Small spaces, big style

We all love to make our small spaces appear larger. Sometimes the small size is fabulously cozy, has a great view, is in the right neighborhood, and is perfect for the budget.  Apartments are often created from larger spaces, and the rooms can have awkward nooks and crannies. My client purchased a small home where nothing was centered, making each room uncomfortable. Have a dilemma? Try one of my favorite small space solutions.

1.Problem: Lack of kitchen storage

Solution: Use the walls and ceilings,then try a rolling cart. Don't clutter cabinets with your pots. Hang them from a purchased or create pot rack. You can even use wire racks flush to the walls, and "S" hooks to dangle frying pans and small pots. The look can be technical and modern or rustic and traditional depending upon the rack, the pots and where they hang. No wall space? Create a rolling cart that you can use in another area as well....how about  dresser with wheels.

2.Problem: You have awkward corners and spaces.Solution: Consider an unconventional use for the odd space. Use alcoves for small desks,  narrow benches, and even built-in seating or storage.

3.Problem: The footprint is small.
Solution: Try dual duty pieces: a desk that doubles as a dining table, a bench that can become a sofa table, a bed platform with roll out drawers serves as a dresser. Be sure your arrangement of those pieces supports multiple activities.

4.Problem: The kitchen is tiny but you dislike open shelvesSolution: By removing cabinets and hanging shelves your space feels open; it also can appear cluttered. Compromise.  Take off solid doors and insert glass panels on some. Then, make the most strategically located cabinet - like the dark corner - the one that becomes shelves.

5.Problem: Your rooms are dark
Solution: Use glass and mirrors. Remove solid doors and use glass instead. Can't replace the whole door? Use glass or even mirrored inserts. Capture extra light by hanging mirrors opposite a window or behind a lamp.

6.Problem: The space is bland.Solution: Make a statement.  Create a focal point with a wall of art - family photos or posters are inexpensive and meaningful.   Adding molding to walls and doors creates architectural detail that adds depth and texture.

7. Problem: It's a tight space.Solution: Use acrylic and glass. Dine at a glass-topped table and you will physically open the space. With solid tables, add some acrylic chairs that don't add any visual weight. When you need color, chairs like these resolve several design problems.

8. Problem: You don't have wallsSolution: Make them with bookshelves, partition screens, and even fabric panels. The bonus is that they add less weight than walls and can be moved around. A unique wall can be created by stringing old Cd's and suspending from a ceiling. Too modern for you? Use beads, strips of fabric or canvas, and add color as well as a divider! 

Winter Favorites

Warm, cozy, family, and celebration are all adjectives that come to mind when I think of winter. These are my favorite 'finds' that bring every one of those elements together for me.
Sparkling glass in knobs, lanterns and glass hurricanes, knitted throws with lots of texture, colorful pillows with unique patterns, mirrors to reflect warm lights, fresh potted orchids, updated light fixtures with interesting and energy saving bulbs, area rugs, candles, and fabric panels over drafty windows.

Enter here!

Does your entry say what you want about the rest of your home?  This is one space, indoors and out, that sets the tone for the rest of your home. These are my top quick fixes for the inside space.

1) Flooring.  It often creates nice separation, not to mention a practical way to keep the entry clean, to have a different floor surface in the entry.  If your entry merges with the living area this is a perfect time to create separation.   Even a small area rug, provides delineation from the rest of your home. Be sure to secure area rugs with pads or tape. 

2) Stash space.  It's smart to keep your entry neat. I recommend using a console, bench or other area where you can drop mail, keys and more.  Affixing a small board to the wall and adding front legs, creates a perfect stash space in an apartment or condo where there is no obvious entry area. Using a small wall-hung shelf or a bookshelf to divide the entry from the rest of the space, work well for organization and separation.   Once you've got the surface, you can add baskets, containers and bowls to collect what you drop, making a design statement as well as containing clutter.

3) Mirrors. Reflect light into the space by adding a mirror.  A unique, framed mirror can make an artistic statement. It also serves as a place for guests to check themselves before entering, and you to take a last look before you go out!  

