SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK: Consider Freshening Up Your Space With Upholstery

{These gorgeous chairs got a fresh facelift with yummy Thomas Paul fabric}

When I bought these vintage chairs, I knew that I would be upholstering them one day. The frame of the chairs are so pretty but the dull green fabric needs an overhaul. I am working on freshening these chairs and think upholstery is a fabulous and practical way to update your space without adding more pieces to the mix. Small space footprints are small so update your existing pieces. Price out different vendors and see what kind of deals you can get - it's worth it! More to come on my own DIY project...

Check out more pages from the SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK.

SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK: Try Upholstery To Freshen Up Your Small Space

{These gorgeous chairs are brought to new life with some pretty Thomas Paul fabric}

When I bought these vintage chairs, I knew that I would be upholstering them one day. The frame of the chairs are so pretty but the dull green fabric needs an overhaul. I am working on freshening these chairs and think upholstery is a fabulous and practical way to update your space without adding more pieces to the mix. Small space footprints are small so use your space by updating your existing pieces.
Price out different vendors and see what kind of deals you can get - it's worth it! More to come on this project...

SMARTLY DESIGNED FOR SMALL SPACES

Most small space dwellers tend to pick up pieces for their space that work double duty. I am loving this coffee table meets magazine stand. Gorgeous lines and smartly designed. Even something like magazine storage can take up space in small space and this well-designed pieces covers both. Oh and check out the pretty chair next to it that I blogged about yesterday. Fab!

SMART DESIGNS FOR SMALL SPACES

LOVING. LIVING. SMALL. News...My Interview with Jonathan Adler for AT!

Click here for part 1 of the Jonathan Adler interview.

I have some fabulous news, lovely LLS readers. I was able to interview the one and only, Jonathan Adler, last week and the 2-part interview will be up and running on Apartment Therapy today and tomorrow. Click here to check out the very fabulous Jonathan and get some neat insight into his world. (available at 2pm PST)

{Image by Dan Wilby}

RECLAIMED WOOD PLANTER Fabulous!

I spent the day at Westweek at the Pacific Design Center and had the pleasure of checking out the hottest trends in furniture and design. Aside from the furniture, the showrooms had fabulous flower and plant displays. Love this reclaimed wood planter - how gorgeous for a small space accent with a big impact!

USING YOUR WALLS: Controlled Chaos

Ok, so I wouldn't really say this wall feels or is "chaotic" but the mismatched yet balanced vibe of the art gallery looks perfect! I love the color and texture and the height of the gallery really draws your eye up. Love it!

[Image via Washington Design Center]

DOUBLE UP YOUR ACCENTS

Kind of loving this basket in basket look. The texture is fab and this accent in your space provides both form and function.

SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK: Different Styles Pulled Together By Color and Texture

One of my fave designers, Jonathan Adler, has done some fabulous design makeovers for clients. I love this one in particular that showcases how different styles can really work together when color and texture are involved. The chairs come from different genres and are styled with different colors yet when place against the backdrop of the wall gallery and over the same rug pattern, all of the colors create a harmony and the space feels super balanced and super visual.

This is a great thought to hang on to when living in small spaces. Try to create balance and symmetry but watch out for too matchy-matchy or your space may come off like a hotel room. Create a vibe in your home and use color to pull it all together. Design styles really can work together when color and texture are involved. Oh and have fun! It's your home so enjoy!

Check out more pages from the SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK.

SMALL SPACE ACCENTS: Side Plates That Pop!

Loving these new small side plates from CB2 featuring imagery by famed artisit, Andy Warhol. The colors and contrasting graphics just pop of the plate. And while these little plates are perfect for entertaining, consider using them in your small space for other things as well - candle holder, jewelry holder, you name it!

SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK: Using BLACK In A Small Space

Most of us out there do tend to shy away from black as wall color choice. Keep in mind that it could provide a wonderful impact in a small space when used in the right balance and with the right accents. Love this built in bookshelf that was painted fittingly to the same color as the wall. This is a great example of how the wall and unit seem to recede - almost disappearing - into the space. The colorful books just pop of the shelf. Add a few mirror accents or metallic pieces to really create visual interest here. Keep the accents bright + light and your small space will feel decadent and bigger than you knew!

