Many Americans are downsizing their homes due to the bad economy. This presents new design challenges to people who may not be used to living in small spaces. “Where am I going to put all my stuff?” is at the forefront of many people’s minds. Living room decorating for small spaces is all about making use of every nook and cranny of the home to make the most of the available square footage.
Traditionally, homes are made up of bedrooms, bathrooms, dining rooms, kitchens, and living rooms. People may be inclined to decorate these spaces for their original purposes, but think outside the box and determine which spaces do not get much use. If you are a person who eats their dinner in the living room then a dining room is probably unnecessary most days out of the year. In this case, you can move the home office out of the living room and into the dining room. Get rid of anything in the living room that you can to maximize the use of the space.
Determine a focal point and design the rest of the room around it. Depending on the home, this could be a fireplace, a large window with a view, or even the television. When you have a focus then you know where to place the furniture and accessories. This creates a flow within the room that is important for the overall aesthetic and practical use of the space.
Consider creating a room within the room. If there is no other place in the home to create a workspace, then make a designated area in the living room to serve this purpose. Use a small rug to define the area, and use vertical space for storage. For example, hang floating shelves above a small desk and place boxes of paper, writing utensils, and other office supplies on them.
Creating a sense of unity through similar or complimentary colors pulls everything together. In a small space this is a simple way to create the illusion of spaciousness. The use of mirrors is another way to trick the eye into thinking a room is bigger than it actually is because it captures and reflects light.
Living rooms are a place for family and friends to gather. Make use of all the available space in a small room to make it comfortable, functional, and a reflection of your personal style. Living room decorating for small spaces is a challenge, but these ideas and tips make it easier for anyone downsize.
