33 Decorating Secrets for Small Spaces
Create mini spaces with mega style! These top design tips will help you get the most from your square footage and include:
• Reflect the Light
In the master suite of this Kiawah Island, South Carolina, cottage, a mirror with a scalloped frame reflects the light, which makes the tiny space look larger. “I didn’t want it to have a catalog look,” says designer Jamie Meares, “so I blended old and new.” She paired the bed, which has a driftwood feel, with artisan-made lacquered grasscloth nightstands.
• Create Everyday Art
A 200-square foot Cape Cod cottage’s tiny footprint means that finding space to store all the trappings for a day at the beach was a challenge. Instead of hiding hats, towels, and sunglasses, designer Courtney Fadness designed a nook with built-in shelving using the same reclaimed wood on the walls. “Now, it’s an interesting focal point,” she says. “The open shelving makes its beachy contents feel like colorful sculpture.”
• Scale it Up
To make the headboard in the master bedroom, designer Blair Gordon enlarged a photograph of an antique French mirror, laser-cut a piece of wood to match the shape, and upholstered it in a large-scale print. “Regardless of how many frills or curves they have, antique shapes with an exaggerated scale feel modern,” Blair says. “Plus, big statements make small rooms feel more spacious.” Nailhead trim not only echoes the detailing of the side tables but also highlights the headboard’s oversize, dramatic silhouette.
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