Click here to check out more pages from the SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK.

ADDITION TO MY DREAM HOUSE FILE: Arched Doorways

Wowza - do I love this gorgeous room and the arched (and huge) doors that open to fabulous patio! The simple lines of an arched doorway is a stunning addition to any space. I love how wide these doors are too. Yea, this is going in my DREAM HOUSE FILE today!

[Image via KAA Design]

COLORFUL SEATING

Love this small outdoor area that was simply created with 2 colorful chairs, a few accent pillows and a 2 x 3 outdoor rug. It's the perfect addition to your outdoor space for the start of Spring tomorrow.

10 Things I Love From My Apartment

Click here to check out a little feature on my own small space over at AT.

SMALL SPACE CONTINUED TREND...Peacock Accents

{Simple feathers in a vase at Jonathan Adler}

{My mom's vintage peacock purse from the 70s that I carry}

The fab look of peacock feathers interpreted through home decor is still part of everyday design and I love it! Such a versatile design both texturally and aesthetically. Simply place a few feathers in a vase to capture this look for yourself.

SMALL SPACE ACCENTS: Modern Pillow Patterns

I do feel that Target can be a little hit or miss but when I spotted these new modern accent pillows the other day, I thought "homerun!" Loving the fab patterns and color selections. They are about $25 each and worth it. You'll have them forever. I especially love the ikat pattern. Oh la la!

GET READY TO WELCOME SPRING TO YOUR SMALL SPACE

Oh la la...this Friday is the first day of Spring so get ready and pick up some lovely lavender for your small space. A gorgeous, affordable accent with fabulous smell, lavender is the perfect Spring addition for your home.

A KITSCHY WAY TO STORE YOUR ACCENT PILLOWS A Jonathan Adler Showroom Peek

I spotted this kitschy and fun hook idea in Jonathan Adler's Melrose shop and thought it was fun! Using your walls is a clever way to showcase any collection - why not consider storing things there too?

Dining In Your Small Space

Recreating The "Kitchen Table"
Small Space Dwellers Create A New Place To Dine

I wanted to share my Friday AT post with you lovely readers since it's super relevant to small space dwellers. Small spaces don't always lend themselves for formal dining (i.e. a good 'ole kitchen table) so you need to be creative about your dining table. Click here to read the post. A lot of the readers enjoy coffee table dining just like we do.

I LOVE...Tangerine + Gold

I've seen this color combo in magazine and stores for a while now and simply love it. There's something rustic glam about it to me? Here are 2 interpretations of this scheme via coffee table and tea set. Cute!

CLASSIC CHAIRS....SMALL.

Love the miniature models of classic chairs. Although pricey, it would be a fab little collection to have.

A LOVING. LIVING. SMALL. Reminder: Simply Enjoy Your Home!

Decorating and furnishing your small space can be a fun and creative adventure but don't forget to simply enjoy your space. Seems simple enough but too many times I hear friends rushing through their life from work to plan to meeting, etc. Take time in your small space to just relax - your house (no matter how small or big) is your place to just enjoy. One of my favorite things is to make time for is making breakfast. My specialty - spinach egg white omelettes! Oh la la!

LOVING. LIVING. SMALL. reminder to simply enjoy your small space!

Decorating and furnishing your small space can be fun and creative adventure but don't forget to simply enjoy your space. Seems simple enough but too many times I hear friends rushing through their life from work to plan to meeting, etc. Take time in your small space to just relax - your house (no matter how small of big) is your place to just enjoy. One of my favorite things is to make time to make breakfast. My specialty - spinach egg white omelettes! Oh la la!

SMALL SPACE ACCENTS: Sustainable Lighting

How cool is this Fiji Hanging lamp via Z Gallerie? Loving the tiers of sustainable rattan! This would be a fab accent in a small space.

CUTE: Pantone Salt & Pepper Shakers

How cute are these Pantone salt and pepper shakers? Since most small space dwellers have kitchen decor out and about on counters and shelves, having these colorful accents in your small kitchen space would be a fab addition!