4) Lighting. The best way to change the apparent space is with lighting. Brighten a narrow space with wall sconces, hang a chandelier to dramatize a grand space, bring a dark corner into play with up-lights, and if you can,  hang picture lights over your art. 

5) Artwork.  Personalize your entry to reflects you and the style of your home. Whether that translates to a sculpture, a mobile, pottery, or wall art, an item you love can be worked into your entryway. This is a ideal time to use travel collectibles, your favorite ceramics, a fabric you love (framed or as a bench cover) to add color, texture, pattern and personalization.

6) Color. Bold or neutral, soft or dramatic, color sets the stage. In an entry, you can often find a space for a unique wall treatment. In this tiny apartment entry, a bold vase, stair runner and scarf hanging on a grand hook, say enough!

Make your small space BIG!

There are many fabulous blogs about small space design. I'm not going out on a limb to suggest any of these ideas, just gathering what I've done for clients and collecting ideas I've seen. The room above has done it ALL  right.

1. Use mirrors on the wall opposite the window to double the reflected light. You can use clear mirrored squares, large scale rectangles, and even a collection of antique mirrors if that suits your style.

2. Create a monochromatic space.  When you use the same color - adding different shades to walls, fabrics and accessories - the room will appear larger.

3. Don't be afraid to use rich, deep color.  Black and white will make the space cozy and dramatic yet not at all oppressive and small.

4. Pull furniture off the walls. When sitting in a centered seating area, having space beyond it makes the room feel bigger.

5. Create a dramatic focal point. Use an architectural detail, a piece of furniture, and accent with color and light. 

6. When you use the entire height of a room, with wallpaper, bookcases, moldings and more, it gives the impression of spaciousness without taking up floor space.

7. Be bold with large scale wallpaper, a big comfy chair, a dramatic scale in the fabric on the sofa and in your art.

Favorite decor ideas for summer.

When it's hot an oppressive, it's often hard to remember why you like summer months.  Making your home and yard inviting and beautiful helps you enjoy your surroundings and feel refreshed. A cool glass of iced-tea - with ice  - in hand, a Japanese fan, a wide brimmed hat, and off you go to see if these ideas can work in your yard or house!

1 Spruce up the path or steps to your home by adding potted flowers. Bold color and soft leaves will be inviting and soft. It's easy, when you water the cooling spray will feel great!

2 Keep the entryway as open as you can.  Take the mail, shoes, dog leashes and packages out.  Add a great sisal mat for a summer feel. Hang a mirror to catch light.

3. For just a few moments before guests arrive for lunch or you serve dinner, heat a summery fragrance in a pan on the stove to infuse the whole house with a pleasant smell. We make our own with essential oils. Search our blog for instructions!

4 Fill apothecary jars on kitchen counters and a large bowl on the dining-room table with lemons, limes and oranges for a refreshing spot of color. Use them in vases instead of marbles. We have a fabulous collection of shapes and sizes in the shop. All hand-blown in the US. 

5. Use seashells or other to hold cut flowers.

6. Dress up your table. Take out the white table cloth or add a colorful runner on top.  Add a fresh look with votive candles, sparkling clear marbles in small glasses with a cut stem at each place setting, and raffia or wicker place mats. 

7  In the spring and summer, display books that picture great gardens and greenery or decor books with serene or seasonal colors.












8. To add light and a bit of sparkle to a coffee table or dining table borrow a small mirror from a wall and use in lieu of a wooden tray. On the mirror, arrange seashells, light driftwood, a few decorative balls and a candle to lighten the whole look of the room.




9 Lighten your bedding. Swap your dark comforter for a light color and soft pattern. Use whites and ivories for sheets, shams and a throw for the foot of the bed if you don't want to change your comforter. Check out the throws, pillows and comforters we stock. Come by to select the fabrics for yours!
10. Swap winter accessories with lighter, brighter ones. Replace  stones in hurricane candle holders with green moss or seashells. Use lighter spring colored pillow covers on your sofa and bed. Use the same pillow form, simply cover the darker toned fabrics. 

