With small spaces comes the underlying assumption that you are willing to sacrifice on style and aesthetics but you can live large within the limitations of your floor plan. Even if small space living is your only option, you can make it luxurious. There are many nifty ideas that you can use to make your small space function at it’s best and, in this article, we are bringing you a few of those. The Week with the help of Bhat Bhateni Furniture & More, at Krishna Galli, is here to help you design your space and tuck away all the stuff that tends to accumulate when you have a home to ensure that it is calm and restful – just the way it should be.

Solution #1: Opt for compact furniture
For small spaces, look for furniture that is compact and can be broken down into individual pieces as per your need. This way you can change the look of your living space with minimal effort and expense whenever you want. Try two smaller tables in place of a single large coffee table. Smaller tables are much more versatile and can be moved around to wherever you need them. Also, opt for furniture that suits a smaller space, like a petite table. Even traditionally bulky pieces, such as upholstered club chairs, come in narrower widths these days, so you can get the same look without cramming in your furnishings. A decor tip: Pull your furniture away from the wall. A few inches between the wall and the back of your couch, for example, will make the living room look more open.

Solution #2: Make your furniture multitask  
Cramped quarters can feel claustrophobic, but a little strategic styling can transform a snug bedroom into a restful retreat. The idea is to never buy a piece that you won’t be able to reuse or repurpose when you are redecorating. Think side tables that can serve as mini bar or stand alone pieces in a neglected corner of your room and consoles that can be used as an extra seating space or storage later on. An ottoman with a tray can hold your TV remotes and transform into extra seating when you need it, and a bench can display books when not in use otherwise.

Solution #3: Don’t shy away from patterns
The myth that patterns can overpower a small space must be broken. Patterns, be it in the form of cushion covers, wallpaper, or even decal, can draw the eye up and around the room taking the focus away from the smallness of the space. We’ll let you in on another little known design secret: Hang your draperies as high as you can. Place the curtain rod very close to the ceiling, roughly two inches below the ceiling molding will work really well. This trick will take the focus away from the width of the room.

Solution #4: Make use of corners and nooks
This often-overlooked area can be a great spot to squeeze in an extra accent chair or a corner bookshelf, making your room more livable. Or tuck a cozy chair in a corner to create an instant reading nook. You can also keep a small table or mini console in these areas for extra storage or as a catchall for your keys and other knickknacks. You can also use the wall space in corners as a display area. Depending on where the corner is, hang up your jewelry, or pretty cutting boards and trivets, to clear out valuable drawer space in the bedroom or kitchen.

Solution #5: Use the vertical space
Try wall-mounted shelves or a bookcase behind the couch in your living room. You will only lose a little floor space, and you will gain a ton of storage. Of course, the bottom shelves should be devoted to things you don’t need to access that often. A wall-mounted desk can save a little space over a traditional freestanding one. Also, if you don’t have room for end tables or nightstands, try simple shelves mounted to the wall. The open space underneath the nightstand visually enlarges the space, and you can also stash things like shoes and books underneath. Also, mounting a lamp on the wall frees up space on top of the nightstand.

Solution #6: Keep it light
To make your space appear larger, avoid using dark hues. While you can choose to feature a dark focal wall for a punch of color, keep the rest of the space light and open with crisp, white furniture and white built-in units. If white is too bland for you, opt for pastel colors instead. These days furniture too comes in light colors and not just in the conventional wooden tones. Opt for white-varnished pieces and sofas in light, airy colors instead of leather couches and such. You can also boost daylight with a light-bouncing color on the wall. You may also want to rethink your blackout window treatments. Embrace natural light, which will help a small bedroom feel light and airy. Layer drapes and light-blocking shades for style and optimal light control.
 

 
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