So, you’ve moved into a tiny home or small apartment. Now what? Many people have taken the downsizing trend by storm but find themselves lost once they move into their new space. From what paint colors to choose to figuring out the best way to maximize the space, new tiny homeowners have a lot to consider. If you find yourself asking these questions, here are five tips for decorating your tiny space.
- Purge. Before you occupy your tiny home, go through everything you own and start dividing items by ones that will make the move with you and ones that won’t. You really need to think about your day-to-day routine and take into consideration what’s a necessity. Get rid of items you no longer use.
- Buy the correct sized furniture. Whip out the tape measure! Couches, beds, even end tables should all be measured before purchase. Sure that sectional may seem luxe and cozy but when it enters your living room, it may become an overpowering eyesore. Visualize your space before you start buying furniture. Then, take measurements so you’re positive everything will fit.
- Paint with a plan. Everyone has their own personal preferences when it comes to the color wheel. In a tiny home, light colors are an obvious go-to. Pastels, neutrals and muted tones all work wonders, but that doesn’t mean they’re your only options. Don’t be afraid to go bold. Navy works surprisingly well in small spaces. Also, think about the layout of your tiny home. You can choose one color to paint each room to create a flow or paint each room a different color to differentiate the spaces. Cohesion is key in both options. Another designer tip to make the room appear bigger is to paint the walls and trim the same color. Grays are a safe option if you like this idea.
- Use mirrors. Using mirrors as an accessory can make any room look larger. Place one opposite a window to reflect the landscape outside and maximize natural lighting. On a vacant wall, a large mirror will visually expand the room. Invest in mirrored furnishings like end tables to open up a space even more.
- Don’t let any space go unused. It’s the spots you don’t spend a second thinking about that can become storage areas. Think: under the stairs, in between two closets, or way up high. Vertical space is also key in maximizing storage areas. Shelves can be placed as high as you want in any room. Another way to make the most out of the vertical space is to hang floor to ceiling curtains. Regardless of what or how the space is used, make sure you use it to get the most out of your tiny space!
Don’t let the thought of designing a tiny home stress you out. It may not be able to hold every single one of your belongings but with creative organization, a little purging, and the right furniture and color scheme, your space will feel larger than it is. For more tiny space decorating tips, contact the Swat Design Team, a group of St. Louis interior decorators.