Small Space? Think "less & large"

One of the greatest temptations in decorating any small space is to use small pieces .. and plenty of them. Trying to decorate a small space can be tricky when you also want to make it:

1. feel inviting and cozy
2. create function
3. invite texture (texture always helps a space not look or feel one dimensional)

A great 2014 blog on the secret ingredient to decorating with texture, is here with The Inspired Room.

One of the ways to include all 3 points in decorating any small room or space is in using large pieces, and less pieces.

Houzz.com has a great article to help shed some light on this one decorators trick –

When you are working with any space in the house (or dorm) that is small, first think about the function of the space. For example, is your dining room also a space that needs to store dining pieces like china, serving pieces, glasses, etc?  In the photo below, notice how in this small space, they offer a very simple and beautiful dining table and chairs, and with 1 well-thought-out storage piece. The truths of “simple and is beauty” and “less is more” really are true when it comes to decorating any small space.  They added texture as you can see in the top left corner with a burlap drape, a distressed architectural piece with the painted and distressed urn. But the painting on the hutch and the chairs is completely clean – brought the distressed look to the table with the tray full of candles and pinecones. And I can’t say enough about the table…love the stain color and the contrast it brings against the white chairs! LOVELY!

So here’s a little homework –

1. Go to any small room in your home. It could be a bathroom, kitchen, child’s room, … and see how much is in that one space. Even look to the walls. Are their many things hanging (towel rods, pictures, art, floating shelves, posters, etc?)  Take a visual inventory of all that is in that room.
2. Start removing. Take out and take down anything that is creating that small space to look and feel overdone. Try to create a cleaner look simply by removing items, furniture and decorations that are keeping the space busy.
3. Could you replace “many small items” with only 1 large practical piece? For example…this is why I love armoires. They can be used for so many reasons –

Follow me on Instagram – @lisaannrippy   –  I’ll be posting plenty of pics of remodels, renovations and redecorating we are doing in clients homes, and showing how we decorate small spaces!