“Less Is More”
Modernist
architect Mies Van der Rohe is credited with the saying “less is more.” While
Mies was referring to exterior ornamentation for buildings, the philosophy can
also apply to interior spaces. Especially if your home or flat has small rooms,
less truly IS more.
In
some cases, “less” refers to the scale of your furniture. For instance, instead
of purchasing a mammoth sofa that can overpower a small room, why not
substitute a cozy two-seater and a matched set of armchairs. Visit Made.com for
matching and mixing ideas before commiting to anything. You will still have plenty of seating space
while preserving a sense of openness.
Getting
rid of excess clutter is also essential. While you may find it difficult to
part with some of the books, clothing and furnishings you are used to having
around, once you do you will be amazed by how much lighter and roomier your
living space becomes. As a bonus, you may even make a bit of money if you sell
off some of your possessions.
When
you are working to make the most of small spaces, walls become your ally.
Install wall shelving for books, electronics and clothing to preserve precious
floor space. The less you have on the floor, the larger your rooms often
appear.
Purchase
Furniture With Clean Lines
Modernist
style furniture has clean lines that lend themselves well to small spaces. A
sleek leather couch, glass and chrome coffee table and simple armchairs form an
inviting conversation area that does not make the room look crowded. If your
taste runs more toward traditional furnishings, choose smaller-scale pieces
with more subtle patterns. For example,
a floral love seat matched with armchairs that pick up one of the colors of the
love seat can be charming and inviting in a small room, whereas a full-sized
floral sofa might make the room seem cramped.
Eliminate
Needless Clutter
While
there is no need to become compulsive about having everything in its place, it
is true that tidy rooms seem more spacious than messy rooms. Likewise, it is
easier to keep track of your keys, important documents or even your child’s
favorite toy when your essential items are not buried underneath piles of
clutter.
Go
through your possessions and decide what you simply cannot live without. Sell, give away or discard the rest. You may
very well be amazed at how much roomier your spaces will seem. You will also
save precious time that you previously wasted retrieving “lost” items. You
might also wonder why you waited so long to de-clutter your life.
Maximize Wall
Spaces
Placing
meaningful artwork on your walls can add a sense of beauty to your home.
However, when you are working with small spaces, your walls must perform double
duty. Create the look of built in bookcases by hanging rows of shelves on your
walls. Install a cork board in your kitchen for hooks to hang your cookware and
cooking utensils. Provide additional space for toiletries in your bathroom by
installing shelving above your sink if you do not already have a medicine
cabinet. In your bedroom, wall space can provide eye-level storage for belts,
ties and other accessories.
Amy Grimshaw has a passion for minimalistic
design. She freuqently shares her love of this decorating look on interior
design websites.
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