Thursday, June 6, 2013

Decorating smaller spaces can be a challenge, but not if you take note of these design tips from Eclectic Elements!  

Here we'll share a few storage and style secrets for decorating small places!

 
1. Prioritize What You'll Need
What are the most important things that have to be there? Ask yourself this question and once you have those essentials figured out you can work around them to see how much space you have remaining for additional items. 

2. Size Matters
A giant leather couch and a big screen TV won't work in a small space. Choose furniture in the proper scale and proportion. It’s best to avoid trying to cram a lot of stuff into a small space. If a large TV is important to you, try to get a flat screen that can be hung on the wall to maximize space. If a large couch is something you really want, then skip the side tables. 

3. Double Duty Furniture
An ottoman that doubles as storage, a chair that flips out to a twin bed, a table with leaves to make it big enough for a dinner party – these are all great pieces to use in a small space. Items that can be used for several different purposes are a great way to maximize function using minimum space. 

4. Light Up Your Life
Natural and artificial light brighten a space and can help make it look bigger. A space that is dark can look smaller than it actually is. Pop a few pot lights in the ceiling on dimmers so you can create mood lighting. Pot lights in the ceiling, wall sconces and track lighting don't take up the floor space that lamps do, leaving you more space for furniture or room to move. 

5. Take It to the Wall
Walls are a great place not just for lighting, but also for small accessories and pictures. The walls can also be layered with built in bookcases or shelves. “Use full-height built-ins for storage. You can display your photos on them, too,” Dragomir says. This trick adds valuable storage space without taking up prime real estate on the floor. 

6. Window to the World
Small windows can draw attention to the size of the space. There might not be anything you can do about the physical size of the window, but you can make it appear bigger by adding a window treatment. Panels on either side of a window can make it look double the size. 

7. Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Consider adding mirrors. It tends to double the size of space from a psychological perspective. They need to be placed properly and be careful not to over do it. In a small space, too many reflections could create the illusion of a maze, which isn’t quite what you want when you’re trying to sit down to watch TV. 

8. Keep It Simple
Too much of anything in a small space can give you a headache. Go easy on patterns as they run the risk of creating an overly busy space. Instead, use contrasting textures throughout the living area to create a less distracting form of visual interest. Also avoid any unnecessary clutter. The multi-purpose ottoman, built-in bookshelves or coffee table with drawers can help with that. 

9. Measure and Plan
The best way to make sure everything you want to put in the space will fit in the space is to have a plan. Sketch it out on graph paper – making sure everything is to scale – or measure out your desired items and then mark their place on the floor using masking tape. Once the bigger pieces have been arranged, you can figure out if you'll have room to manoeuvre in the space. Be cognisant of the size of everything.

10. Let It Flow
Arrange the furniture to optimize space and traffic flow. Even if all your pieces fit the scale of your space, if they’re arranged in a way that isn't functional you won’t be able to work or relax comfortably. Test your layout to see how smoothly you can walk around. If you can’t move around the room easily your space will feel smaller than it actually is. 

Eclectic Elements offers complementary interior design! 
Check out our website for beautiful and unique home decor:
www.eemiami.net


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