dresser that is missing a drawer (which you can probably get for a screaming deal), ditch the actual dresser, keep the drawers, screw some rolling casters to the bottom, and use those as storage:

9. Mix closed and open storage.  Closed storage in any room is important to hide the "every-day" items from view.  This is why nightstands with drawers are helpful, as well as cabinet storage for toys, or whatever you have lying around the house.  A particular pet-peeve of mine is linens.  I can never fold linens well enough to display them.  We lucked out and had a built-in hallway linen closet that doubles as home-improvement supplies and tool storage as well.  Some things aren't meant to be seen.  Be selective about what you display in your home.  Make sure it represents your best self.

10. A great way to create the illusion of space is to use a monochromatic scheme.  Matching your furniture to your walls can make them appear invisible.  You can also use glass, acrylic, or mirrored furniture and achieve the same look.

11. Stacking furniture can also help you create more floor space.  Stacking chairs and nesting tables are just a couple of examples.  When you need them, pull them out, and when you don't - back they go!  Easy way to create space.

12. Keep the pallet light.  An ethereal look can drastically open up a dark space.  Be careful not to go too much into the white-on-white pallet -- that can get difficult to live in and keep clean:

13. Lighting is very important in every room, but especially in small spaces.  Take advantage of the natural light you have.  Use light-toned curtains that let the light in.  (Obviously not appropriate for bedrooms of sleep-in-ers)  If you don't have much natural light, place lamps in strategic places to create the appearance of more light. (In front of mirrors is a great place. It will double the light you get from 1 light bulb.)

and last, but not least....

14. Get creative!  Use unexpected items for storage. Use attractive functional items as accessories.  Try something new!  This is your space. Make it what you want.  There are no rules when it comes to interior design.  If it works for you and makes you happy, go for it!



I hope these tips help you design your own cupboard under the stairs...wherever that may be.