 |
Small Rooms - Big Ideas, Part 2 |
|
|
Small Rooms - Big Ideas, Part 2 |
|
Navigation |
||
|
decorating solutions for small spaces or apartments First, consider painting. If you are a homeowner, the only problem you face is picking out the right color (which is really important, by the way!) But if you are a renter, you may not have this option. Many, if not most, landlords discourage painting the walls and trim in a rental property because they will have to repaint after you leave. Some will let you paint if you change the color back before you leave. Check with your landlord to see what your options are. If you can paint, be sure to choose a light and airy color, which can give the illusion of a more spacious area. Dark colors make a room seem smaller. And while this might for fine for trim, I wouldn’t suggest it for the walls. (Unless of course you like feeling claustrophobic.) Stenciling is also a creative option. Easy to do and just as easy to paint over later, stencils are an excellent way to change the look and help your space seem more your own. Fabric is another way to open up a room. It can be used to cover entire walls. Simply put it up, add a little trim around the edges and it looks like wallpaper. Or try this: find a fabric with a pattern you like. Cut out a section (as big or small as you want) and frame it to hang on the wall. In a large frame with an outdoor pattern, it can look like a window. Smaller cuttings can create a marvelous grouping, all at a fraction of the cost of actual paintings. Consider hanging a rug or afghan on the wall as a focal point. Not only will it bring color to a room, but it also forces the eye away from everything else, making it seem just a bit larger. And speaking of fabric, let’s not forget the obvious – window treatments! Make use of the windows you have to let in as much light as possible. Many apartments come with mini-blinds, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress them up. A sheer fabric will let in the most light and give you a very open feel. And don’t feel you have to cover the entire window, either. Simply draping the fabric over a rod and letting it fall to the sides is both beautiful and decorative, while not covering up the window itself. If needed, you can choose a heavier fabric that will give you privacy at night. Simply tie the drapes back during the day. Here is another thing that many people don’t think of – the size of their furniture. I have a 4 poster king size bed. When we originally bought the bed, we got it because we fell in love with the design. But once it was delivered, it was obvious that it was much too big for the small space we had. Although I had to live with it for a few years until we moved, it taught me a valuable lesson; don’t let your furniture overpower the rest of the room. Large pieces of furniture immediately draw the eye and in a small space seem to pretty much take it over. So learn to choose furnishings that fit the space they will be in. Since it is not always practical to buy new things, consider swapping with someone or moving pieces around. Another thing to think about is the color of the furniture. Light colored woods look lighter, bright colored accessories make the room seem fresh. These are just a few of the many ideas you can use to make your small room seem larger. Brenda Spagnola-Wilson is a moderator and community leader at www.BabyUniversity.com and lives in Texas with her husband and two children. She enjoys writing about a variety of topics, with her main focuses being home improvement & decorating, saving money, being a SAHM and general home care. Currently she is the Co-Editor of the At Home with Baby University Newsletter. Feel free to contact her at bspagnola@ev1.net with any comments. About the Author Brenda Spagnola-Wilson is a SAHM who lives in Texas with her husband and two children. A published freelance writer, her topics most often focus on home improvement & decorating, living a frugal lifestyle, being a SAHM, general home care and day-to-day life. Currently she is a moderator and community leader at www.BabyUniversity.com and the Co-Editor of the At Home with Baby University Newsletter. Feel free to contact her at bspagnola@ev1.net with any comments, questions or suggestions. Written by: Brenda Spagnola-Wilson |
|
Home |
|
|