By Pam Christensen
We’ve been staging more and more small spaces this summer, petite 700 to 900 sq. ft. condos and homes that appeal to city dwellers, singles and baby boomer downsizers. With the current housing costs and the desire for urban living to escape Seattle traffic these compact spaces are popular and appealing. But furnishing and living in a smaller space has its challenges. Here’s some tips we use to help smaller spaces feel spacious.
Low profile sectionals. We have several small low profile sectionals that are perfect to maximize space in a small living room. Using a sectional eliminates the need for additional seating which helps a small living room be comfortable, and functional.
Use light neutral colors for walls, sofas and rugs with bright pops of color in your art and accents to add interest to the space.
Use light to help space feel open and bright. Floor lamps and table lamps can double as art and lighting. Light always helps space feel larger.
Use glass or acrylic pieces for dining, coffee and accent tables. This Allows you to use larger pieces without making the space feel cramped.
Use one or two large pieces or art for walls rather than several small pieces. Multiple small pieces of art actually make your space feel cluttered, where a single large piece will add dramatic appeal.
Use mirrors to reflect views and spaces. This will help to make the space feel doubled, and if you have a view mirrors will help you to surround yourself with that beauty.
Use multi-functional furniture. Benches that open for storage used at the end of the bed or on an entry wall can add seating and provide convenient storage. A large ottoman used instead of a coffee table also doubles as seating and storage in compact living room spaces.
Maximize living space with multi-purpose spaces. Furnish the guest room with a trundle or daybed and a desk with shelves will give you the office space you need for daily living, and offer a guest room. We have also used small scale furniture to create an office in closets or entries.
Use your outdoor space. Adding a bistro set, a comfortable all weather chair and a propane heater to your deck will give you a year round space for dining or chillaxing.
Add shelves. Ikea has great shelves that can be used vertically or horizontally depending on the space. We’ve used them in offices, family rooms, bedrooms and even dining areas.
Whether staging a small space to sell or decorating to live always keep in mind that for smaller spaces the rule of less is more is even more criticaL It’s important to organize closets, drawers and cabinets to help to avoid clutter. Keep accessories to a minimum as well, as too many things, even beautiful things can quickly overwhelm a space.
If you have questions about our services or ideas for future articles, please visit my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/stagingforcharisma and post a comment or pop me an email at pam@stagipgforcharisma.com. I’d love to hear your questions or challenges, if I don’t know the answer I’ll find an expert who does!
About the author …
Pam Christensen is an Accredited Staging Professional Master, a Certified Real Estate Instructor and teaches an Advanced Home Staging Certification course. Her company, Staging for Charisma, is one of the leading home staging companies in the greater Seattle area, and one of the few that specializes in working with investors to help them maximize their return on investment by providing high quality staging that get results!
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