Choose Your Style: Smart Solves for Small Spaces
"Beauty in art and nature arises from the harmonious arrangement of parts—when each element is in the proper proportion and order, they form a unified whole that is pleasing to the senses." — Aristotle
The man, the myth, the legend—the great Aristotle gave us much to ponder on the idea of beauty. And while it may seem a bit pretentious to bring up Aristotle in the context of where to put a loveseat in your one-bedroom apartment, we beg to differ.
"The harmonious arrangement of parts…" is all about where to put the loveseat in your one-bedroom apartment. And how to use storage so your favorite books are within reach but not in the way. Aristotle encourages us to create beauty with everyday spaces and mundane objects.
With that in mind, choose a style path below to find some Aristotelian inspiration to create beauty in your small space.
Minimalist Multi-Functional Design
Clean Lines & Neutral Colors
Cultivate an airy and open atmosphere in your small space with neutrals that feel like the space is breathing. Calming shades of white, beige, and light gray will expand your space without knocking down a single wall.
Multi-Functional Pieces
Use furniture that serves more than one purpose. Modular pieces can shift to accommodate afternoon yoga or movie night with friends. And for keeping clutter hidden, think shelving with drawers rather than exposed bookcases. So everything can be in its right place, a la Radiohead circa 2000.
Open Layout & Defined Zones
Avoid large furniture pieces that block visibility—like tall bookcases or shelving, or high-backed chairs. And use rugs to shape a space where there isn't one. For instance, a throw rug by the couch can mark the area that is the living room. Floor lamps next to a couch allow you to use light to shape space with minimal effort.
Urban Eclectic Chic
Mix of Textures & Materials
Not everyone will be able to get that industrial era exposed brick look that we know you're pinning to your interior design dreams Pinterest board. But there are other ways to incorporate texture in your space. Think metal accents via drawer handles, and light fixtures mixed with plush textures of an ottoman. Mixing textures of any kind adds a subtle layering aesthetic. It's a simple way to give your space depth.
Bold Accents & Personal Touches
When it comes to making small spaces feel bigger, the color rule is always neutral, neutral, neutral. But that doesn't mean you can't play with wild colors and your favorite artwork. Just keep your canvas (aka your walls, curtains and the like) neutral beige, white or light gray. And add pops of color throughout your space.
Consider accent chairs like the Brooks Occasional Chair in bolder hues, or patterned fabrics on throw blankets. Decorative cushions or unique baskets can also provide texture and personality without dominating the space.
Creative Use of Vertical Space
One of our heroes, Zaha Hadid, once said, "You always have to be a little bit unconventional." Which is to say, when it comes to vertical space, mix it up. Combine vintage or mid-century modern furniture with contemporary items. Pair a sleek modern sofa like the Chaucer with a repurposed industrial coffee table. There are no rules in design.
The key for small spaces is to choose pieces that are modular, multi-purpose and in harmony with each other. Consider whether the curves of a couch feel right with the angles of a bookcase. Think about design like music—sometimes dissonance adds intrigue, but too much can feel uncomfortable. Dissonance can be fun and cool for a death metal show, but not the best for your living room. Everything in moderation.