Hi y’all.  I am so so sorry for not blogging lately!  It has been such a whirlwind since our new prez. came on board and I just now have settled down. 

I want to talk to y’all about decorating small spaces and solutions to downsizing.  We all know that we are trying to re-create our lives everyday now, just to survive. 

If you finally got that million-dollar baby- that postage stamp-size apartment in the city, and now you don’t know what to do with it, let’s talk. I have had several emails asking me for design advice on how to decorate their studios so I wanted to pass on a few general tips so that you can have a functional but stylish pad with the best digs available.  Most of my clients complain about the fact that they do not have enough space but later they realize it is not the lack of space but what they did with the available space they have that matters.  Here are a few design tips to fully utilize your space. 

First, determine and create your walkways in your space so you don’t obstruct your path with furniture or that exotic fertility statue you bought from a street vendor in the east village.  No need to walk over and around your fabulous digs to get to the kitchen.  The more “footprint” you have that is clear, the larger your space will seem.

• Simplify and reduce the amount of star trek memorabilia, salt-n-pepper shakers (aka: stuff) you have laying around the place.  When space is precious, the last thing you want to do is have to find space to display all those treasures.  First you need a place to sit, eat, and store.  You can’t compete with your BFF who has a 4 bed/3 bath in Westchester, sorry!  Remember: ‘Less is more’.  Decide what to sell on Craig’s List or Ebay.  Pitch what is garbage.  Pick out what goes ‘bye-bye’ to “Acme Storage” and whatever is left, will need to be strategically placed around that 300sq ft. living room so you don’t hit your girl/guy Friday between the eyes with “Yes, I’m a Trekki!”

• De-clutter with furniture items that are multi-functional.  Hip trendy plastic furniture is cute but perfect for Barbie’s Playhouse.  First, you have to make sure these furniture ‘finds’ are compact to fit your space.  It needs to have some storage or multi-functional feature and the design has to have a long life, unless you are interested in changing your décor every year.   I suggest ME2 Design items, not only because they are friends of mine but that their designs were created with downsizing and hard-to-furnish spaces in mind, so most of their items do at least 2-3 things.  They have storage, wheels, are coordinated, multi-functional and modular…these items work in any space and they are stylish basics to suit any lifestyle.  Since you are living in a small space, the main living floor space must be maximized.   See if you are able to cut out dry-wall ‘shadowbox’ windows into the wall to place or mount your TV and accessories right into the wall to relieve the need for an entertainment center.  Use wall mounted shelving. Use two matching small tables like ME2’s wire tables, Brooklyn Nights Smoking Tables, in front of a small sofa as cocktail tables instead of one large table.  This allows for more walking space and gives the illusion of a larger room.

• Kitchen space in a big city apartment is usually a joke and it creates the most stress because we love to hang out in the kitchen.  If you do not have enough space for a large kitchen table, try ME2 Design’s “The Talker”.  This 3-pc ensemble is sleek and long so it is great along a wall in a small kitchen.  The stools nest under the table and are on wheels so easy to arrange, as needed.  The stools also have hidden storage inside to put pots, pans, toys etc.  If your kitchen does not have enough space for a table but has an open wall, get a piece of wood 1” thick x 10” wide (or as wide as you can come out from the wall) x ( ¾ of the length of the wall).  Have the wooden “counter bar top” bull-nose beveled on the outside edges and flat along the backside where it will be mounted onto the wall.  Have the wood top stained and finished on all sides, to match your cabinets.  Mount the “wood counter top” to the wall, 32” from floor and add supporting brackets underneath.  Purchase 2-3 counter stools that are 28” tall to slide them underneath the counter when not in use.  Add a large piece of artwork centered on the wall to balance the counter top bar and add color and design to the space.  The counter will be great for storing, entertaining and eating and will take up minimal space!

