Hello there! I'm Erika Ward, Owner and Principal Designer of Erika Ward Interiors. It's my greatest pleasure to inspire you to live well, to live in style, and to extinguish the myth that style and budget are mutually exclusive. Read more about my design philosophy and my work at http://www.blulabelbungalow.com
Hello there! I'm Erika Ward, Owner and Principal Designer of Erika Ward... More »
Those who have mastered the art of living in compact quarters can attest the to fact that bigger is not always better. Knowing how to enhance your space and make best use of what you have is what counts. This ideabook takes the mystery out of decorating a small space and gives you the tips you need to create an enchanting home. Here are 6 simple ways to amaze your family and friends by channeling your inner magician:
2. Captivate Your Audience Use wallpaper to create drama with texture and repeat patterns. The trellis pattern is art unto itself and reduces the need for much wall decor.
3. Create Optical Illusions Adding a mirror to a small space is the oldest trick in the book. The reflection virtually enlarges the space and brightens the room using sunlight from the opposite window.
4. Defy Gravity Raising furniture off the floor keeps a nook open and airy. Select furniture with clean lines to keep the space from feeling cluttered.
5. Add an Element of Surprise Transform an empty walk-in closet into a lovely home office suite. When living in small quarters be open to repurposing unused space.
6. Perform a Disappearing Act Try using furniture made from non traditional materials. Items made of acrylic or lucite keep the area feeling light and reduces the visual weight in the space. When not in use, these pieces seem to just vanish into thin air.
Make doors and trim disappear by painting them the same color as the wall. The color continuity makes the space feel larger and creates a seamless look.
Nice. I am definitely becoming an old hand at decorating small spaces. I would also add that using the same color palette in an open floor plan actually helps to make rooms feel larger as you flow from to the other.
Thanks for thinking of those of us who are space-challenged. Keep the small space ideas coming!!!
Thanks to you both for your feedback! I have so much fun creating new angles and approaches to decorating and design. So glad that you all are so receptive!
Erika, I am so INSPIRED! I need office space in my humble abode. I'm going to try my hand at a "hanging countertop" for desk space... not sure that's the correct terminology BUT I'm excited. I'll keep you in the loop. Thanks for the great ideas!!
