Jun
9
Your Small-Space Decorating Tricks
Calling all city and apartment dwellers!
While we wait for updates on Urban Oasis 2011, I’d like to take a time out to pick your brains. When there is no room to expand or ability to renovate, how do you make the most of tiny rooms? Designer Vern Yip is a master at maximizing space. How do you do the same when working with a small budget and even less room to innovate. Share your best small-space decorating tricks and storage tips below. We may feature your advice in a slideshow!
Photo by nyclq.
I agree with the mirrors. And also go up. Lots of shelving.
Wallbed that has shelving and a drop down desk /table built on flanking sides. Greaaat lighting.
If you're lucky enough to have high ceilings, play it up! Even if your small room doesn't have tall ceilings, you can create the illusion of more space by going up, up, up. While keeping furnishings to a modest scale, your accessories such as lamps, mirrors, wall hangings or artwork and draperies should go tall. Simple, yes, but tall. This careful focus on vertical proportions will take the eyes up and give a sense of greater space.
Storage solutions in a limited space require careful planning and some creative use of furnishings. In short, make sure those furnishings multi-task!
Whatever your style, from casual to chic, maintaining that vertical perspective is pleasing to the eyes and easy on the budget for any small room.
Of course, if you run out of ideas, I suppose you can always ask the Urban Oasis master of glamorous small space transformation, Vern Yip.
I was kind of expecting this post was going to have VERN"s tips for small space decor,( but your suggestions are excellent , Coop.)
Baskets! They provide nice visual texture and they are great to maximize storage and minimize clutter! I personally love Longaberger baskets…still made in America! They have baskets to fit every function and decor! I also like Longaberger's wrought iron pieces; perfect for smaller rooms because the wrought iron provides strength, beauty anb function without taking up visual space and overwelming a small area.
I agree with Nebraska
Add drawers. We have drawers under the beds that are very deep, so I just bought some of those wire shelves and put them in the drawers. This way I can put all the socks on the bottom and t-shirts on the shelves inside the drawers. This makes it easy to find socks and shirts 
So far all of the suggestions are excellent, but here's mine….downsize, downsize, downsize, we all have way toooooo much stuff, me included, and a great deal of it could be donated somewhere and it could be used by those less fortunate.
These cabinets, which can go from the ceiling down (nearly to floor level, less the bottom pedestal) are an intriguing use of space. The idea maximizes storage in a compact space, yet items are still very accessible. There could be a choice of open shelving, cabinet doors and drawers as required. The rolling pedestal in the photo link could easily be replaced by a matching sized storage hassock, or the pedestal could be covered with a fairly thin leather or fabric cushion, then used as a step stool to access higher cabinets, used as additional seating, movable end tables as needed, or even a temporary coffee table for company.
The cabinets would work well in the living/dining area or bedroom of the smallest sized space, and thanks to the unique design, can be placed anywhere within a room or, against a perimeter wall at any height desired.
They look so good, I may just have to downsize to a studio apartment in order to try them out — http://www.thisarchitecture.com/modern-functional-tall-w...
DBCoop, what unique cabinetry! I can picture it in place in the loft apts my daughter has called home. It offers huge storage capacity in a very small footprint! Of course, I would need a "grabber" an/or a tall ladder that folds to a very thin depth!
LOVE THEM! I really like the modern look of them. I hope Vern uses these.
Sorry, I don't care for them. It's too modern for me.
Interesting, but I admit the grammer nazi got me… the description made me cringe…
A great way to make extra storage space is to use a large trunk as a coffee table, and a small square trunk as an end table. Both are great places to store extra linens, blankets, pillows, etc.
Another great storage solution is to use a platform style bed frame that has built in drawers below the mattress that pull out. This creates the perfect place to store clothing and other small items.
A California Closet would also be a great idea too!
Well, I look around my tiny apartment where I do live and see that all the furniture is set around the edge, the perimeter of the big room. Not that every piece of wall has furniture. Then forming a diagonal in the room I have my couch cum sleeper, a little end table and then skinny consol table with big "empire" mirror all in a row from the center of the room to the corner.
