Big cities and small spaces are the dynamic duo of our time. They go hand in hand and are both impossible to understand from an outside perspective (and from inside, depending on your level of decorating expertise). Its all well and good to read expert advice on mastering tiny-home living, but the reality of it is a whole different story. So when it comes to solving square footagebased style conundrums, we thought it best to turn straight to the source: Eight owners of objectively small living rooms that look anything but. Here are the ideas they employed to make them work.
Start With a Blank Canvas
This might not seem like the most cramped room in the worlduntil you take into account that three couples (thats rightsix people) share this Brooklyn Heights apartment. The secret? Coating everything, including fixtures that jut out, like the fireplace and heater, in the same color. It instantly makes them feel cohesive and calmer. Not to beat a dead horse here, but consider making that hue white to brighten the room up as much as possible; we love Benjamin Moores crisp Simply White.
Stick to One Palette
Speaking of cohesiveness, while a layered look is great in most cases, in smaller spaces, a bunch of unique pieces runs the risk of clashing and making the room come off cluttered. Here, repeating tones of orange and red unite a mini reading nook.
Embellish the Architecture
If you can swing it while renovating, add built-ins. As is clear in this loft, theyre true miracles for keeping floors clear and knickknacks safely contained.
Create Some Breathing Room
Were not suggesting you forgo accessories altogetherjust cut back. Break up a packed bookshelf with a bit of blank wall space or ditch the clunky coffee table for some cushy throw pillows la this Brooklyn one-bedroom.
Go Low-Profile
Not only does a low-slung sofa like the one in this bright corner leave more wall space to adorn with colorful prints, but it accentuates the height of the ceilings.
Take Creative Liberty With Mirrors
They dont just belong in the bathroom or entryway. Hang a large one in your living space to reflect light and add depth. This townhouse measures around 1,000 square feet, so the owners employed a bit of visual trickery with a mirror situated between two large windows.
Space It Out
Your instinct might be to push everything against a wall to keep as much available floor space free as possible, but dont be afraid to float itemsthe room will flow better. This Cobble Hill example proves that it can be done without overcrowding.
See more small-space tips:
Dont Fall for These Small-Space Myths
8 Ways I Sneak Extra Storage Into My Small Studio
Tiny Apartment Finds That Are Basically Genius