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One thing I think people over look in home decor is making a bold statement. I have noticed in pictures I'm drawn to, its often a focal point or a bold move that strikes me the most. When people have small spaces, they can be timid about using focal points. A big painting, a bold color, a cool sink, all of these things can add up to one great looking room, no matter what its size!
Small space is all about storage planning. The first thing I consider is do I want open or closed storage. If what I'm storing is not pretty or interesting to look at, I go with closed storage. For the most part, I opt for closed, its easier to cram stuff in when you have people coming over on short notice! I do have open storage in my office. There I find I can be a bit more creative and practical all at the same time.
Weathered wood is one of those trends I bet some people thought would die a early death. Some of my friends do not like the look at all. If done right, and in the right place, I think it looks great. A room full of it is too much for me. I love the texture it can add to home decor. The top picture would make my mother in law break out the paint cans, but I really like how it looks!
Cubbies seem to be everywhere in pictures these days. They do make a lot of sense, I just don't know if I'm disciplined enough to have open shelving. No, I'm not. Love how they look tho. How about you? Are you cub worthy?
I'm sure most of you have seen rate a room on the HGTV website. I have mixed emotions about it. On one hand, I love seeing how regular people decorate. There are some really talented people out there. Some of the comments are down right mean! I'm all for constructive criticism, but yikes! Here are a few rooms I thought were done very nicely. Do you have a favorite rate a room?
I love creative and clever ways to use space, large or small. Here are a few pictures I came across that I thought were fun. White totes are found all over these days but the way they used these are really eye catching. Who says a kitchen is too small for a pot rack? Using stylish ottomans for a coffee table is a fantastic idea!
Lucy and Desi, peanut butter and jelly, black and white. What do they all have in common? They were made for each other! Ok, Lucy and Desi for the 50's but you get my drift! Black and white has been around forever it seems and for good reason. A fun way to tweak black and white is to add a 3rd color to the mix in a smaller dose.
These kitchen are great examples of small but efficient kitchens. They may be tiny but for what they lack in size, they make up for it with great style. If at all possible, a table or small workspace is a big plus in a small kitchen.
I've always had a thing for quirky wall signs. I have quite a few in my house now, my favorite being a canoe sign (top picture). This was my office wall and has since changed but I still have that sign. Feels like it belongs at summer camp, and thats why I bought it. I also have a matching one in green that says cabins. My friend Linda redid her bathroom (stunning!) and added a subway sign (2nd picture). Thats the first sign I've seen in awhile thats made me swoon!. Ebay is a great place to find old signs etc.
I received my Pottery Barn Bed and Bath catalog in the mail yesterday and really liked what I saw. They have a very nice mix of things for fall. You can check out more bedrooms on their website. (Click on title of this post to link you to their website)
I have to admit, when I first started seeing the use of chalkboards in home decor, I thought it would be a passing phase. Its been awhile now and it does not seem to be fading at all! I love the use of chalkboards in the home. They give visual punch with such stark blackness, although you can now find chalkboards in all sorts of colors. I've used chalkboard paint in the past too. Adding magnetic paint to chalkboard paint is a great combination.
I love to look at pictures of how people use and decorate those small corners in their homes. Those odd corners or not too big spaces can be a perfect opportunity to get creative. If you can create something that is nice to look at and useful you'll feel doubly great!
Adding color is one of the best ways to add high impact to a room. As many times as I've read that in decor magazines, I still love seeing examples of color. The possibilities are endless!
I love creative uses of space. Bathroom sinks are becoming so creative, you can see new styles all the time. When your able to put in a place to sit with a table, its great as long as its not so small you can hardly squeze in. The last picture looks more like a space to have a chat with the person cooking your meal, but that works too.
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A few year back I came across these really cool tents in one of my design books. The company that makes them is called Sweet Water Bungalows (just click the title in this post and it will take you to their website.) They are pricey, but could work if you lived in nicer year round climate and did not want the cost of new construction.
There is something about a wrinkled chair or couch I find very comforting. A few years back, it would have drove me nuts! Don't get me wrong, I do like some of my stuff just so, but I don't want people to question whether or not its ok to sit down on any of my furniture. A wrinkled chair is like Grandma's open arms, come on in!
When my sister moved to Dallas 3 years ago, I was crushed. I knew when she did come back to town, I would want her to stay with me. I had no idea how to fit 4 extra people in my house. You have to be very flexible, but it can be done. Kids are easy because they will sleep just about anywhere. A daybed instead of a loveseat, air mattresses, a pull out couch. Plan plan plan, you'll be surprised what you can do!