The second mirror is large beveled and white wood framed which I lean against the wall farthest from the sofa. It rests against a 60 inch diameter white table holding a computer, a stunning white mother-of-pearl tile based lamp with folded beige silk shade, (My best luxe splurge), few white accessories: wood bedtray with handles, glass vase with faux white flowers, and three small white decor objects on the three walls creating a nook in the room. The mirror above and below the table gives the illusion of space. The knick-knacks, TV, lamps, etc are on the periphery with the furniture. So I get an actual look of a spacious (mostly white) room from a really tiny 'studio' apt. (Storage is a huge problem. All things which won't fit anywhere else go in the kitchen which has many, many cabinets. I did my best.
Everything has a place. Opt for a convection microwave and loose the oven for a drawer dishwasher.
Consider built in dresser drawers. And a headboard you can place on the wall.
If there is outdoor space, make the best use of it! Sure, Chicago can have tough winters, but outdoor spaces can help to enlarge smaller apartments 3 seasons out of 4 up there. I'm originally from the midwest, so I know this! There isn't a city that is prettier than Chicago, not anywhere, so don't cover up those windows. Let the views be seen from all rooms!!
I totally feel unqualified (uninvited) to answer this question, however I do have to fit 7 people in 2000 sq. ft of space, so I think I deserve a little credit. ^_^
Vern already knows this tip. The dining room is always a multipurpose space in our home. Right now it is an eating area, an office, and my art/craft room. B)
Minimize clutter. Let in the light. Keep things clean. Downsize, you'd be surprised how nice it is without all that "stuff" to take care of. Follow the one in-one out rule. Use the money you save to take a trip to Utah!
If I had to downsize to live in a smaller space, I would force myself to become more tech-savvy so I could load all of my music and movies onto my computer. Then we could get rid of all of our CDs, cassettes, and record albums (we even have some 45s kicking around somewhere!), as well as my husband's small collection of 8-track tapes, not to mention all of the DVDs and videocassettes we own. If we weren't such bibliophiles we could switch to Kindle or the like and also get rid of books, but I have to draw the line somewhere! To feed our book addiction, I guess we would have to forego wall art and put floor to ceiling bookshelves on all available wall space — can books become art, Vern?
I hope there will be space enough for a pet's things……like a bed, water and food dish, toys. I do love my pet!
Mary, it has been 8 days now. When will Vern respond back to our previous questions (over a cup of coffee) and give input via a slide show on our space saving ideas?:*
Ohhhh! I want to win this…coffee with Vern answering questions about the Urban Oasis. Where do we enter? lol
Most of the bloggers have already mentioned some very good ideas but I'll also add keeping the paint on the walls light colored to make it look bigger. Good luck with this one you city dwellers!!
Yes, but how do you hang the art in such a way as to be movable when you want TV? I live in a small home and the TV is in a niche above the fireplace. Nothing I can think of would really fit or look "right" for this purpose and yet I hate looking at that TV up there and that is the only place it can go. If I have a cabinet built around it, the doors have to swing out on hinges and that wouldn't work either. It's a puzzlement! i wish Linda Woodrum would come on down and tell me how to fix this.
I know (light bulb) let's ask Vern Yip
How did they do that in the Green Home living room? Was the artwork on tracks? That would take some considerable hardware installation, I guess, but it may work better than swing out hinges.
While keeping colors light and bright, don't be afraid to paint an accent wall. Use a soft shade — not too dark — and the contrasting wall color will actually add depth, making the room seem larger.
To add a little glow to your space, you'll probably want to avoid using matte (or flat) finish paint. Eggshell is the best choice in most cases, with a soft sheen, or go for a satin finish in a child's room or high traffic area. Eggshell is best to liven up a room, holds up well and is generally easier to clean than a flat finish.
No need to go small with your artwork if you choose carefully. Full-sized landscape paintings using the colors of nature, for example, can give you the feeling of looking out on large open spaces.
Closet spaces can be designed to serve as desk, work and storage areas.
