Cramped Quarters: Home Decorating Tips for Small Spaces
by Dawn West
dawn.west@homeimprovementideas.net
Home Improvement Ideas Columnist
My friend Jennifer explained to me recently how she managed to find space for all her stuff in her tiny New York apartment. She decided she'd forgo cooking, and with all the storage space that opened up in her oven, her cupboards, and her fridge, she's doing just fine. Those clever New Yorkers! For those of us who actually plan to use our kitchens, however, what are we to do when space is tight? Here are a few home decorating tips to help you make the most of cramped quarters.
You've got a bedroom the size of a closet, a closet the size of a drawer. Consider the following a small-space survival guide.
Go Simple
Ridding yourself of your material possessions because you've moved into a small house doesn't purify your soul in the way it does if, say, you're becoming a monk. But it sure makes life in cramped quarters easier. The less stuff you have to shove into non-existent closets the better. Be brutal.
Consider Storage
But don't be too brutal. You're likely to want those prom photos or those power tools someday. Renting space at a storage facility is relatively inexpensive and safe, and you’ll still have access to stuff you don't use everyday but still want out of the house.
Slenderize
You love your giant leather recliner. In a living room the size of a postage stamp, however, you're going to have to let it go. Sleek lines and smaller-scale furniture will help you make the most of your space.
Don't Fuss
Less is more when it comes to decorations as well. Crowd your walls and your place will feel, you guessed it, crowded.
Color
You adore deep red and dark brown, but if your bedroom's already Lilliputian, the dark colors are only going to make it feel smaller. Neutral colors that give the illusion of light will open up small spaces, so start falling in love with eggshell.
Home decorating can be tough, particularly if your bed doubles as your couch or your office. Don't let cramped quarters get you down, though. A little home decorating trickery can make even a small space sparkle.
About the Author:
Dawn West teaches writing at Oregon State University. Her previous experience includes working for the Community Development Venture Capital Alliance, a not-for-profit in New York City, and serving as the director for an educational program for at-risk youth in Boston. Dawn holds a B.A. in English from Harvard University.
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