Effortless Techniques to Transform a Compact Area into a Multi-dimensional, Personal Haven
Revamped and Refreshed:
Step into this petite South Carolina bungalow and witness the power of eclectic charm and maximalism in a tiny abode. The homeowner, Teresa Roche - an artist, gallery owner, and textile designer - crafts an inspiring living space that debunks the notion that small digs can't be stuffed with patterns, art, and personality. Here's a rundown of nine lessons from this creative powerhouse on decorating small spaces like a pro!
Set a Unified Color Palette
In restricted square footage, a neutral wall color throughout rooms isn't drab, but strategic. Here, painting every wall a creamy white hue (Sherwin-Williams Alabaster) provides a visual flow and serves as a sublime backdrop for artwork and patterns to gleam. Using the same accent colors across multiple spaces establishes an uncomplicated flow from one area to the next.
Gallery Walls Done Right
A gallery wall is a quick and punchy focal point perfect for small spaces. To ensure your eclectic array of art pieces can harmonize and create a unified effect, choose art with consistent color schemes and frame styles. White, wood, nickel-brushed silver, and brushed gold frames blend seamlessly without dominating, while allowing the art to shine.
Affordable Frames to Adorn Your Walls
Light 'em Up with Patterns
In an open floor plan, mind the patterns you choose to dominate the space, as extroverted patterns can create visual chaos. For this kitchen, Roche selected an abstract basketweave wallpaper pattern that she considers a neutral. The pattern and color palette repeat on throw pillows in the adjacent living room, striking a delightful balance between statement-making and streamlined.
Repetition for a Cohesive Look
Using the same pattern in wallpaper and fabrics is an age-old decorator trick to create unity in your space. In her foyer, Roche employed the same painterly stripe on wallpaper and doorway curtains, creating a bold yet unified style that doesn't look overly busy.
Keep Window Treatments Simple
Avoid blocking your view and natural light sources by using minimal window treatments or skipping them altogether in favor of maximizing light intake. White woven Roman shades or simple white curtain panels are great compromises. If privacy is a concern, make your choice wisely, and keep the treatments simple and light.
Edit Your Furniture Choices
Selecting furniture with similar shapes or wood tones creates a beautifully cohesive vibe in your small space. In this home, Roche uses plenty of midcentury modern, antique pine pieces, and Danish modern furniture for stylish versatility, making it easy to swap pieces around when a change is desired.
Designing a Space that Blends Timeless and Trendy Furniture
Think Small and Think Smart
Choose compact furniture for less frequent use, like an antique pine table instead of a traditional desk, and hide bulky items out of sight when not in use.
Maximize Outdoor Space
Transforming the front porch into a cozy outdoor living room requires comfortable seating and lighting solutions that mimic their indoor counterparts, such as woven chairs and a simple shade for adequate lighting.
Transform Your Porch into a Welcoming Oasis
Draw the Eye Up with Art
Even the stairwell can be a source of inspiration in a small space! Paint your stairs and walls white to create a light and bright feel. Hang artwork at the top of the stairs to draw the eye upward, emphasizing your home's vertical space.
Styled by Jennifer DeCleene
With these decorating tips, you'll expertly transform your small abode into a space that, while petite in square footage, will radiate charm, warmth, and elegance. Embrace maximalism with confidence, and let your creative juices flow!
- Teresa Roche, the homeowner, transformed her small spaces with patterns, art, and personality, proving that even a bungalow can be decoratively refined.
- For a cohesive look in small spaces, consider utilizing the same workstation or furniture with similar shapes and wood tones, as demonstrated by Teresa in her home.
- Teresa showcases the power of eclectic charm and maximalism in her home tours, with her small spaces adorned with airy decor and decorating advice that could guide anyone.
- In small spaces, limit bulky items when not in use and opt for compact furniture like an antique pine table, as Teresa does in her home to maximize her living spaces.