An easy and oft-mentioned solution for small spaces: multi-purpose furnishings, of course. The smart sofa that makes into a bed, even if it's a single. A dining table that expands when needed, folds or closes up when not. Chairs that serve as seating at the table, at a work desk, or as general seating when guests arrive. Hassocks that provide storage, seating, and even individual coffee or end tables to fit the occasion.
Last but not least, when all else fails, call Vern Yip!
DB, I AM calling Vern ! Vern, where are youuuu ?
I think Mary left The Donald in charge of this blog…….(.Mr. Trump, you're fired ! )
Adding to downonthefarms basket idea a basket for mail, bills, and phone and keys with outlet close by for charging.
I don't have anything to add on small space solutions, but I did just add questions on the last blog topic (although it is probably too late for those questions).
I hope that the decorating will begin soon….I am anxious to see how this year's Oasis will look. Can't wait to see it!!
I can't think of anymore decorating tips……..but I thought I would share something I found regarding Chicago's Magnificent Mile which is just steps away from Trump Tower.
Good eats in the heart of the city…….The Magnificent Mile is home to some of Chicago's best restaurants. Enjoy a menu of flavors from all over the world. Savor delectable French cuisine one night and indulge in Chicago’s world-famous deep dish pizza the next. Grab a quick bite to go or wake up to a delicious brunch. Your palette will always be satisfied and never under-fulfilled.
I love to dine out. This condo is Dreamy!!
More to do on the Magnificent Mile…………..
Everything your closet desires:
From major fashion houses to trendy retailers, Michigan Avenue shopping fulfills everyone’s retail fantasy. Whether it be “the little black dress,” the latest “it-bag” or the newest "gotta have gadget," the retailers of The Magnificent Mile offer everything your closet and home desires. Three vertical shopping centers tower over a district overflowing with luxury retailers, unique shops and popular stores, making for pure retail bliss. Shop Chicago on The Mile and accessorize with magnificence.
Chicago culture and entertainment.
Do it all and then some:
The Magnificent Mile embodies Chicago fun and excitement. The infectious energy of the city makes for a day or night out on the town unlike the rest. Take in a show, marvel at a museum, cruise along the Chicago lakefront or dance the night away. On The Magnificent Mile, we know how to play and the possibilities are endless.
And let's not forget Wrigley Field, Home of the Chicago Cubs. Take me out to the ballgame!!
It seems that summer is here with a vengeance! Temps, beginning right on cue, are rising fast and heading quickly for the triple digits. Same with the Green Home blog, as tensions are high and every shadow is seen as a hint of something wonderful, or dire, as suits one's perspective.
As for here in the Urban Oasis, I'm wondering where all of the small space city folks and apartment dwellers are hiding out these days. I thought there'd be thousands of comments on small space design solutions to keep Vern busy for weeks sorting out the best of the best.
Speaking of tidbits, I wonder if Mary's about ready to turn up the heat on the Dream Home blog with another architectural revelation? After all, we're not likely to have much more excitement in the Green Home blog until the winner is revealed — when June goes out in a blaze of glory and July hits the streets with fireworks, red, white and blue and patriotic parades in towns large and small across the country.
Hi Vern thought Soney and I would help you out a bit. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoR-C0vHBPw&fe…
Lots of glass, see-through or opaque cabinet doors, stainless steel, glass tile on the walls. Lots of mood lighting, under cabinets, under tables, on the walls, recessed lights. Minimal decor, multifunctional space groupings. The desk area could also be the tv area that doubles as a monitor for your laptop and work area. I like rectangular modern tile in offset rows. Essentially the decor should be in the materials used in the space, not so much furniture or objects. Gray color palettes seem to make the room feel open and airy. Greys and white accents go great with steel, with minimal splashes of maroon. I can already see a white fluffy rug in the master room. I love the open shower with the glass walls in the 2011 dream home give away master bathroom. Can't wait to see what was done!
Also if the furniture is slightly raised so you can see under big items like the couch or kitchen cabinets it feels like their is more floor space.