It's a Small World After All

That's not entirely true . . . but how do you explain the interest in the Tiny House Movement? (Yes, there really is a movement.) I think people are fascinated by the idea of living in a very small space, maybe even one you can take with you. While most people I know aren't ready to make that jump yet, I am working with a lot of people who are down-sizing. And that has it's own set of issues.

As someone who did this a couple of years ago, I understand the difficulties of living in a smaller space. There's less storage, less space for furniture, fewer rooms . . . but for me it's been well worth it as I learn that less really is more. I like having less to clean and maintain, less "stuff" around me to worry about, and the new house really does feel cozy rather than small.

But there are a few things I've learned that I thought I would share with those who are going through or are considering going through a similar transition.

First, furnishings need to be flexible. That means the sofa/loveseat combo is probably not a good idea. If  you still want a sofa, go smaller and have chairs instead of a loveseat. Or forego the sofa and simply have chairs surrounding a round coffee table. Two pairs of chairs or all four matching keeps the arrangement from looking too random. (And the mirrors help expand the space.)

HGTV

Get creative with seating options. Rather than a coffee table, what about an ottoman. Or have poufs or small stools available. A plus is if they can be stored under another piece of furniture (console table? coffee table?) or used in place of a side table until needed.

Midwest Living

Banquettes and benches make great space-saving seating options in the dining room. And if you haven't seen some of the great storage options available under beds, you're missing out! While there are lots of creative ideas for putting things under a bed, there are also some wonderful beds that have built-in storage underneath - and I'm not talking platform beds!

Then keep a few "rules" in mind to make space feel larger. Use one area large area rug (8x10) to ground the seating, and keep all other rugs out. Hang larger artwork pieces rather than groupings, especially of smaller pictures. Keep window treatments minimal. Use one large accessory rather than a few smaller ones. And while you may not be ready for a tiny house, before you know it, you'll be loving living small!

What About That Artwork?

I've been working with a client who wants to fall in love with her home. She and  her family have lived there for many years and she's never really been happy. It's a beautiful home . . . set in a beautiful rural location in southern Connecticut. Sounds like a fun project! But what has been interesting about the 7 hours I spent with her this week is that so far it's been about . . . artwork.

And what has been reinforced to me is . . . this doesn't have to be difficult. With a few "rules" everyone can surround themselves with the art they love - and make a huge change in how they feel about their homes.

Using children's artwork

As an example, one of the rooms we're working on is the basement "rec" room. It now has a pool table, comfortable seating, and will soon have a pub table and chairs. But what to do with all those walls?

We decided on a travel theme. She bought travel posters and artwork of beautiful travel destinations - or even just words. The room is fabulous. And here is "rule" #1: connect the artwork in each room in some way. While maybe a strict theme isn't necessary, the art should be similar in colors, frames, and/or subject matter. Another room we worked on is the entry. The art we hung in the entrance with very high ceilings is all artwork her college-aged daughter had done through the years. With different subject matters, we combined works with similar colors and done in the same medium, creating a unified look that makes the home owner smile every time she walks through the door.

Gallery in a Box from Pottery Barn

Our next room to tackle is the family room, where she wants a wall of family photos. Which brings us to "rule" #2: family photos, like collections of any sort, make a greater impact when displayed together. It doesn't have to be a wall, but consider within a bookcase or on a console table. (Save the mantel for large, eye-catching art.) 

Back to the photo wall - and rule #3: hang groupings close together. A good rule of thumb is 2" or the width of the mats (if there are mats). And if you have a lot of photos to hang (rule #4), use matching frames styles. Sizes can be different, but keep the style simple and the colors the same. 

There are a few more "rules" . . . but this is a good start. And if you make an error in placement? That's what spackle is for!