Eclectic Elements

Small space decorating do's and don'ts

Interior Design Tips by Eclectic Elements

Use Large Prints

Do: "Put a large-scale printed fabric or wallpaper on the walls and even the ceiling," designer Monica Suleski says. "It's easier and less expensive to be dramatic in a small space."
Don't: "Play it safe," she says. "You might get tired of a bold print in the main living area, but it can make a smaller, less-used room an exciting space to spend time."

Go Darker

Do: "Paint the room a dark color which will actually really open up the space."
Don't: "Paint the walls white."

Keep Proportion and Scale in Mind

Do: "Proportion and scale are vital," designer Monica says. "You should have furniture made in the correct width, height, and depth for the scale of a room."
Don't: Select a supersize sofa. "For smaller rooms, I try to avoid anything over 36 inches deep," she says. "Better not to overpower a room with the steroid-injected, super-deep models made to fill titanic spaces."

 

Pick Large Furniture Pieces

Do: “Just a few pieces of large-scale furniture, with the appropriate lighting and accessories, can give a room a larger, more luxurious feel."
Don't: "People think they need to use small furniture to make a room look big, but that's not the case at all," she says.

Think About the Walls and the Floors Together

Do: "Lighter walls and light floors do automatically give the illusion of more space."
Don't: Forget how the two work together. The biggest mistake you can make? "Not paying enough attention to the color of both.

Draw Attention with Height

Do: "A large piece of furniture can actually make the space feel larger, as long as it's selected carefully," designer Monica says. "For instance, if you have the benefit of high ceilings, a tall piece appropriately placed has the effect of drawing one's eye upward and away from the small footprint of the room. Just make sure every piece counts and holds its place and lets your eye rest."
Don't: "Cram the space with too much stuff."