We turned to four design experts who've made over their fair share of tight quarters, and asked them what the secrets are to creating intimate but not cabin-fever-inducing interiors. And, their answers were surprising. Turns out you shouldn't paint your walls stark white and put all your furniture out on the curb. Minimalism will not save you. Dark tones, ornate wallpaper, and an overload of rich prints can actually all win in a cramped space, and truly make it more polished. Ahead, warm, impactful nooks that may just inspire a decor makeover of your own this weekend.
Pull In Your Furniture
"Backing all your furniture right up against the wall is one of the biggest furniture faux pas ever. No matter how small the room, the minute you bring things in toward the center (even by a few inches!), you’ll change the whole atmosphere, create breathing space, and make your space appear bigger." — Abigail Ahern, interior designer and author of Decorating With Style .
Move Lighting To The Walls
"This Brass Flush Mount Lamp from CB2 is a great replacement to your current lighting fixture that may let you actually gain space. Also, when you use the silver-tip bulbs on a white wall or ceiling, it gives you an awesome interior glow." — Gunnar Larson, interior designer and Refinery29 contributor.
Pair Sleek Metals & Glass
"Liberally sprinkle your space with lots of glass and metallics. From sweet, little, glass occasional tables to sparkly, metallic vases, these pieces help animate a petite room." — Abigail Ahern
Ditch The Sofa
"No matter what size you get, a sofa will always be a big piece of furniture. Instead, fill your living room with side- or armchairs, poufs, and side tables. Chairs give you the freedom of arranging the seating however you want to fit your room or the occasion. Plus, there's an airiness and intimacy you can't get with the traditional living-room setup." — Kelley Carter, stylist and interior designer.
Opt For Retro Lighting
"This awesome Clint Mini Task Lamp from West Elm is the perfect fit on a small side table, on top of a stack of books, or on a shelf for just a little extra lighting. Unlike the movie *batteries not included , it won't save your East Village apartment from the evil landlord, but it will save your studio mood." — Gunnar Larson
Play With Scale
"Playing with scale is key in a small space. Go with unexpected choices such as an oversized chandelier or a four-poster bed in a tiny bedroom. In this living room, a child's chair is juxtaposed with flowing, floor-to-ceiling curtains for drama." — Nicole Hollis, residential and luxury hospitality interior designer.
Go Dark — Way Dark
"I've heard many times that a small space should be painted white to make it feel more open. I could not disagree more. I love to paint small rooms dark colors to make them feel cozy and dramatic. I even paint the ceiling, so you never know where the walls stop. Sometimes, I'll cover the walls and ceiling in wallpaper for a crazy-but-awesome jewel-box effect." — Kelley Carter
Supersize Your Mirror
"Mirrors bring in extra light, expand horizons, and add depth. A super-large one will expand the space and make it seem way bigger than it actually is." — Abigail Ahern
Hang Large Artwork
"Don’t be timid when it comes to wall decorating. Impactful, huge artwork helps define the space by making a bold statement." — Nicole Hollis
Try Clear Furniture
"When space is at a premium, I fill the room with pieces that take up minimal visual real estate. Glass or lucite tables do the job while being practically invisible. The space will feel more open without clunky furniture, and you can use the space underneath without making the place look cluttered." — Kelley Carter
Overdose On Patterns
"Think cushions, throws, rugs, and art. Patterns add instant pizzazz and distract the eye. Rather than focusing on how small the space is, you’ll be focusing on how cool the space is!" — Abigail Ahern
Stick With A Single Color
"Cocooning a room with monochromatic color actually makes the space feel larger. This library envelops you in cozy darkness." — Nicole Hollis
Create A Statement Wall
"I've worked on some small spaces. Like one-room small. When that's the reality, that room should be thoughtfully divided into different zones. I love to do that by painting one part of a wall a bold color or wallpapering the area. This is a visual indicator that you are in the dining room or bedroom. Bonus: It looks cool." — Kelley Carter
Emphasize One Rich Material
"This petite kitchen has a luxurious feel when swathed in Carrara marble." — Nicole Hollis
(Can't afford real marble? This wallpaper is pretty convincing!)
Waste No Nook
"Living in a small space means you will probably have a very odd-sized corner where almost nothing fits. Don't let the space go wasted. I used a few floating shelf blocks and a handful of cup hooks to create a special little jewelry corner and display area." — Gunnar Larson
Like what you see?How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
The Non-Tacky Guide To Decorating With Faux Fur
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This Apartment Makeover Will Inspire You To Revamp Yours
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