How to make the most of your small space 07/28/2009
 Space Savers: Use armless or slender-armed sofas. Living rooms are called on to do a lot of entertaining, but finding spots for guests to sit isn't always easy. Despite its limited size, this one makes space for multiple seating options without sacrificing comfort, thanks to two plush but armless chairs, an armless love seat, and a slender-armed sofa.  Space Saver: Choose clear furniture and accessories that don't visually take up space. For a family in need of a spot for casual TV dinners, drawing sessions, and game time, an acrylic coffee table provides a stylish and almost invisible solution in this tiny living room. Adding minimal visual weight, the table is sturdy yet lightweight, and it doesn't bite back if you bump into it.  Space Saver: Nesting Tables Nesting tables are perfect for squeezing a lot of storage out of minimum space. Pull out the lower table when you need an extra surface for holding drinks or reading material, then tuck it away when you're done. Here, a stylish fabric-covered bin keeps DVDs accessible but contained.  Space Saver: Use large mirrors on one wall to make a space feel more open. Sometimes even small rooms suffer from too-tall ceilings that leave the space feeling cold. To visually lower the lofty ceiling, an extra tier of molding was added. You could achieve a similar effect at less expense with paint. On the back wall, mirrors pull off their expanding act by reflecting other parts of a room as well as bouncing light all around. Grouped together, the three tall mirrors make a striking focal point while stretching the dimensions of this one-room loft.  Space Saver: Choose lower furniture that will complement the size of the room. The success of many small living rooms relies on smart furnishings. A pair of low chairs allows an uninterrupted view through this apartment while providing a chat-friendly seating arrangement.  Space Saver: The placement of your furniture is key to maximizing your space. An unbroken sweep of wood flooring is tops for making a room look larger. Arranging the sofa and chairs on an angle instead of lining them up against walls also kept this room from feeling boxy. Now it's all the more interesting.  Space Saver: Take advantage of your crown molding to make a room look taller. Lofty ceilings make even tiny rooms feel less claustrophobic. But if your ceilings aren't much higher than 8 feet, try to trick the eye into believing they are. The top of a tall and slender armoire sits just under the crown molding in this living room. Its height seems to lift the ceiling, an illusion that's enhanced by the unit's slender width.  Space Saver: Stick with the same colors. Subtle tone-on-tone patterns add interest to the draperies, area rug, and sofa upholstery in this living room without making the space feel busy. "See-through" legs on the sofa, side tables, and coffee table also help keep the room's feel open and airy.  Space Saver: Use artwork to add big style to a small room. Give artwork extra sizzle against light-reflecting white walls by layering it on top of an inexpensive painted artist's canvas.  Space Saver: Choose furniture that can do double duty like this ottoman. Two trays quickly take an oversize ottoman from a casual put-your-feet-up piece to one fit for formal entertaining. In this tight living room, the soft corners also ease the pain of inevitable knee bumps.  Space Saver: Hide your clutter in undercover storage units. For an inexpensive take on a coffee table that's flexible to move and packs hidden storage, try a pair of cubes. Children's toys can be stashed inside these wicker models for easy access and they look great in almost any room. Before Renovation Remodel in Progress   Transformation Complete - The removal of the wall allowed us to introduce a peninsula which has access from both sides. The side facing into the room has drawers offering storage from either side of the room. Having multiple access points allows the peninsula to serve double duty as preparation surface as well as a serving area when entertaining. Make yourself happy with COLOR 07/16/2009
If you've been stuck in a rut lately, here are some easy color tips to turn your apartment walls into the ultimate pick me up-  If you survived layoffs but now you're overworked, underpaid and need a place to retreat to use a serene sea foam green that will conjure up beautiful, rip-roaring expanse of ocean in your sub-conscious.  You want to start dating but aren't feeling so fab, try a fleshy pinky beige so you feel good going out and look good when you are home.  All those recession-proof pizzas took their toll on your beach body and you need to get back in shape? Blur the line between indoors and out with a granny smith apple green that will do to your eye what the apple does to your palate- and make you run a marathon.  Your boyfriend is out of town on business for a few weeks and you miss him? Make his favorite color blue a little girlier like periwinkle which is very calming, cool and soothing. When you wake up alone it will be as if he's hugging you. |
