Interior Designers’ Tricks of the Trade: Big Design Ideas for Small Spaces
Do you have a room in your home that is, shall we say, space-challenged? We asked local interior designers for their best suggestions on how to make that small space a big hit, design-wise.
Published December 17, 2012 at 05:40 PM
Do you have a room in your home that is, shall we say, space-challenged? We asked local interior designers for their best suggestions on how to make that small space a big hit, design-wise.
“When people think of small places, they usually think of using small furniture, but I go the other way, and it comes out great. I also like to create contrast in color, like dark-colored floors and light-colored walls, or using dark walls with light furniture, such as charcoal walls with white furniture. Perceptually, this gives the room a real pop and makes it feel more expansive.”
—Barbara S. Horowitz, Founder, Barbara S. Horowitz Design and Decoration, White Plains
“Using mirrors to reflect light from the windows is a great technique. And always use a light ceiling in a small room to make it look brighter.”
—Barbara Sternau, Owner, Barbara Sternau Interiors/The Design Shop, Tarrytown
“I like to use varied textures in a small room because it makes it visually interesting without being overwhelming.”
—Pamela Smith, Principal Designer, DesignSmith Interiors, Rye Brook
“Consider using clear mirrors to expand a small space. Mirroring a narrow column or an entire wall gives the illusion of doubling the space.”
—John Elmo, Founder, Elmo Design Group, Ltd, Yonkers
“Hang draperies as high as possible to the ceiling to create height. And tall, narrow bookcases, wall-to-wall carpeting in place of area rugs, and light colors also help create more of a feeling of space.”
—Jacqueline D. Cutler, Jacqueline D. Cutler, Inc., Scarsdale
With research by Hannah Matluck