5 Fabulous Finds!

Check out these five fabulous retail finds that can be used in nearly every room in your home!

 

1) French kitchen island. With a real marble top and classically styled legs, this piece can be used to supplement storage and counter space in a traditional kitchen. With a Carerra marble top, you can likely bake and roll dough with ease. Creative placement can have it serve as a dining buffet or even an entry console.  Not as great for a table  - although that's the image shown by Crate and Barrel -since the legs do impede comfortable sitting.

2) Wall mirrors. These look like windows and are perfect for a large wall that reflects a great view.  With beveled mirrors and curved mullions, they provide a classic element with timeless appeal. From Ballard Designs.

3) White vases.  Add texture and elegance with these interesting vases. Fill with organic elements for a serene style.  These are from Ikea and they have multiple sizes. I love them alone or in a group of three!

4) Area rug. The hand washed appearance of this wool rug from Pottery Barn makes it a wonderful addition to a living room, bedroom or dining room

5) Silk drapes.  Silk adds an elegance to window coverings that works well in traditional interiors as well as modern styling. For the price, from West Elm, these are a great find in multiple colors and fully lined. You don't have to use the pocket...rings are easy to add.

Inspiration for warm fall decor.

Using several of the ideas from the blog, this room
went from summery and light to winter warm.

As we move into cooler weather, it's nice to visually warm your interior spaces.  Here are some ideas to add to your decor for fall.

1) Hang wreaths made of fall 'findings' on your doors, from shelves, and use as centerpieces on tables and kitchen islands.




2) Swap your bright table linens for rich hues of cranberry, brick, taupe or hunter green.

3) Add wall decals to a focal wall in the entry, bedroom, or bath.


4) Drape greens, leaves, and branches from your dining room light fixture for a festive fall look. 

5) Place a knitted throw on your sofa, lounge chair or bed. These from A Touch of Tradition are beautiful and cost-effective. 


6) Hang a mirror over a table or dresser to reflect light from a window or table lamp.


















7) Use area rugs in your family or living room to join seating and visually warm the space.


8) Flameless candles are safe and the new versions are waxy with realistic wicks. Add them to table-scapes, mantles, inside hurricanes filled with fall colored items, and in wall and floor-mounted candelabras.

9) Fill hurricanes or large scale apothecary urns with seasonal items including greens, gourds, acorns, leaves, and other free 'findings'. For and elegant look add moss covered balls, glass ornaments in fall colors, clear and even mercury glass.  

10) Add fabric to your windows. Even if you already have blinds, using side panels or a top treatment can add warmth and texture, and even help stop cold drafts from windows.  Simple no-sew panels from inexpensive upholstery fabric can make your rooms look elegant and dramatic.  With functional Roman Shades for spring and summer, these windows are rich and warm even with white fabric by adding a fixed panel to the sides for fall and winter. The reverse holds true as well.  If you have panels and something is missing, add a great woven blind or wood blinds in the color of your trim to add texture and dimension.

3 Bedroom updates with photos and directions.

Need to refresh your bedroom? With so many products and options available which do you choose?  Here are three bedrooms with directions for making the changes.  

  

    

Some simple changes transform this casual bedroom into a sophisticated guest retreat. The walls, once a pastel green, were refreshed with a light blue hue, and the white ceiling became a soft blue. Crown, base and doors moldings remained white. Adding a transitionally styled iron bed frame was the most significant change.  Draping inexpensive sheer fabric (less than $15 per yard) over the frame creates a soft, inviting place to sleep. Instead of the two-drawer nightstand, an end table - the same height as the mattress - provides a landing space, shelving for books and a clock, and its new open style fills the void next to the bed with just the right element. Adding a deeper toned area rug beside the bed rather than in the center of the room makes the room seem more open, and is better underfoot for guests. White big box store bedding, a yellow throw and brightly colored pillows in blue and complementary orange, finish the bed. Lighter artwork, all in the same transitional versus cottage style, refreshes the space and provides the finishing touch.

