Decorating small spaces can be a tricky challenge to get right, but as award-winning interior designer Greg Natale explains, it’s the little touches than can make a big difference…
Tip #1 Let smaller furniture pieces take a stand
Reduce it
“In a limited space, opt for smaller furniture, not less of it. Choose petite items with lower silhouettes and slimmer lines, slender arms and legs, single drawers and less bulk. Try two side tables instead of a coffee table, and consider round shapes instead of square, as they seem to take up less room.”
Raise it
“Buy key pieces such as sofas and armchairs on legs so they sit up off the floor. The kitchen bench in my apartment stands on cylinder plinth legs that allow you to see the floor beneath, making the space seem much larger. The legs also help to make more of a feature out of the bench itself.”
Tip
“Try a couple of neat side tables instead of one main coffee table, or consider a set of nesting tables that stack away easily.”
Tip #2 Stow away storage or display it!
Hide it
“Whatever the room, maximise your cabinets, cupboards, bookshelves and boxes. In the bathroom, a mirror can conceal an overhead cupboard. In the bedroom, an ottoman can double as a drawer. With children’s bedrooms, beds with storage beneath are great for hiding a multitude of objects. In the living room, try to avoid using your coffee table as the receptacle for all things – keep it uncluttered or find one that offers a storage solution. My coffee table has a shelf below that is perfect for holding magazines.”
Move it
“Trays are an attractive way to display the necessities and bring your styling to any surface. In the living room, a tray on an ottoman with your cups, saucers and flowers creates an instant coffee table that can be cleared away when you need more seating. In the bathroom, place a tumbler, soap dispenser, scent and vase on a tray and you have a chic, pared-back array that is easily removed when it’s time to clean the surface.”
Tip
“Pick a gorgeous box to display on your coffee table and keep your remote controls in it – storage with style.”
Tip #3 Use visual tricks to enhance wall space
Paint it
“White walls always look bright, endless and offer the perfect canvas for most designs, but dark colours can work in a small space – just make sure you have sufficient natural light, and balance with light pieces and accessories. Mirrors are a great way to visually increase space as they reflect other rooms and outside views. Another optical space-enhancer, which I’ve employed in my kitchen, is to feature the same finish on your splashback and floor to suggest a seamless, flowing surface.
Hang it
“Nothing should stop you from hanging art in a small space – just give it room to ‘breathe’ by allowing enough wall space all around. An edited cluster of small yet different sized works can present a dynamic vignette, while a grouping of portrait-shaped images can make a wall appear taller. Sometimes, a single sizable artwork can in fact make a small space seem larger, as if its very presence suggests the room can accommodate such a piece.”
Tip
“Try a floating bookshelf on your wall – a few small shelves can provide a compact display without dominating the space.”
Greg Natale’s book, The Tailored Interior, is available from all good bookstores or online at Bookworld. Greg will be joining The Conversation Series with Jen Bishop at Life Instyle Trade Event, Australia’s destination for homewares and trends, Hordern Pavilion, 19-22 February, 2015.
What are some of your tips for decorating small spaces? Tell us below!…
