Making the Most of Small Spaces

Just because you live in a small space doesn't mean you can't have a beautiful, stylish home. 

We live in an old Victorian cottage that can be a challenge when it comes to decorating. 

Small rooms, doors everywhere, and dark little nooks. 

And, for someone who loves to collect, it's even more of a challenge. 

My number one rule:  Buy something, get rid of something. Declutter!

And yes, I count paperbacks and belts!

So, how to make the most of your small space? Here are a few ideas to consider. 

Of course, everyone has a different situation and a unique style 

so feel free to adapt these tips for your needs.

That brings me to my second rule: Live with what you love. 

If you're not a minimalist, find a way to display your treasured belongings. 

Make it work but remember less is more.

Something to keep in mind when it comes to your collections -- don't over-accessorize. 

Chose a few of your favorite accessories to display on the mantel or bookshelf. 

You can always switch things out every now and then to use other pieces of your collections and 

to keep the look fresh. Keeping accessories simple on your tables and shelves opens up the room.

A general rule to make your room look bigger is to limit your color palette to neutral, light colors. This will expand the visual flow of your room and make it appear larger. 

An accent wall in a different color may break that flow and chop up the space.

I tried an accent wall once in a dark red, which I thought was chic and dramatic. 

Over time, I realized it was just too much and felt like I'd hit a dead-end road. 

I toned it down, painting the entire space (living and dining rooms and foyer) all the same light color (Benjamin Moore Khaki). It's a color I've never tired of and goes with everything.

Speaking of accessories, one of the most effective accessories to make a room feel bigger is mirrors. Placed on a wall opposite a window a mirror reflects light into the room and visually expands
the space. Besides mirrors are one of those things I love to collect 

and I have them in every room of my house, even the kitchen.

Another easy tip is to keep your window coverings light and high. 

Hang them above the top of your window and expand their width by hanging them 

on the outer side of your window. 

I like to use an airy linen panel or a sheer that lets in the light and provides a little privacy.

Moving to the kitchen, keeping your counters clear of too many items 

will help make that space appear calmer and larger. 

Use unusual containers or baskets to hold your silverware or to contain utensils. 

Don't overlook vertical space in the kitchen. I'm lucky to have high ceilings. 

I display some collectibles on top of my cabinets and my pots and pans on the wall.

Another storage option is stacking vintage suitcases. 

They look warm and inviting in any room. 

I stack mine in my bedroom; they hold family photos and keepsakes. 

I also tie luggage tags on the handles stating the contents, 

making it easier to find what I'm looking for.

Take advantage of little nooks by turning them into an office space or a pantry. 

The hallway off my kitchen was narrow and not much use until I had a pantry built
on one wall giving me a lot more storage space. 

The top has glass doors for display with solid doors on the bottom for big items.
An additional pantry space fits on the landing and holds non-perishable food. 

Upstairs, I had two closets built in a space that we never used. 

We were lucky to find the original doors in the attic.

Then I tucked a pretty desk and some shelves in between them for a perfect office. 

I've saved the biggest tip, literally, for last -- furniture. 

Don't cram too much furniture into a space and keep it in scale with your room. 

I finally traded in my big sofa for a smaller loveseat that fits the room so much better. 

I found this lovely white loveseat at an estate sale for about a hundred dollars and gave my 

oversized sofa to some college girls renting the house across the street. Everyone wins.

Another tip for furniture is to use round tables. 

They take up less space and are easier to move around. 

I have a round antique dining table and recently switched out my big rectangular coffee table 

for a small oval 1940s table that works much better. 

Another estate sale find, it was interesting

to learn that this table once belonged to a former Colorado governor. 

I have to admit I stored my big coffee table in the attic. 

Who knows when I might finally find my dream mountain cabin! 

I hope these tips help you make the most of your small spaces.
Good luck and have fun! 

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