• Color is very important to a small space so watch out for those bright colors.  Unless you want to live in a disco or beach party patio atmosphere everyday after a long day at the office, select a warm, light and monochromatic palette to create a soothing atmosphere and the illusion of space, where you have none.   For example, shades of green are good for a bedroom because they are calming colors.  If you need those trend colors, add them as spots of color with your accessories, pillows or area rug.  Area Rugs are also a key addition because it adds color, separates a “room” in one space and is also comfortable. Create drama in your space by adding a decorative accent wall behind your main piece of furniture in a (2x) darker tone than the rest of the walls.  The trim must be painted all the same color in your place if it is small.  Some people prefer white; some prefer off-white and some people like a tone of the wall color.  It is all personal preference, but whatever you decide, the trim needs to be in the same color throughout the space so the flow stays consistent.

• Don’t over furnish your space.  You can use a large oversized sectional, sofa or Queen Ann loveseat, whatever, as long as you choose a simple sleek design and don’t crowd the left over space with too many other pieces.  A small room or single-room living space should only have up to 5 well-fitting furniture pieces. Check out ME2 Design side tables, The Observer, for fabulous tables with magazine shelf, storage and hidden wheels.  They are a perfect scale for large sofas and hides stuff too.

• Lighting is key and will impact your space more than anything else.  Add recessed lighting along the perimeter of the room and other key areas throughout your place to give an illusion that the space is larger than it is.  If you can’t add recessed lighting, add side tables next to the sofa for a comfy/cozy feeling and add a chandelier if you want to separate a “dining room/eating area” from the rest of the space.  Adding a chandelier differentiates the spaces, visually.

• Wall Décor is key to any space, large or small. Add large artwork on the wall of your small room, especially behind your largest furniture pieces.  Art or wall décor serves to anchor your furniture and creates a ‘room within a room’. The larger the art, the bigger your space will seem.  Add mirrors strategically placed throughout the space.  Place a large mirror across from a large window to bring the outdoors in, even if it is just the backside of another building.

• Closets are usually the first structure that is removed from a space when these small urban apartments were created, so you have to create your own “storage”.  After you take my advice and purchase furniture with storage, you need main storage space.  I suggest that you add wall storage.  I read a great idea where you get a carpenter to cut out storage “cabinets” inside the wall (assuming they are dry wall) and then create a column of cabinets set into the wall and add on hinged door fronts. Utilize storage under your bed by getting shallow large bins on wheels so you can access them easily for shoes, sweaters etc.  Create a “closet” by purchasing a great Japanese screen or connect 3 vintage doors together to   create a “room divider/closet”.  Place a clothing rack behind screen and you  have a closet.  Low on cash?  Run a drapery track or curtain rod with hooks along ceiling, place 2 ft. away from the wall and extend along the     length of the wall.  Purchase canvas or drapery fabric to make panels that   go to the floor.  Sew together as many panels as you need to close off  “closet” area. 

• The bathroom is also a place where you have to improvise to survive. Utilize the back of the door, under the sink and any space that you can access without cramping yourself, with hooks, shelving, bins. Walls are to have mounted cabinets and shelves. If you have the funds, update the old sink-with-cabinet from the 60’s with a pedestal/vessel sink or wall mounted sink and cabinet.  It opens up  your room and is an updated solution for a small bathroom. The mirror  should be large and if possible, a medicine cabinet …or you can put a medicine cabinet set into the wall behind the door.  If you are lucky enough to have a closet in the bathroom, an easy “fix” for  the door-hitting-another-door issue is to take off the closet door and its hinges.  Repair or replace trim around door, if necessary.  Then add a track and beaded curtain, sheers or drapes and hang them to the floor.

Well, to my housewives and fashionistas out there who I love and adore, just because your place is small doesn’t mean it has to look like a dorm room or a storage unit.  Follow a few of these tips and you will create a cozy, chic nest for yourselves!

