how to make the most out of a small room

IN THE BEGINNING

Those of you that know me know that small bedroom designs are one of my many specialties. From moving several times into different sized homes from a condo to a block home to a townhouse and more, small rooms are far from intimidating to me.

So let’s answer some of the most common questions I am asked when designing a small room for a client. Where do I start? How do I know what colors to go with? Are patterns a good or bad thing? Are dark colors a yes or a big no no? Sit back, relax, I’ve got you covered.

A PLAN OF ATTACK

So here is my plan when I am asked to design a small room. First, is there anything in that room that could serve as an inspiration piece? Is there a favorite picture or pillow or accessory that the client absolutely loves and wants to keep in that space? Most times that will spark the entire design of the room while other times I have to come up with a plan on my own.

COLOR ME BEAUTIFUL

So moving on to the next helpful piece in designing the space….COLOR! Yes my favorite part! So does the client have a favorite color to use that might be on a picture, fabric or pillow? What about their outdoor surroundings are there pretty plants or flower boxes that I could pull a color palette from? If not, it’s back to good ol’ fashion Pintrest. Yep, I don’t care how amazing you are as a designer we all use Pintrest. I usually ask a few things of my clients on Pintrest and then from there we are off and running.

MY ROOM….IS IT GETTING SMALLER?

Let’s begin with answering a few questions….my favorite is will a dark paint make my space look smaller? While most will answer yes, the truth is that’s not always the case. If you have bright and bold enough accents or reflective decor a small room can be absolutely cozy with darker color palettes. In fact, most of my clients who have libraries and lounges all use dark colors in small spaces for a more relaxed vibe.

IS MIXING PATTERNS A FAUX PAS?

Now what about patterns? Is mixing patterns and textiles a good or bad thing in a small space? In my opinion, if a color palette and patterns are done right, the more patterns you mix the cozier the room will become. Now keep in mind depending on the style you are going for sometimes I will max out at 3-4 different patterns to achieve a specific look. With some spaces I’ve mixed as many as 11 different patterns or more. This is why choosing a style and color palette are important to achieve first in order to tie in the entire room with patterns and textiles after.

IS WALLPAPER STILL A THING?

Oh yes and there is no sign of wallpaper fading out anytime soon. With several colors, patterns and now textures to choose from. Wallpaper is a great way to incorporate a sleek style and pull the room together. Wallpaper has come a long way from when our Grandparents used it back in the day and even those amazing styles are coming back! Now with textured, metallic, toile and other luxurious looks wallpaper is one of my favorite “go-to,” picks to style a room.

WHY IS LIGHTING SUCH A BIG DEAL?

Why is lighting such a big deal? Well, lighting helps with the ambiance of a room. The lighting allows us to highlight certain spots of a room that feature a beautiful vignette, or an old tufted chair next to a bookshelf that is looking to be the star of the show. Lighting is like that little piece of jewelry that glistens just enough to catch your eye so you notice the rest of the dress. It’s our attention grabber. Lighting has a beautiful way of casting dreamy shadows on the wall that create the mood of the space. Is it a soft glow nestled inside of a niche? Is it string lights that soften the outdoor patio? Is it gallery lights that illuminate some of our favorite artwork? Lighting becomes a very important feature that taps into our emotions of that space.

WINDOW COVERINGS STRESSING YOU OUT?

What should I do about window coverings? Try mixing it up for a custom look. My favorite look right now is bamboo shades paired with a soft, ceiling height drape. Window coverings also help to tie in the space with different colors and textures. Drapes to me, add the drama in the room that take your eye from eye level, to towering above windows adding beautiful shape and contrast against the walls. A sheer drape which is another one of my favorites can provide a soft, romantic, elegant look and feel to the space casting dreamy shadows of sunlight filtering through the room. For a more elegant, sophisticated look that you would see in a high end hotel or penthouse, I recommend a pleated drape. Fabric makes a big difference in the look you are trying to achieve with drapes. Length of curtains is also something to consider. Just above floor length allows for a clean, modern look. While allowing a drape to puddle on the floor creates a more dramatic, luxurious look.

FAREWELL, BUT HOPEFULLY NOT FOR LONG

Hopefully these tips help you, when you are planning your next small room redesign. If this is just to overwhelming for you, fear not, I am just a phone call or email away to help make your small room the favorite one in the house. Whether it is a single room design, whole house design, space planning or home organizing job, I am here to create your oasis.

Visit my website at www.melissalarosainteriors.com and select the book your consultation button anywhere on the page and fill out the form. From there, we can schedule your consultation and take your home from drab to fab.

OH STOP WHINING.

Want to add a little fun to your mundane routine? Ask me about my Wine and Design In Home Party. A great way to whine about your home, while sipping wine with the girls and letting me fix all of your home dilemmas! A little wine goes a long way.

I look forward to working with you and welcome to the Melissa LaRosa Interiors family.