6 SMALL SPACE SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR 2014 DESIGN RESOLUTIONS

It's a new year and time for some newness! When was the last time you really refreshed the look of your home? Even if you live in a small space or you're renting, your dwelling could be in need of a refresher. Refreshing the look of your home need not require an entire overhaul. For 2014, why not try a new shot of color with painted furniture, open up a space without knocking down walls, brighten up a space without adding a window, add height + volume + storage - with a few design tricks. Taking some time to rethink the design style of your home can help re-energize your outlook for the year ahead by changing by what you see. Here are six ideas to inspire you...

 

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ADD MIRRORS
If your small space has minimal windows, hanging mirrors can help bring light into your space. In additon to letting in more natural light, mirrors can help a small space feel larger. Use one large statement piece or make your own stament with a mirror gallery as a focal point. Collect a mix of mirrors with different fame styles and unite their look by painting them in a cool color or - go for the gold - and add the hot metal trend to your home.

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REMOVE DOORS
Whether it's an over-cabinated kitchen or a guest bedroom closet, try removing doors to make a space feel more open. If removing closet doors, use this space to create an office niche: Paint out the inside with a fun & vibrant color - something to inspire & energize your while you work from planning a family vacay to dealing with bills & budgets. If you already have a home office space, replace closet doors with curtain panels to soften the look of the space plus add a pretty pattern without paint. In a kitchen, lighten the look of heavy cabinetry by removing doors from upper cabinets to create an open shelf look.

 

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GO VERTICAL
From building a wall unit to hanging drapes to creating a wall gallery - go full height - utilize your vertical space to add volume in a small area. My personal fave to do in a small space to add height in is the bathroom: Repurpose those 84" panels in the bathroom to add height + volume to the space (vs. a standard 72" shower curtain) In some cases, going even higher, 96" panels, can help keep heat & warmth in the shower during winter. Adding a valance or a vertical trim detail can further enhance the verticality of a small space.

 

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PAINT TRIM WALL COLOR
Don't get me wrong - I love the look of a classic & crisp look of white baseboards, but cutting off the color before it hits the floor can further dwarf a small space. Every inch counts in some small spaces, so rather than shorten the height of the room, add it by painting the baseboard (and crown molding) the same color as the wall -- but paint it in a different finish to enhance its architectural detail. 

 

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PAINT YOUR FURNITURE
Board with beige and espresso has you feeling tired? Wake up your existing furniture - or new thrift finds - with a pop of color, or even patter. Some great colors to choose from are Old Navy blue from Benjamin Moore, Barn Red from Valspar or even go for the color of the year 2014 and paint a piece with Poetic Purple (also from Valspar). Painted furniture is a means of adding that color punch without committing to an entire wall, or room, of it, and if you don't like it - change it. Another option to adding painted furniture is shop for it already done, from local vintage shops or even HomeGoods.

 

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ADD A BAR CART
Whether you drink or not, a bar cart can be a great multi-task furniture piece for a small space. Placed between two chairs in the living room, it's a wonderful table with a place for treasures or book displays. In a kitchen, a bar cart is additional storage space for appliances & dishes, plus it can be used to serve tea or make a hot chocolate bar in winter. And of course during times of celebration, a bar cart becomes your best ally when entertaining. Whether acrylic, brass, wicker or painted a powerful color - the best attribute about using a bar cart in a small space is: it's on wheels so it's super easy to move-it move-it :)

Hope these small space solutions help inspire your design resolutions...

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