USING YOUR WALLS: Creating A Focal Point In Your Bedroom

If you are looking for way to create an impact in your small bedroom, consider creating dimension and texture to your wall by adding fabric. Loving this photo of fabric wrapped around a board and then hung up on the wall to fill the entire space. It's almost a double as - wall furnishing / headboard. You can easily recreate this in your space by wrapping fabric you love around a few boards that have been secured together.

Also, note how the bed is not centered on the wall but it still feels balance? The designer placed a lamp about the same height as the headboard to create harmony. Remember there really are no rules - it's what feels good to you that works best in your home.

[Photo via Ashe + Leandro]

MAKE YOUR OWN SILHOUETTE

I love the look of silhouettes! Such a fun and personal way to create a little impact in a space. I spotted this easy step-by-step process for making your very own and placing them against fabric. Pick a bold fabric and the silhouette will pop! Click here to learn how to make your own.

FREE MARIMEKKO DESKTOP WALLPAPER

As a big fan of Marimekko fabrics, I was thrilled to discover their little blog, Always Mod! (What took me so long?) Full of bold colors and whimsical designs, there are tons of little inspirations to be found here. Loving the desktop wallpaper for your computer. It's funny, I sit with my laptop in different rooms depending on my mood - sometimes in the office or sometimes when I am lounging on the couch - and seeing this wallpaper makes me smile. Download it for free right here.

LOVING. LIVING. SMALL.'s RE-DO OF LIGHTING KITSCH

UPDATE: Let's say Boy didn't think it was as sweet as I did. Oh well.

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I posted yesterday about using white lights in the home and decided to try it for myself - kind of loving it! I wonder what Boy will say when he gets home? :)

Jonathan Adler does the Barbie Dream House

Oh la la! How fun is this real-life interpretation of Barbie's Dream House by fabulous potter and designer, Jonathan Adler? Last night's event in Malibu provided a look into this cotton candy whimsy of Barbie design and style with the touch of Jonathan's style. Ya know, I actually didn't have the Dream House growing up in the 80s but rather the pool. Barbie couldn't even fit in that pool. hmmm.

[Images via Winnepeg Sun]

SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK: Creating A Focal Point In A Small Space

The goal in a small space is to create a focal point, the one piece that anchors the space by creating balance and harmony.

Loving this example of how the sofa is not lined up square under the windows. The designer used the walls to create a framed art gallery that mirrors the dimensions of the window and, therefore, created harmony in the space. The couch feels good there and the space is cohesive and balance. Be creative in your space. I decided to place our couch smack in the middle of our family room but it works because I balanced the space on the ends with pieces that are similar in form.

There really are no "rules" for designing a space. What works for you in your home is what is best! LOVING. LIVING. SMALL. is about providing inspiration, ideas and tips for you and your small space and hopefully this page out of SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK will stay with you!

{Photo via Brad Ford}

SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK: Creating A Balanced Focal Point In A Small Space

The goal in a small space is to create a focal point, the one piece that anchors the space by creating balance and harmony. Loving this example of how the sofa is not lined up square under the windows. The designer used the walls to create a framed art gallery that mirrors the dimensions of the window and, therefore, created harmony in the space. The couch feels good there and the space is cohesive and balance. Be creative in your space. I decided to place our couch smack in the middle of our family room but it works because I balanced the space on the ends with pieces that are similar in form. There really are no "rules" for designing a space. What works for you in your home is what is best! LOVING. LIVING. SMALL. is about providing inspiration, ideas and tips for you and your small space and hopefully this page out of the SMALL SPACE DWELLER HANDBOOK will stay with you.

SMALL SPACE SOLUTIONS: Folding Screens

I received an email this morning from luxury screen designer, Shelly McDonald, with her gorgeous custom upholstered folding screens. Plus you can provide your own fabric for a well designed vibe in your home. This accent is a great way to create zones within a small space with out it feeling bulky and heavy. Love this idea in a studio.

LOVING. LIVING. SMALL.'s TOP 5... Tips For Entertaining In A Small Space

Sending out a lovely party invite is the first step in creating the mood for your small space soiree!
Check out the very fabulous, pingg. You can use existing designs - even party planner extraordinaire, Martha Stewart, has teamed up with pingg - or custom design your very own.
Oh la la!

