I began decorating with my own 250 square foot apartment in New York. Most of us live in small apartments in New York, but there are the lucky few who live large. When I see a big apartment I sometimes get that apartment envy. I am then reminded, when there is no emphasis on decor, it does not matter whether its big or small, as it will lack the "wow" impact that comes from decor and design. So dont fret if you live in a small space. What matters is how you layer it with nice things, to complement the look and feel. I wanted to make my small space like a jewelry box. The following are a few of my tips on how to make your small space more luxurious and comfortable.
1. Start an apartment look book - Find pictures of places you like. Small spaces decor is very popular so it won’t be hard to find ideas online to help you with decorating. I myself have 100 pictures and organize them by area - living room, bedroom and office space. This really helped me, I have a Pinterest board which is a great way to keep track of all the images you will find.
1. Start an apartment look book - Find pictures of places you like. Small spaces decor is very popular so it won’t be hard to find ideas online to help you with decorating. I myself have 100 pictures and organize them by area - living room, bedroom and office space. This really helped me, I have a Pinterest board which is a great way to keep track of all the images you will find.
2. Keep the look consistent. In my space, I worked with a black and white look to complement the black and white floors. Don’t try to disguise it as a place with several rooms- with paint or a wall divider. It will end up feeling crammed. Instead arrange the furniture against the walls to keep the center space open.
3. Eye candy. With a small space, everything matters so make sure all of the things you have are a joy to watch. I chose a white creuset teakettle because it was so visible in my place!
4. Add fringe and piping to pillows, lampshades and curtains. Its a subtle way to add an extra layer of glamour. I used black fringe on my pillows and black piping on the lampshades to add a hint of luxury detail. You can order the fringe online and I used a glue gun to trim my lampshade. I saw a photo of grace kelly with a ticking pillow with black fringe and that was my inspiration , but you can find yours too!
3. Eye candy. With a small space, everything matters so make sure all of the things you have are a joy to watch. I chose a white creuset teakettle because it was so visible in my place!
4. Add fringe and piping to pillows, lampshades and curtains. Its a subtle way to add an extra layer of glamour. I used black fringe on my pillows and black piping on the lampshades to add a hint of luxury detail. You can order the fringe online and I used a glue gun to trim my lampshade. I saw a photo of grace kelly with a ticking pillow with black fringe and that was my inspiration , but you can find yours too!
5 Use material to decorate. To match my floors, I used b/w material: black and white toile, black and white ticking, black and white stripes. You can find great things online for less cost and be sure to request a sample of fabric.
6. Try to get furniture with surfaces that shine to reflect light. Surfaces like lucite, mirror, metal, and acrylic bounce light back and give the place a sense of space. I bought this lucite table on ebay. I also have a white acryllic desk, and brass chandelier from Restoration Hardware. It will make the space feel more open and also they are in style now too.
7. For furniture, try your parents. Parents like l have more furniture than they need. Also, having family furniture makes the space more personal and can look cool if you mix it with younger more contemporary furniture. I shipped the black chinoiserie cabinet, toile love seat, toile bedspread, blue china/champagne glasses, decanters, and silver champagne bucket from my parent’s in California.
8. Invest in a good light fixture. I learned from Nate Berkus a good light fixture makes a room. Even if you rent you can have your super install it and it makes your small space look more luxurious. I bought my chandelier at Restoration Hardware. Also consider investing in a decorative medallion to frame the light fixture to add an extra layer of design and luxury (I bought mine on Ebay).
9. In a bathroom, consider having a valance. , My tiny bathroom has a tiny window and the window was one of the only ways I could give the bathroom a look. I love valances because they are so old world. Believe it or not I made this valance myself with foam core. I bought the black and white material online (they sent me a sample first which is only $5). Its a great simple way to make the bathroom look finished. I even added a bathroom skirt in the same material which hides excess "stuff" in my bathroom too!
6. Try to get furniture with surfaces that shine to reflect light. Surfaces like lucite, mirror, metal, and acrylic bounce light back and give the place a sense of space. I bought this lucite table on ebay. I also have a white acryllic desk, and brass chandelier from Restoration Hardware. It will make the space feel more open and also they are in style now too.
7. For furniture, try your parents. Parents like l have more furniture than they need. Also, having family furniture makes the space more personal and can look cool if you mix it with younger more contemporary furniture. I shipped the black chinoiserie cabinet, toile love seat, toile bedspread, blue china/champagne glasses, decanters, and silver champagne bucket from my parent’s in California.
8. Invest in a good light fixture. I learned from Nate Berkus a good light fixture makes a room. Even if you rent you can have your super install it and it makes your small space look more luxurious. I bought my chandelier at Restoration Hardware. Also consider investing in a decorative medallion to frame the light fixture to add an extra layer of design and luxury (I bought mine on Ebay).
9. In a bathroom, consider having a valance. , My tiny bathroom has a tiny window and the window was one of the only ways I could give the bathroom a look. I love valances because they are so old world. Believe it or not I made this valance myself with foam core. I bought the black and white material online (they sent me a sample first which is only $5). Its a great simple way to make the bathroom look finished. I even added a bathroom skirt in the same material which hides excess "stuff" in my bathroom too!
10. Consider monogrammed towels in the bathroom - Another way to add a touch of luxury in your small space - even a small bathroom!
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