small space dweller handbook: matching is back

Posted on: January 29th, 2010 by rebecca

ok small space dwellers, get ready to expand on your one accent wall. The design style of matching is making a slow comeback and this works in small spaces. Using the same colors with different patterns is a very cool way to make your space feel elegant and bigger – yes!! Creating a cohesive backdrop for your furniture and decor will keep the eye moving and your home feeling bright and comfy. This is a great example of using the same color scheme and it feeling modern, fresh, big and balanced. 
:: image via pappas miron interior design ::

small space dweller handbook: make your own banquette

Posted on: January 20th, 2010 by rebecca

I am always looking for ways to add style and functionality to my small space and I love the look of banquette seating. Here’s a few photos of a wine tasting room in Los Olivos that has successfully pulled this look together. (plus a few more of the pretty space and, of course, the wine!)
This look is actually pretty easy to do. Since most rooms in small spaces double in functionality (living room meets dining room meets office), consider creating a banquette when you have friends over. Pick up a tulip table (IKEA has an affordable version) and add it to your living space to entertain. When you don’t need the table and don’t have room for it, consider taking it apart and storing it away.

 

small space dweller handbook: furniture with legs

Posted on: January 11th, 2010 by rebecca

one of the most subtle yet best small space tips is to use furniture with legs. The idea – that your eye will keep moving to the wall under the furniture, giving the look of a bigger space. I love this small book shelf in the photo. The owner added legs to the piece to give it new small space life and it works.

SMALL SPACE OFFICE: Saw Horse Desk

Posted on: December 7th, 2009 by rebecca

While I do enjoy my elfa unit for my desk space (using the walls to create both an desk surface and book shelves), I long for a pretty desk with saw horse legs. I love the look (scale and balance) plus the extra storage that the legs provide. I can see stacking some magazines or books and using the entire desk, not just the surface. I spotted this pretty desk at West Elm and may have to go for it!

SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK: Using Texture In Unique Ways

Posted on: November 20th, 2009 by rebecca

I am often looking for ways to add texture to my small space since I love the added value in  the details – it really makes a difference. As a small space dweller, consider all of your items as potential ways to add design. One way to do this is through materials and texture in unique ways. I love the look of this lamp shade with ruched fabric added to it. Super stylish and great texture. Look around your home and see where you can add design + texture.

SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK: Reinvent Your Furniture

Posted on: September 30th, 2009 by rebecca


I love this magazine holder via Back Garage. It’s a clever re-use of an old piece of furniture. Small spaces thrive on details and this piece works. Keep your eyes open and view items on the street or at flea markets as opportunities to reinvent furniture.


::image via back garage’s flickr::

SMALL SPACE SOLUTIONS: A Minimal Desk

Posted on: September 25th, 2009 by rebecca





when I came across this great Sag Harbor house, I knew there would be some neat small space ideas inside and I was right. Aside from using the walls and introducing textures, the actor owner used his bedroom footprint to include a lengthy desk space under the wall of windows. clever and resourceful, this is a nice example of how to create zones in a small space while keeping a cohesive style.

::images via NY Times::

SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK: Adding Scale Through Accents

Posted on: September 21st, 2009 by rebecca

Scale. It can really change how you feel in your space. As you are thinking about your small space layout, remember that scale plays one of the biggest roles. You can have large or small pieces but they need to feel proportioned in your space. Your furniture will anchor your space and create balance but there’s also another way to add scale or extra weight or height to a room – through accents. By placing pieces with height – like this vase full of tall flowers – you have anchored this console table. This is an easy way to change and enhance the scale of your small space. Enjoy more pages out of the SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDOOK right here.

SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK: Beveled Mirrors

Posted on: September 15th, 2009 by rebecca


I’ve been blogging weekly recaps of Design Star for Apartment Therapy and while watching the finale the other night, I was inspired by Dan’s use of beveled mirror panels on the wall and in the custom built-in above the mantle. I think when used the right way, this can add a chic vibe to a small space while expanding the space and adding tons of extra light. Depending on the size, most panels cost well under $20 and you can create an impactful and affordable small space accent while using your walls.

::images by hgtv and blount design::

SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK: Create A Dining Zone

Posted on: August 26th, 2009 by rebecca

Living in a small space means multi-tasking your rooms and sometimes it can feel overwhelming when trying to achieve this. Let’s take dining. No eat-in-kitchen? No worries. Take a step back and really consider how you use your space. Yes, it would be nice to have a gorgeous reclaimed wooden dining table that seats 12 but how often are you really entertaining dinner parties in your space anyway? So put all of those ideas in your DREAM HOUSE FILE and enjoy your space today.

I love the Palihouse’s elegant, chic and hip Lobby Lounge. I could live there (think they’d mind???) Check out how a small bistro table and chairs are placed right behind the couch. This is a great example of multi-tasking the space and creating zones in one space. Seating in the front and dining in the back. And this space breathes and feels comfortable.


LinkWithin Related Stories Widget for Blogs

©2012 loving.living.small