Making the Most of Small Spaces

I admire people who thrive under adversity. Ok, that may be a strong statement for small spaces but I have heard folks wimper when they speak of their small rooms. I say buck up little soldier and make the most of it. Here are some great examples...

eclectic bedroom design by portland interior designer Janell Beals - Isabella & Max

This room was done by the incomparable Janell Beals of the famed Isabella & Max Rooms blog. If you've read her blog you know that she is on a mission to make all rooms beautiful... and she does a wonderful job. I wonder if Janell had to measure and measure to find just the right pieces or it they just happened upon her? Look at how effortlessly the night stands fit in. The beautiful serene blue-green with a pop of a warm hue to frame the vignette. Plus a work space at the end for writing notes, homework, or to serve as a vanity table. I love the lamps too with a tiny echo of the warm hue to tie everything together. The chandelier... fantastic. Look at the gorgoues pattern it emanates onto the ceiling. Love it

traditional bedroom design by media and blogs The Lettered Cottage

Here is another great example done by The Lettered Cottage. A twin bed serves as a bed and a sofa. I also love the wall treatment. It takes away the boxy look that often comes with small spaces. I also like the the bare window letting in every ounce of light. Almost anything placed on the window would intrude on the room. However if privacy is absolutely needed, a modern roll shade would do the trick with the least amount of notice. The palette is another factor ~ very quiet and neutral. No need to be overly loud in a space this size.

traditional home office design

contemporary bedroom design by san francisco interior designer tineke triggs

These last two remind me of my post earlier this week ~ a place for everything and everything in its place. Trundle beds are exceptional for small spaces. They can be a sofa, a bed for one, or a bed for two. The other factor in these rooms are the built in cabinets providing ample storage around the perimeter as well has decorative. Well placed sconces can serve as general and task lighting especially if they can be manipulated as these can. Tineke Triggs obvioulsy new that and implemented it well.

So you see, no need to wimper about your small space. Take a look at the rest of the world. So many live in small spaces they have made doing so an art form. You can too with a little thought and a good plan.

A side note ~ folks that have read my blog over time may recall Monday's Method and Thursday's Room. Monday's Method is when people write in for interior design advice. For Thursday's Room, I would select a well designed room and write about it from a 'technical' viewpoit using the principles and elements of good design. I strayed away from these themed posts but I am missing them. I like to be helpful and I like to think through quality design. Timeless Tuesday? Good riddance. Not that there aren't timeless classics to pay tribute to but the link party was a bit of a drag. Will anyone come to my party??!! You know when you send out invitations to a party and the first RSVP is a cancellation and you get that sinking feeling... 'what if no body comes?' It was kind of like that. I probably won't do Monday's Method or Thursday's Room in the regimented manner I was but I will start doing them again.

Soooo ~ if you would like some interior design advice, drop me a note and some pictures. I'll give you the best advice I can using this venue. Email me at paula@paulagracedesign.com. Please place Monday's Method in the subject line ~ I get a lot of email and I don't want to miss it!

Pictures compliments of Houzz