Decorating a small living space, be it a cozy apartment or a compact condo, poses unique challenges for homeowners. From navigating tricky furniture arrangements to grappling with limited storage options, achieving the perfect balance between style and functionality can be quite the feat within the confines of 700 square feet.
However, the quest to make a small space feel larger can often lead to design blunders rather than breakthroughs, according to leading interior designer Heather Goerzen from Havenly. Heather sheds light on the seven most prevalent small space decorating mistakes to watch out for, including the top faux pas haunting spaces of 1,500 square feet or less.
1. Opting for Small-Scale Furniture: Heather identifies this as the most common pitfall she encounters. While the instinct may be to choose diminutive furniture pieces to match a small space, such as two loveseats instead of a sectional, or small artworks instead of one large piece, she advises against it. Contrary to intuition, larger furniture and accent pieces can actually help optimize a smaller space. These sizable elements serve to anchor the room and promote better flow, while small pieces can contribute to a sense of clutter and confinement. By incorporating larger-scale pieces and minimizing smaller accents, homeowners can create a more spacious and purposeful ambiance.
2. Neglecting Functional Storage Solutions: In a compact living environment, effective storage is key to maintaining order and maximizing space utilization. Overlooking opportunities for concealed storage, such as under-bed drawers or multifunctional furniture with built-in compartments, can result in clutter accumulation and a cramped atmosphere. Heather emphasizes the importance of integrating clever storage solutions into the design scheme to keep belongings neatly tucked away and preserve visual harmony.
3. Ignoring Vertical Space: Limited square footage doesn't mean sacrificing storage capacity. Heather advises homeowners to capitalize on vertical space by incorporating tall shelving units, wall-mounted cabinets, or overhead storage solutions. By extending storage options upward, unused wall space can be transformed into valuable storage real estate, effectively decluttering the room and enhancing its functionality.
4. Disregarding Lighting Considerations: Lighting plays a crucial role in shaping the ambiance and perceived spaciousness of a small space. Heather warns against relying solely on a single overhead fixture, which can create harsh shadows and fail to adequately illuminate the room. Instead, she advocates for layering light sources, including task lighting, ambient lighting, and accent lighting, to enhance functionality and create a more inviting atmosphere. By strategically placing lighting fixtures throughout the space, homeowners can enhance visual interest and make the room feel more expansive.
5. Choosing Dark or Busy Patterns: When it comes to small space decorating, the choice of patterns and colors can significantly impact the perceived size and mood of the room. Heather cautions against opting for dark or busy patterns, which can visually shrink the space and overwhelm the senses. Instead, she recommends selecting lighter hues and subtle patterns to create an illusion of airiness and openness. By incorporating a cohesive color palette and restrained patterns, homeowners can visually expand the space and promote a sense of tranquility.
6. Neglecting Multifunctional Furniture: In a compact living area, every piece of furniture should serve a dual purpose to maximize functionality without sacrificing style. Heather encourages homeowners to prioritize multifunctional furniture pieces, such as sleeper sofas, extendable dining tables, or ottomans with hidden storage compartments. By investing in versatile furniture solutions, homeowners can optimize space usage and adapt the room to accommodate various activities and needs.
7. Failing to Define Zones: Without clearly defined zones, a small space can feel chaotic and disorganized. Heather stresses the importance of delineating distinct areas for different activities, such as lounging, dining, and working, to create a sense of order and purpose. Utilizing area rugs, furniture arrangement, or decorative screens can help visually separate zones while maintaining a cohesive design aesthetic. By establishing designated areas within the room, homeowners can enhance functionality and improve the flow of the space.
In conclusion, navigating the challenges of small space decorating requires careful planning and strategic design choices. By avoiding these common pitfalls and implementing expert tips, homeowners can transform their compact living quarters into stylish and functional havens that maximize every inch of space.
