Tips For Decorating a Small Space

When space is at a premium, avoiding simple mistakes can make all the difference. Rather than cramped, awkward, and unfabulous describing your small space how about charming, cozy, and stunning. Decorating a small room is not all that different from any other space. The major difference is that every piece holds more importance and every design decision will have more impact on the entire space. Here are just a few tips to help you get started.

1) Create a Plan
Even if you plan to mix styles and have an eclectic look in your space, it is easy to get lost and muddled along the way if you don't have a plan. That doesn't mean you have to set rigid rules, but a goal or some guidelines can be very helpful when you go out shopping. Get an idea of how you want the room to feel. You might use vague ideas such as comfortable, flirty, tranquil, fun, or energizing. But you also may have a specific style in mind like English country, mid century modern, shabby chic, transitional, or bohemian. It is even possible to build a room off a single color. You may know that you want a pink room or a neutral palette and that can be your starting point. Whatever inspired you, keep that in mind as you shop or plan

2) Consider the Scale
There is no rule that small space must equal small furniture and accessories. Actually, a large piece of furniture can make the room seem larger if handled properly. If you are going to use something larger scale keep, other items in the room simple and accessories to a minimum. For example, a large bed can look dramatic and beautiful in a small bedroom, but use restraint with other items so it doesn’t feel overwhelming or busy. Lots of little pieces can make the room feel claustrophobic. It is important to remember that you can have too much of a good thing. Anything that makes the room feel cluttered or busy will make it seem smaller.

3) Edit, Edit, Edit.
One of the first steps to successful decorating is choosing pieces wisely, but it is even more important when decorating a small space. Those of us that live in a small space have to face the facts that we can not squeeze every piece of furniture or knick knack that we like into our homes. Try to choose pieces that work appropriately in scale and with the style that you are trying to achieve. If you can't bear to part with grandma's china hutch then pare other things down. Think of your rooms like a bank account: there is only so much floor space or money, if you will, in your account so spend your square footage wisely. That hutch maybe a third of your budget, but if you love it, it may be worth it.

4) Take Risks
One of the great benefits of a small space is that there is less of it to cover. If you change your mind about something, it is much easier and less expensive to change. Perhaps you took a chance on a paint color and don’t love it, it only takes 1 gallon to fix rather than the 5 gallons it could take another space. Or maybe you fell in love with a pricey fabric, one pillow can have dramatic presence in a small space that could be lost in a larger one. Have fun and don’t be afraid to try it.

Small space decorating holds special challenges, but even those with more square footage can benefit. With a few tips and little homework your small space can be fabulous!