There is no space that’s trickier to design than a small space. And that’s mostly because we want it all: comfortable seating, room for entertaining, storage galore and – oh, yes – a spacious feeling! While there’s no way to magically increase square footage, follow along and I’ll show you tips and tricks to maximize every square inch you have.

Colour Commentary

Getting colour right is crucial in a small space. My best tip is to use the same colour or shades of that colour on all the major players in a space: walls and trim, floors, area rugs, cabinetry and large furnishings. When a big piece like a sofa is the same colour as the walls, it’s camouflaged, creating the illusion of space. Tone-on-tone decorating reduces visual busyness, making a room feel calmer and larger, but that doesn’t mean you have to decorate in all white or beige – use shades of blue, green, or whatever colour you love. Do note that lighter colours give an airy feel, while dark ones are enveloping, so consider what effect you want. Finally, layer in colours you love with smaller furnishings, accessories and art. In this basement walkout from HGTV Canada’s Save My Reno, we added shades of pink, terracotta, yellow and blue for an energetic vibe.

 

Oxford White CC-30, Benjamin Moore
Stonington Grey HC-170, Benjamin Moore
Red River Clay 2091-40, Benjamin Moore

Making Room

There are two basic ways to approach designing a small space. The first is to maximize what you have. How? Take advantage of vertical space and increase storage with floor-to-ceiling cabinets. Note that open storage lets you display pretty things, while closed storage hides away the everyday. Second, amplify what you have. This is about creating a sense of space. Add wall mirrors to reflect light and give the illusion of depth. Paint cabinets, benches and entry tables the same colour as the wall, so they appear to become part of the architecture. And keep the walkways clear. Every time you bump into your sofa or have to hurdle an ottoman or squeeze between a server and a table, your home instantly feels smaller. If you keep the traffic moving, energy will flow and your space will feel more open.

 

Photography, Valerie Wilcox, Save My Reno, HGTV Canada
 

Galloway rug, Renwil, renwil.com for retailers. Indira coffee table,
Mobilia, mobilia.ca.

All the Right Stuff 

Avoid using all small-space furniture – it can make it feel like you live in a doll’s house. A combo of large and small pieces will lend a balanced feel. To figure out the size of furnishings, test your layout before you buy: measure things out, use an online space planner, or tape the proposed layout to the floor. Be honest about how you live. Will you really work in an office built into a closet? Probably not. Instead, create multifunctional spaces. A dining table works well as a desk, just have a bench nearby to stow supplies when it’s time to dine. Choose hard-working furniture like side tables that double as seating, benches with storage, and sofa beds. Another tip: pair the largest sofa your space can handle with a cushy ottoman, so you can lounge out even if the sofa isn’t deep.

 

Indira coffee table, $499, Mobilia, mobilia.ca.

 

Terracotta reversible pillow cover, $59, Crate and Barrel, crateandbarrel.ca.

 

Donna Wilson Composition pillow cover, $64, West Elm, westelm.ca.

 

Kluane accent table, $518, Renwil, renwil.com for retailers.

 

Large rattan basket, $59, H&M Home, hm.com.

 

Trays, from $65 each, Elte Mkt, eltemkt.com.

Common Mistakes & Fixes

• The Mistake: blocking the entry to a living room with the sofa. The Fix: move your furniture around until you get a seating arrangement that lets traffic flow. 
• The Mistake: Too many hard surfaces. So often, small furniture is also hard, a.k.a. not comfy! The Fix: include plenty of upholstered pieces. Try upholstered dining chairs and bench cushions. 
• The Mistake: tiny art spaced far apart. A scattering of little pieces looks busy. The Fix: install a collection of smalls or one large canvas, which can completely calm a space.