Small Wonders, Big Difference

When looking to revamp small areas in your home, interior designer Janelle Photopoulos of Blakely Interior Design, says “First, ask yourself what function do you have a need for. Could you repurpose the small nook beside the front door as a drop zone for mail so it doesn’t end up on your kitchen counter? Using small spaces to fill a need is so much more rewarding that just making it pretty.” Here are some tips on how to fully utilize little spaces.

Rethink Unused Spaces
“Take the doors off of hall closets and style the shelves as if they were a built in bookshelf. Breathe new life into the heirloom china set or crystal vase that never gets any use behind closed doors – display those items like pieces of art and transform the hallway into a showcase.” -Jill Gebhart, Found Providence, 201-887-2019, FoundProvidence.com

“No real use for that double wide closet in your guest room? Create a built in office that can be tucked away behind closed doors when guests arrive. A desk surface and shelving can be built right in. Use a contrasting wallpaper as a backdrop before the built-ins go in. Paint the shelves a coordinating color. Make sure it complements the rest of the room when the doors are open. For an odd nook, build in a bench or banquette with storage beneath. Add throw pillows and cushion seats for comfort.” –Jessica Becker, Jessica Becker Designs, Westerly. 917-544-6433, JessicaBeckerDesigns.com

Edit Down Your Furniture
“Edit what you have first. Most of us own way more than we need. Don’t use a lot of little things in small spaces. Fewer items in the correct scale will both work and look better.” –Lee Chartier, Inside Style, 155 Main Street, Wakefield. 401-783-7800, InsideStyleRI.com

“You should edit your furniture and accent pieces just like you edit your wardrobe. I tell my clients an object added for effect instead of affection will always look like an affectation. If you don’t love or use it regularly, put it in storage. If you don’t miss it in six months, donate it.” –Joshua Shockley, Joshua Shockley Interior Design, Providence. 401-743-6296, JoshuaShockley.com

“If your furniture is taking up all of your floor space it’s time to downsize. You want enough sitting space for you and your guests and a place for each person to set down a drink. Typically I’d say in small space two feet of walking room between the sofa and ottoman/coffee table is a good rule of thumb. Keep entryways clear, especially if they open into a room rather than a mudroom or hallway. Eliminate boxy furniture. Pieces with tapered legs that come up off the floor will make the space look roomier.” –Jill Gebhart

Organization is Key
“Those velvet skinny hangers are worth the investment. They create a lot more space in an overcrowded closet, and keep everything as neat and tidy as a boutique. Double your space in your kitchen cabinets with wire shelves that allow you to stack more items. Large decorative baskets are the best to store shoes and bags when you don’t otherwise have the room. It keeps items that have to remain in plain sight a little neater and will declutter your floor. I keep a basket for shoes by my back door and in my front foyer.” – Jessica Becker