Goooood Moorrrrning readers! Ok, I’ve wanted to do that ever since I saw “Good Morning Vietnam”. Great movie with Robin Williams, and yes, I’m giving away my age a bit but if you haven’t yet figured out I’m not a twenty or thirtysomething, I love you!
So, let’s talk about the “big-ness of small”. If you read design magazines at all and House Beautiful in particular, you’ll see that this month’s focus is on small spaces feeling big. Check it out- it’s got some yummy colors and fun spaces. Some things you might not think about when considering how to work out that small space. According to a survey of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) home sizes and lots are shrinking. 41% of the architects polled say that even upper-end homes are getting smaller. So here are some things to think about when you’re working with a small space- be it a home or just a room:
- Pare down your stuff- really do we need all the stuff we have?
- Make pieces do double-duty, like end tables that store files, book cases that can function as console tables, skirted tables with shelves underneath for a little bit of extra storage.
- Big furniture isn’t necessarily a no-no. You just have to have a lot less of it. A large sofa in a small room is great if the chairs are small in scale. If all the pieces are large it looks claustrophobic, not to mention silly.
- Consider bold color and patterns. Deep wall colors can make the room feel cozy. Bold patterns in a small powder room can make it fun.
Large pattern- small room, courtesy of House Beautiful - Accessories- again important but don’t overdo. Otherwise the visual clutter can make a room seem smaller.
- Use vertical space if your room is small, like bookcases and shelves on the wall.
- If you’re planning a re-model or new home think about more open spaces- rooms flowing together.
I actually like smaller homes ( and small rooms if done right). Overall, they make us feel safe and protected. Think about it- who didn’t enjoy being in a little club house or tree house as a kid? Even if you made it out of a large cardboard box, it felt cozy. I also like them because they’re less upkeep and encourage me to choose my “stuff” wisely, not to mention exercising my creative skill in storing what I do have…..ask my husband about that!
In short (pun intended) small doesn’t have to be a drawback. Just make it “big” on style! By the way, all pictures are from the House Beautiful Photo Gallery. Check out www.housebeautiful.com!