Small Space, Big Style

I’ve spent exactly half of my life living in apartments 1100 square feet or less. So you can imagine I’ve seen my fair share of small spaces, awkward spaces and even windowless spaces. I think small and awkwardly shaped spaces pose the biggest challenge for DIY decorators, but I’ve learned over the years that with a little creative thinking, small spaces can offer the biggest rewards.

Take this house. It’s fresh and new, with good bones. But, this living room is a little small. You can’t just throw furniture in here and expect it come together. This space needs a little a thought, so that’s what we’ll give it.

 

I have three different strategies for designing this room. All of them do have one thing in common – and that’s reorienting the furniture to not block the entrance area.

Monochromatic Chic

A small space can always benefit from a monochromatic treatment. It streamlines the whole room. Open up the space by creating a conversation circle and add a few inches by mounting the TV to the wall. Curtains soften the edges and few pops of color keep it vibrant.

The Bold and the Beautiful

Another strategy for small spaces is to go bold – which can be surprising. A deep rich color on one wall quickly draws you into the room and away from the size (or awkwardness on some cases) of the space. I’m always a sucker for purple, as it’s both warm and cool at the same time. A graphic rug draws your eye down (again, away from the size of the room) and some spare furniture keeps the air flowing. The Fatboy bean bag chair is also super fun for kids.

On the Diagonal

The last strategy is to literally think outside the box…and on the diagonal. Most people are afraid of orienting the furniture like this, but in a small space, it might be your best option. Tuck the TV in the corner to open up some floor space and throw down an area rug at an angle. This small room is pretty dynamic. Curtains and a high bookshelf soften the space and a pretty purplish-red keeps the room warm.

 

Actually, with so many options, I’m not sure which is my favorite!

Here are the details of the rooms:

Monochromatic

• White loveseat
• Amos swivel chair from Room and Board
• Shag Rug from Room and Board
• Cotton canvas window panel from West Elm
• Ascend Bookshelf from Crate and Barrel
• Origins Print from Crate and Barrel
• Wall clock from Crate and Barrel
• Kartell Tip top side table from 2Modern
• Chunky tassel throw from West Elm

Bold

• Benjamin Moore Elderberry Wine
• Tillary Couch from West Elm
• Fatboy chair from 2Modern
• Coral rug from 2modern
• UM Project chair from 2Modern
• Panel system from the Shade Store
• Parsons media tower from West Elm
• Chandelier wall decal from Chiasso

Diagonal

• Benjamin Moore Parisian Red
• Chloe chair from Crate and Barrel
• Leaf Rug from Chiasso
• WoollyPocket from Woolly Pocket
• Hudson Side table from Crate and Barrel
• Glass jug lamp from West Elm
• Samar Oval Basket from Crate and Barrel

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