That’s All,

David

I actually need a place for serving so I decided to give up 1 of the large closets and convert to an alcove for a service bar for the Dining Room area. I have a large sectional with the long side separating the room. I got an Ottoman from ME2 because they are compact to fit in the middle and still be able to walk around. I have an area rug under sectional and ottoman. The dining room looks separate from couch area with the addition of the alcove, and area rug.

citygirl

Hi roadwarrior,

Thanks for the question… Depending on where your main room is positioned in your home, the layout is predicated on the “flow” of the space.  It is important, so here are a few rules of thumb.

1.  Try not to obstruct main “walkways” from one room to another with major furniture… you don’t want to trip over the couch after getting home late one nite and forgetting you re-arranged the furniture, do you?

2. Create an atmosphere for each room but take 1 accent color or decor accent that repeats for both so the areas tie together slightly.  We don’t want Geranimals or circus tent, do we?

…kudos to citygirl!  She knows what she’s talking ’bout!  Wanna job?

3.  Since the room is not that palatial, I would paint walls all the same color… if you want to do an accent wall- do it behind couch.

4. Dining room area should always have a chandelier… it creates the room instantly.

5. Living room area with couch and coffee table or ottoman should have an accent rug to off-set that area.

Remember, with no walls you are left with accent items to indentify, but also, to complement.

Send pics!

David

David, What do you do with one large 18′x28′ room that has to be the entertainment area and dining as well. Two of the walls have closets and the back wall is all window. UGH not much to work with! Can u help?

roadwarrior

Thanks citygirl! That is an idea. I got an estimate for new doors that was over $2000. UGH! What did you do for furniture?

roadwarrior

Hi David,

I wondered if you had any ideas for solving a closet problem. My bedroom has two windows on the south wall. I positioned my headboard between them with small end tables on either side. The door into the room is on the west wall, good feng shui, so far so good. My problem is this: the room isn’t quite wide enough to open the closet. The bed’s footboard ends barely 6 inches from closed closet doors on the north wall. I tried to solve the dilemma by swapped out the doors for curtains but wondered if you had any other thoughts or potential solutions. Thanks!

dbNYC

Hey road warrior… I have a similiar room and had old louver doors on all the closets. I had the center slats removed and replaced with frosted glass. It really was an amazing makeover for the room that is less that it would have been to replace doors! Good luck and happy arranging

From: citygirl

David, You're such a MAN"

HEY Y’ALL! 

I hope you enjoy my blog about decorating, renovating and the problems we face and the solutions for them. I am sure to inform and entertain you. Friends, decorators, moms and neighbors are all welcome to participate.

Consider me your on-line Interior Designer extraordinaire/ den mother/ party host. I am here to talk shop.

You will have access to a designer with the solutions that will turn your place into a palace.  I may pass on a little friendly advise or demand a total overhaul. Regardless, I’ll tell ya like it is.

Welcome my friendly, frustrated, dust-ridden Do-It-Yourself Decorators!  Get the answers here!

From one decorating diva to another…

Let’s start with a few basics, shall we?

1. KIDS ROOMS:

Now, honey, we all know that kids will grow up faster than you can decorate so make their room décor timely and not so juvenile- you will save a lot of cash if you skip the ‘baby step’.  If it has to be a theme room then make sure it has staying power for at least 3 years. 
Stay focused on the theme versus specific names or heroes – pretty dolls
vs. Polly Pockets!  Why re-decorate every year or so?  Don’t worry dear, I can help you spend your cash in so many other projects in your home, you’ll need the savings!

 Get a color theme and style that is personalized for them.  Let them decorate with you!  Take them shopping for their bedding and furniture and you’re halfway there with no returns to the store!  They have to love and feel at home in their space especially the older they get so it should appeal to their tastes and interests complete with their toys, games, dolls and posters - whatever is legal. 

