Designing and Decorating Small Rooms

The challenge

In Your Home Designing and decorating small spaces in your home can be a challenge. But with careful consideration of the design style, architectural details, original features, and colour scheme, you can create a small room that feels inviting and comfortable. Whether it’s a kitchen, bathroom, living room, bedroom, or even a fireplace, these tips will help you make the most of the limited space.

Style

First, determine the look and feel you’d like to achieve with the room. Do you prefer a more traditional or a more modern style? Consider the existing architectural details, original features, and furniture pieces to help you decide. If the room is too small for larger furniture pieces, opt for a smaller scale sofa or loveseat. A well-designed multi-functional piece of furniture, such as a daybed, can also be a great option.

Colour Scheme

Choose a colour scheme that will make the room feel larger. A neutral palette of whites, grays, and beiges can create an airy feel, while bright and bold hues will bring in a cheery atmosphere. Additionally, adding a few accent colours, such as a bright green or yellow, can make the room feel more inviting.

Light

Take advantage of the natural light that the room offers. If there are windows, consider installing light-filtering window treatments that will let the sun’s rays in while still providing privacy. If the room doesn’t get much natural light, opt for light-reflecting surfaces, such as mirrors and light-coloured paint, to help brighten things up.

Pattern

Patterns can be used to visually expand the room. If you’d like to add a bold pattern, such as stripes, use them sparingly. Consider wallpapering one wall with a pattern and keeping the rest of the walls neutral. Additionally, you can use patterned fabric on a sofa or accent chair to bring in a pop of colour and texture.

Furniture

When selecting furniture for a small room, opt for pieces that will fit the space and still be functional. Be sure to measure the room before buying furniture so you know what size pieces will work best. Additionally, look for pieces with multiple functions, such as a storage ottoman or a coffee table with shelves.

Built in Furniture

Built in furniture can be a great way to maximize space in a small room. Consider adding a built-in bookcase, cabinets, or even a desk to make the most of the space. Additionally, look for furniture with drawers or shelves to help keep the room organized.

Storage

Storage is key when it comes to small spaces. Look for creative ways to add storage without sacrificing style. Floating shelves, baskets, and bins can all be used to store items without taking up too much space. No matter the size of your room, with careful planning and thoughtful design, you can create a space that is both stylish and comfortable.