While this room looks significantly different, there are some shortcuts to be considered.  Purchasing ready-made shelves from a discount store, and tying them together with molding, is the largest change. They create a headboard with storage, end table function and additional space for lighting. Warm tones of beige on the wall and an area rug in the same hue, provide a warm backdrop for the new white trim and doors.  The doors, while hinged French doors instead of sliding wooden doors, can be created without the expensive price tag. Using reclaimed doors from a salvage yard is one solution, sustainable and cost-effective.  Another is to apply molding over inexpensive mirror squares to a slab door. Hinges are required here since the added dimension would not allow the doors to slide. Bedding remains white, but as with the accessories, the addition of blue accents, is the ideal contrast to the beige and white. A simple wooden bench completes the transformation.

Re positioning the bed in this space was key to the change. In front of the window, the bed took up less space in the room and the open weave headboard does not restrict light from entering.  The walls went from pale yellow to a deep ivory. Blue was the accent color in the 'before' space and became the feature color in bedding, bed drapes and pillows. An inexpensive "found" headboard separates the window and bed and enables pillows to be propped up, adding dimension and texture to the bed.  A Roman Shade lets more light in than the prior sheers and is tailored and neat.  The bed drape was constructed by nailing MDF trim to the ceiling, and applying the fabric at all four corners.  The large scale damask fabric contains the ivory wall color and a soft blue that is used again in the tailored bed skirt. Ivory bedding is ideal for many spaces, and maintains the neutral backdrop to keep the small bedroom from looking crowded.  Adding a bolster pillow in a solid blue with ribbon trim, and a patterned blue lampshade, completes the transformation.

Small space design. Five easy tips to use today.

We all want to maximize our spaces so we can be comfortable yet cozy.  Here are five ideas for small rooms.


1) Downscale the furniture.  Rather than purchasing a large sectional, opt for a smaller loveseat and armless chairs. You will have more opportunity to arrange the room well, and the smaller scale will keep the space open. If you can't buy new, try swapping smaller pieces from other rooms to use in a tight space. When you re-purpose furniture it gives you pleasure and often improved function. Dual-duty pieces like these storage ottomans can  be used as a table, seat, footrest and hold daily newspapers. The chest holds platters and is a great place to add extra table lamps and accessories.

2) Use color.  You may have been drilled with the idea that white makes a room larger.  True and false. You can use color as an accent - even on a wall - and keep a small room feeling larger. A great way to add bold color is inside shelving, as a throw on a sofa, in accessories that are grouped together, and on the floor as area rugs. When a room is monochromatic - beige, white, etc.. - the use of color adds drama, a focal point, and allows the eye to move to the color and away from elements that make it seem small. 


3) Add light.  An easy favorite solution.  Mirrors that reflect natural light are wonderful. You can use a mirror as a 'window'. If there isn't a window to reflect, add a table lamp or pendant in front of your mirror, to double the light. You can brighten a dark corner with an uplight behind a piece of furniture, and accent dark shelves with LED rope lights, pucks and even clip on  fixtures. Using LED will keep the energy use down yet add focal points of light. Changing the shades and globes on fixtures can help add light if they are dingy or dark.





4) Use storage wisely.  If you have an 8' x 8' living room, using many tables and chests will crowd the room and use floor space. Instead, use shelves to store items, place lamps on, even hang art from.  In spaces that can tolerate larger pieces, use armoires to hide work spaces like desks and televisions, benches to do double-duty as storage centers and seating, and even chests to hold games, nick-knacks and items you need but can reach for. This bench is a seat, a storage container for platters and vases and a room divider in this small condo.











5) Hide and clean it.  While out of sight is definitely out of mind, it can create a feeling of peace and relaxation.  For items that you DON"T need daily ...store them.  Even in a kitchen or laundry room that you may not use daily, cover the appliances with flipper doors for a sleek look.   Under-bed storage for extra items is easy and accessible.  Keep things you do need in containers, boxes, etc...that are easy to access and look great with your decor.  A great wicker box looks good on the dining table, and can store mail, a laptop, mail and much more.  Clean windows do let in lots of light as do sparkling glass globes on light fixtures! Dust free surfaces allow them to reflect the light.