- Decorating Small Living Spaces - Nuttakit
Anyone who has ever lived in a small living space is aware of how cramped and frustrating it can be. If you feel as if you are a giant living in a Hobbit hole, or as if you are being swallowed whole by your own home, you are in luck! As someone who occupies a small living space, here are some tricks that I have learned to not only maximize space, but to create an open, uncluttered, and inviting home. It is very easy, and extremely worthwhile.
Do we really need so much stuff?
It would seem, in today’s society, that we do. Turn on the television and you see infommercials for new kitchen gadgets. Suddenly your computer is obsolete, so you make way for a new one. Do you purchase every movie you enjoy, and do you absolutely have to own every album recorded by your favourite artists, and every book written by your favourite authors? I did. I am learning, however, that less really is more, and that there are alternates that will allow me to have the things I want, as well as space to exist in my own home. Here’s how:
Assess what you really want
We all have DVDs, CDs, and video games, for example, which we purchased on a whim or from a sales bin, or received as unwanted gifts. You may never watch, listen to, or play these things again. Sell them, give them to friends, donate them; just get them out of your life.
Books. Getting rid of some of my books is one of the toughest decisions I have ever made. I have a background in English Literature and I am a Librarian. My dream was always to have my own library and catalogue each and every book. As I sat one day, however, looking at the books I love, I realized that I really only ever look “at” them. I will never look “in” and re-read some of those books again. Why am I keeping them? Is it so I can proudly display all that I have read? If so, does maintaining this front justify purchasing yet another bookshelf? Is it worth the added space that shelf of never-to-be-read again books will occupy in my already tiny space? Alas, I decided, “no.” I would prefer to pass along my beloved books to people who can read and appreciate them as I once did.
That being said, I will always have a movie, book, and music collection. What should I do with it?
Multipurpose storage
I am not entirely sure why, maybe for the same “pride” related reasons listed above, but I once thought all of my possessions deserved to be displayed and showcased. Since discovering multipurpose and stylish storage, however, I am no longer a displayaholic. I have discovered ottomans that double as storage units and extra seating for small living spaces.
My movies, video games, and music are all removed from their shelves and concealed secretly in two rather attractive cushioned, wicker storage ottomans that I also use for foot stools, push against the walls of my living room for guests (which also maximizes floor space), and slide together as a coffee table. Two smaller, matching ottomans serve as my end-tables and CD storage units. It is so easy.
Small, compact furniture
Small furniture does not have to be uncomfortable furniture. If your living space is cramped, maybe a large, reclining sofa that monopolizes your entire floor is not the way to go. For similar reasons, avoid reclining chairs, and sectionals which are large and dominating. A small, comfy couch and one or two small chairs with concealed foot stools can serve the same purpose. Better yet, repurpose those ottomans for foot stools, yet again.
A few more words on de-cluttering
Does a small room really need the biggest TV available to purchase? Are knick-knacks and other display items necessary? If they serve no real purpose, why are they there? How many candles does one room need? Lastly, is displaying ten photos of the same person in the same room a must? Maybe it is time to put some of those photos away, and when you have you can also get rid of the table on which you displayed them. In a similar vein, why not tall, pedestal lamps in place of table lamps? Lamp bases take up much less space than four table legs, and wall sconces require no underfoot space at all.
Crowded walls can also create an overly busy and congested atmosphere. Try removing some pictures and maybe add a mirror to expand the room. This is an old, but wise tactic.
Colours, designs, and special touches
Keep small, narrow hallways empty. Maybe stand a tall vase in the back corner and incorporate a long, narrow rug with vertical stripes and lines to give the impression of length and depth, or maybe horizontal stripes or thick, boxy designs to give the illusion of width. Avoid wild and busy patterns on furniture and curtains; solid colours are more relaxed and have the potential to relax a busy and congested room. Try long as opposed to short window dressings such as horizontal blinds and curtain toppers to give the impression of height and length. Finally, light-coloured walls make a room brighter, more open, and airy, while darker colours create a closed and dim atmosphere.
These are just a few of the solutions I have discovered, and it is very satisfying to feel them working each time I sit and relax in my small … and wonderful home.
Amanda Tiller - Amanda Tiller is a Librarian residing in St. John's, Newfoundland. She holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree and a Master of Arts ...
