Life As Art

The Art of Small Space Design

As urban areas grow more costly and dense, our living spaces often shrink. Even in larger homes, there’s usually a room that, awkwardly shaped or poorly utilized, becomes a mere storage space. Whether it’s furniture that’s too large or a shortage of space-saving ideas, these rooms frequently fail to serve any practical purpose.

Think like a tiny home designer to maximize the functionality of these small spaces. The tiny home movement - popular for those downsizing, living off-grid, or constructing guest houses - thrives on innovative, space-saving solutions. While not everyone needs a tiny home, almost every household has a smaller room or guest room that serves as a catch-all space, seldom used unless guests arrive.

Introduced by IKEA in 1948, multifunctional furniture has revolutionized compact living. For example, a rare find like a small sectional, only 78 inches long, can transform into a bed with built-in storage for pillows and linens. This piece can fit into a 12x10 room, allowing space for a rug and a small desk or a pair of conversation chairs. Similarly, a Murphy bed offers space efficiency in a guest room but typically comes at a higher cost and lacks the sofa transformation.

Utilizing vertical space effectively can transform a room. If there’s no closet, consider wall-mounted desks, foldaway tables, or custom bookcases with an integrated laundry basket and small clothing rod. Rooms appear larger when shelves and drapes extend from floor to ceiling - avoid leaving space above units, and consider adding crown molding for a seamless look to the ceiling.

Light paint colors make rooms feel more expansive. Patterns and bold prints can be striking in small spaces, used in accent rugs and pillows. If wall space is scarce for artwork, consider the ceiling your canvas. An abstract painting, even in shades slightly lighter and darker than the wall color, can make a compelling statement and add interest to a small room.

Additionally, furniture with slender legs and less bulky accents can help with keeping the space airy and open, thus the appearance of spacious.

Last but not least, the expert trick to making a small room look larger is good lighting and NO clutter!

Tiny home solutions can be remarkably effective in maximizing the utility of smaller rooms in larger homes. Whether it’s through multifunctional furniture or clever use of vertical space, these strategies can turn underutilized areas into vibrant, functional parts of your home.

Happy designing!