With the autumn term in full swing and everyone settling in to their student accommodation or new homes and apartments, this is the perfect time to revisit the popular Compact Living trend.
Bemz Artist Cushion covers in Pink Fiskis, Brown Kvarter and Orange Kvarter
This time we’re bringing you top tips for small rooms – effective design tweaks that will help you optimize your space at little or no cost.
Bemz Loose Fit Urban style covers for Henriksdal chairs in Medium Grey Rosendal Pure Washed Linen
Mix and match furniture: Low & tall
Keep furniture low and punctuate with verticals here and there. In a small space it’s important not to feel boxed in.
Bemz cover for Falsterbo chaise longue in Multi Spinning by Marimekko from the Bemz Designer Collection
Embrace your inner drama queen
Aggrandize small spaces with bold gestures. Smaller spaces are perfect for dramatic decorating because they require less time, money and materials. Dramatic moments offset the size of the space, making it look bigger.
Bemz cover for Stockholm easy chairs in Blue/White Korall and Brown/White Korall, design Bantie
Sit pretty in easy chairs
Mismatched furniture adds interest to any space. And in a small space easy chairs without arms are perfect because they're much easier to get in and out of. They're also more lightweight and can effortlessly be moved around the room to wherever they're needed.
Bemz Daybed covers in Candy Pink/Absolute White Stockholm Stripe, design Katrina Wiklund, and Candy Pink. Bemz cushion covers in Mandarin Orange, Straw Yellow, Jet Black Stockholm Stripe, Absolute White
Don’t settle: pick your fights
Even though space may be tight, don’t compromise on what’s important to you. If you like a big bed, go with a big bed. But you have to pick your moments – for example choosing love seat or daybed rather than a full sofa.
Bemz covers for Skruvsta Swivel Chair in Mandarin Orange,Pällbo footstool in Absolute White, Daybed cover in Black/White Salamander by Bantie. Bemz cushion covers in Cloud Brera Quadretto by Designers Guild, Straw Yellow Panama Cotton as well as Silver Grey Gotland Stripe and Mandarin Orange Gotland Stripe by Katarina Wiklund
Zone distinct areas
Divide up your space by function using colour and furniture settings. By creating distinctions in the space it feels larger. A desk and bookcase help set off the office area, while a sofa grouping defines the lounge area.
Bemz cover for Falsterbo footstool in Lemongrass Flamingo Park, design Designers Guild
Become an illusionist
Create the illusion of height by hanging curtains directly underneath the crown molding at ceiling level. This will automatically makes the whole space feel airier.
Bemz Daybed cover in Candy Pink & Absolute White Stockholm Stripe, Bemz cushion covers in Mandarin Orange, Straw Yellow, and Silver Grey Gotland Stripe
You can also make a space feel bigger with stripes. Traditionally, vertical stripes have been the common way to go. They create the illusion of height thus making ceilings appear higher than they truly are. Horizontal stripes are a little more edgy and modern than vertical stripes. They make rooms feel wider and can elongate spaces and feel bold, fun, and fresh.
Bemz cover for Henriksdal chair, Loose Fit Urban style in Cobalt Brera Rigato, Noir Brera Fino and Cloud Brera Fino, design Designers Guild
Open up your kitchen shelves
Traditional kitchen wall cabinets with doors, while very useful, are dull and tend to close off a kitchen. Instead, open up your kitchen shelves by removing cabinet doors, allowing you to show off stacks of pretty dishes and glasses.
Bemz cover for Ekeskog sofa in Brown Bubbel, design Bantie, Bemz cushion covers Zinc Grey Tegnér Melange, Chestnut Brown Panama Cotton, Fuchsia Tegnér Melange, Plum Panama Cotton
Cultivate Curves
Avoid boxy furniture with sharp edges and pointy corners. Instead, choose curved furniture that can easily be walked around.
Bemz Artist Series Cushion covers, Yellow Fiskis
Go with glass doors
Yes - we said little or no cost. And this will cost a bit - but it’ll be worth your while. Install glass doors to extend views and add interest throughout the home – even on closets (forcing you to keep your things neat and tidy!). It’s also a great way to light up dark storage spaces and enable you to showcase your treasures.
Credit: House Beautiful
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