Keep the food simple + small and keep it coming! Your guests will enjoy a selection of small bites. Be inspired by bakeries and shops around town. Loving the chocolate mousse in a martini glass at The Little Door Next Door. Very easy to recreate!

Place pillows and floor cushions on the ground to encourage floor seating.
This is an intimate yet simple way to create more room in your space.
Forget formal dinner parties via dining table and gather your group on the main room for a fun and fab casual vibe.

Take your kitchen chairs away from the table and place them next to each other.
Lay a board on top to create additional table surfaces for your food + drink.

You will enjoy your party even more if you do a little clean up sweep every now and then.
Not only will it feel more roomy but the less clutter, the more comfort.

No matter how small your space happens to be, it is your lovely home and enjoying your space with friends and family is what it's all about! If you are looking to have a fab little soiree in your home then take a look at LOVING. LIVING. SMALL.'s TOP 5 tips for making the most of your home when having a party and enjoy! Cheers!

SMALL SPACE TIP...Open Those Curtains

This kitchen opens wide with sunlight!
Loving the look of the clear chairs paired with a rustic table as well! Fabulous!

One of the most simple and free tips in your small space is to simply open those curtains and blinds. Enjoying the natural sunlight and allowing your space to breathe during the day will provide comfort and fresh vibes when you come home after a hard days work. Also, don't forget to clean the glass panes every now and then (both inside and outside) You'd be surprised at how much bigger your space will feel with clean shiny glass windows. {Image via Tim Kolk}

SMALL SPACE D.I.Y.: How To Silkscreen Fabric

Here's a fab small space DIY that's easy and affordable..silkscreen + customize pillows and fabric in your small space. Click here to check out Craftgrrl's thorough and simple tutorial with steps for printing out and silkscreening your very own designs. Small personal details make a house a home.

SMALL UPDATE TO CLASSIC SMALL PLANTER

One of my favorite sustainable materials is cork so when I spotted this cork-style twist on the classic terra cotta planter, I simply had to share it with you all. Click here to check 'em out!

CUTE: Magnetic Photo Rope

Loving Photojojo's magnetic photo rope. A clever and cool way to showcase your fave photos and art. The 58" cable comes with 8 magnets you can use to attach photos too. The bottom of the cable is weighted to keep it straight, and a loop of cable at the top lets you hang the rope from anywhere. The price is right, even cheaper then real frames!

USING YOUR WALLS: Another Horizonal Art Gallery Idea...Rectangular Frames

Oh la la - loving the look of this art gallery found on Design*. Classy, chic and simple to achieve. Create this look in your small space to create a big impact! I also love how the designer contained the length of the art gallery to the length of the console table. The negative space on each side allows for the pictures to pop in space. Plus love the symmetry of the chairs. This is a small space tip to create balance. Love it!

CLEVER: Paint Mismatched Furniture The Same Color

I spotted this clever idea over at How About Orange and love it! If you have a bunch of mismatched furniture in your space, consider painting it all the same color. This will create a cohesive balance and will make the random group feel like a set. Plus it will provide interesting lines and texture too. {via Cookie}

USING YOUR WALLS: How To Hang Wall Stickers

USING YOUR WALLS: Make Your Own Shadow Box Bookshelves On A Budget

Small spaces mean going vertical so use your walls to incorporate design and decor and keep the footprint free and clear. Loving these shadow box bookshelves that are super easy to make and use. Get a few flat boards and fashion sides to them. Home Depot carries wood and can even help you cut and make these shadow box shelves. I would consider custom cutting a mirror for the back of each bookcase and then hang on the wall. I bet you could do 3 shelves for under $100. A SMALL SPACE D.I.Y. that serves a small space in form and function.

UNCONVENTIONAL ACCENT TABLES A New Take On The Usual Home Design

I posted the other day about multiple seating in a small space. Stools and floor cushions are great options for this idea without feeling cramped and bulky. Another idea for maximizing your small space is by losing the standard bulky coffee table and trying some unconventional ideas. I love this example of using multiple side tables to create a coffee table. Plus these little guys can be taken apart to become seats or solo side tables too.

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