The fabrics and wall color should complement and not conflict with what they want in their room.  Stripes and checks are great accent patterns that can outlive their trends from year to year.  Storage and shelf space is key.  A long shelf unit with cabinets below is a great solution for easy access and economizing space.  Always leave enough space on the floor for ‘sleepovers’ and all-nighters… they have to have a party space for their friends too!  I think the beanbag for 2 is a great item for all kids who love to entertain.

“ You know your children are growing up when they stop asking you where they came from and refuse to tell you where they are going.”  PJ O’Rourke

      2. KITCHENS:

Now when do you not have all of your friends in the kitchen during your social events?  Since we spend most of our time with friends in the kitchen, make it livable for you and your circle and not just a lounge for your pets.  The kitchen is the center of your universe at home.  The kitchen is party central and not a storage depot or a science project testing bacteria.  

Clean up and clear out, girl!  You don’t want your guests to see what you had for dinner last night or 3 nights ago for that matter!  They do not need to see your ‘reduce-my-carbon-foot print theory with all your recycled conatiners so you end up comparing the types of detergents you use.  You have to be ready to host a dinner or throw a party last minute, especially if your honey is connected and has it all going on at work.  If you are both laid off, it is Spring Cleaning you can do for your soul.

Wood floors are wonderful for the Feng Shui of the room as it warms a kitchen and invites mingling.  Select your area rugs (if applicable), fabrics and window coverings first.  Paint your ceiling a bright white and trim in white.  Walls should be the background color in your major fabric in the décor.  

REMEMBER: Color in the kitchen should be divided as follows: 60% light or neutral, 40% mid and bright tones as accents in the room- vases, dishes, flowers.  Most of us are lucky to have storage and counter space… but my NYC peeps. (They don’t have any storage or space for the most part.)  GOD Bless their hearts!

It is how you maximize and economize your space that makes the difference.  That is where modular items and nested accent pieces are a perfect solution, for instance, take a look “The Talker” table from ME2 Design, which was designed to fit into your kitchen AND give you STORAGE, seating and table- all in one.  No matter how small, as long as it is wide enough for 3 people deep.

  “If you can be, be.  If not, cheer up and go on about other people’s business, doing and undoing unto others ‘til you drop.”   E.E. Cummings

      3. FURNITURE STYLES:

Are you so tightly wound about your home decor being a masterpiece that friends and family are uncomfortable staying for a cup of coffee?  Home dwellers we are becoming more and more casual and open to mixing various styles.  Contemporary design has influenced us to break out and get updated!   The way we combine accent pieces with our core furniture can give a face-lift to your room… and we all love a lift ;)!

There is the traditional style that runs along the lines of historical elements and models we all can relate to and appreciate.  These styles cover a vast cultural interest and the detailing is usually more ornamental which screams Glamour immediately so be careful if that is not want you want to convey!  My advice - focus on a specific element that you can base the room style from and build from there.  If not, your room will look like Aunt Mabel’s garage sale.

Contemporary style always appeals to us urbanites on the move… these items are easy, usually have cleaner lines and are less decorative which give an interior space an open sleek, serene and unencumbered look without the fuss and ‘overdone-ness’.  Let’s face it- our lives are over-done.  We are over-done.  Stick a fork in us!  This furniture style is easily coordinated because of its clean line and always works as a stabilizing accent to heavily traditional pieces because they do not compete.  After all, someone has to be the Queen in the room!

Finally, it seems that there is a growing trend in country home style.  Unfortunately, honey, I am a city gentleman without the eye for this type of home decorating.  I can do Shabby Chic, Ralph Lauren cabin but I can’t do country kitchen.  I’m sorry.

Please refer to latest issue of Women’s World or Country Living.  

“We had gay burglars the other night, they came in and re-arranged the furniture.”  Robin Williams

That’s All…

David

DAVID HENSON, A HIGHLY ACCLAIMED AND REKNOWNED INTERIOR DESIGNER IN ATLANTA, OFFERS YOU GREAT ADVICE, FUN TIPS AND CURRENT TREND FOCUS FOR YOUR NEXT PROJECT.