Making the Best of Your Small Space
Dec 11, 2009 Interior Design Tips
Just because you live in a small cottage or a small place does not mean that your space cannot be comfortable and relaxing. Many homes with tons of square footage are furnished in a way that they lack comfort or feel crowded. When looking to make the best of your small space, look beyond square footage. Instead, look at type of furnishings, room purpose, furniture placement and use, and of course, practicality. Considering this will help you in making your cottage a comfortable retreat.
If your small place is furnished, you may have to think of getting rid of furniture that does not serve the purpose of is not practical for the space. Sell it, donate it, or give it away. Look at the different rooms and ask yourself if they serve the purpose according to your lifestyle. For example, if you never have any staying- over guests ( and think that this will not change much in the future) but you work at home a lot, then get rid of the guest bedroom and convert it into an office. Buy a small size sofa bed that you can convert into a bed if the need arises.
Look at every piece of furniture and ask yourself if you really use it, or need it. In this process, you will have to pare down some things and declutter your home. Most important, you will have to get rid of any doubles. By doing this, you will find that you do not need some pieces of furniture that were just storing extra stuff. Get rid of any piece of furniture that has become an extra, and pieces that are too big or clunky, for the space.
Take a look at each room, identify the purpose for the room, and now select the furnishings for it. If the room serves a double purpose, because you live in a very small cottage – such as living room and dining room together – then, think of practicality and convenience. Instead of a sofa and loveseat, you may need a love seat and a chair. On the other side of the room, you may place a small round dining room table or a long skinny table. Use chairs that are comfortable and easy to move to the sitting area if you need more sitting. Use chairs in neutral fabrics or that coordinate with your loveseat and chair to create unity in the room. Aside from those furnishings, what else do you need in that room? A coffee or end table may be needed. In addition, a small cabinet to store some electronics, if you truly use those. Follow the same procedure for every room in your home and eliminate any piece of furniture that does not fit the purpose.
These are some ideas for you to follow to create a more comfortable and cozy cottage. Practicality and purpose will serve as the background, and relaxation will follow.
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