SMALL SPACES DESIGN ADVICE
Bring colour and character to compact set-ups with these expert interior design tips
The secret to decorating a small space is to embrace its natural character, rather than fighting its flaws. If your room is naturally dark, welcome the hygge aesthetics with cosy textiles and warming hues. If the space is bright but soulless, bring personality with pretty prints that celebrate its lighter feel. ‘Decorating small spaces can be enormous fun,’ says Joanna Hauptman, co-founder of bespoke furniture brand Hyde House. ‘As the area is smaller in scale, the money saved on quantity can be invested in quality. By curating acollection of one’s most treasured picture frames, luxury scented candles and objects to dress surfaces, combined with smaller scaled furniture pieces, atiny haven can be achieved.’
Q Can I use a dark colour scheme in a small space?
A Don’t be afraid to decorate with adarker colour palette; it can be the making of asmall room. ‘Instead of trying to make the room feel bigger with apale scheme, select a deep shade to embrace the character of the space. Rich and indulgent, our Chocolate Colour shade is perfect for creating ascheme that brings indulgence, comfort and warmth to the home. When used on both walls and ceilings, it can envelop the room, adding impact and drama. Partner it with beautifully neutral hues and natural finishes for tonal contrast,’ says Ruth Mottershead, creative director at Little Greene.
For atruly immersive, jewel-box effect, try colour drenching with arich and deep pigment –taking your colour across all four walls, the woodwork and the ceiling for atruly impactful, cosy finish.
Q How can I use patterns in a small space?
A Pattern A Pattern can be avaluable addition to asmall interior, introducing colour and character in equal measure.
‘Rooms short on space benefit from eye-catching patterns that draw attention, creating the illusion of larger square footage,’ explains Chelsea Clark, head of brand at Lucie Annabel. ‘Larger-scale patterns work well for adding grandeur to smaller rooms, especially when used to cover all the walls, ceilings and soft furnishings, such as cushions and curtains.’
Decorating with one pattern ensures acohesive look that isn’t disrupted by different colours or textiles, while giving the impression of more space.
‘Small patterns can be easily lost, making the room appear even smaller,’ notes Chelsea. ‘If you want to use asmall-patterned wallpaper, confine it to asingle wall and use acomplementary paint or panelling on the other three walls to help expand the space.
‘Feature walls in general bring the boundaries forward, so they should be avoided for small and boxy rooms. But use wallpaper on the end wall of a long and narrow room to help cre
