If you’ve read any of my blogs, you know that most of my work takes place in New York City, where space is a luxury. It’s a good thing that I love the challenge of making a smaller space work for my clients, both functionally and aesthetically. This week I’m focusing on the bedroom and how to make the most of the square footage that you have.
So without further ado, here are a few of my favorite quick tricks to instantly make a small bedroom feel bigger:
Built-in Furniture
One of the best ways to make the most out of your bedroom square footage is investing in built-in (or built-in looking) furniture items. The idea is to utilize the vertical space available in order to keep items off the floor. Floor to ceiling shelving can also highlight the architectural elements in the room, drawing your eye upward. One of my favorite examples of styled built-ins is from Kaitlin Madden.
I suggest selecting a variety of open shelving and drawers for your built-in. This creates visual interest and gives you an opportunity to hide less aesthetic items in cabinets.
If the budget doesn’t allow for a custom built-in, there are countless DIY projects that use inexpensive furniture such as IKEA. I love this inexpensive DIY done by Grace E Bea.
Closet Organization
Before you go to great lengths to install built-ins, take the time to declutter and create an organized closet space. This will save time and money in the long run as you’ll know exactly what needs to be stored and displayed in the bedroom.
Here are some of my favorite budget-friendly organization products:
The Elfa Systems from the Container Store.
Any storage solutions from IKEA.
Thoughtful Window Treatments
One of my favorite tricks is to install window treatments tight to the ceiling in order to draw the eye up and around the space. It’s the same idea as the built-ins; emphasize the vertical space that you have. It’s actually a pre-war architectural trick as they would create higher ceilings to make the interior cube look larger.
Light, Glossy Paint Colors
When I work with clients to choose wall and floor colors, I like to explain that these choices are akin to a painter preparing the canvas that they are going to work on. When focusing on small bedrooms, I suggest embracing light and highly reflective colors. This will enhance any light the room has and brings more focus to the bedroom furnishings.
For inspiration, I have to recommend Sherwin Williams “Chrysalis” collection.
The nature inspired Chrysalis collection is both serene and sophisticated, and in my opinion, provides solid options for the bedroom.
Some faves that I will certainly be using going forward are: Mindful Gray, Shiitake, Studio Mauve, and Drift of Mist.
A Minimalist Color Approach
If you’re trying to make your space feel more expansive, I recommend using only ONE paint color – walls, trim, and ceiling. Allowing the eye to roam naturally through the space without interruption is the goal for small bedrooms; especially if you have a lot of contrasting decor. This example from Farrow & Ball is everything!
This is a trend that I have been seeing more of lately, and it looks incredibly
sophisticated and zen at the same time.
As with everything to do with wellness focused design, some ideas are new and some are classic, but all of them are beautiful. I’m excited to keep designing with these tricks, and I hope you find the same success! Let me know if there are any other small-space hacks you utilize in your own homes!
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