small space dweller a winter vignette from absolutely beautiful things

A Winter Vignette

I am loving loving loving this new small space dwellers post. I discovered Anna Spiro's new online shop through one of my fave online mags - Adore Home. Anna's blog :: absolutely beautiful things :: was one of my first bookmarked years ago and I've been enjoying reading her inspirations every since. I just love the concept of her store - shop the seasonal vignette. There are tons of fabulous ideas right inside this room and here are my faves that you can recreate and reinterpret in your own small space.

 1 :: FLOATING FURNITURE

Just because you have walls, it doesn't mean all of your furniture has to be pushed up right against it. I love placing an accent chair or table on an angle, away from the wall, to create a design element and balance in a small space. Use a floor lamp or a side table to anchor the piece. The small space will appear bigger.

2 :: SHOW YOUR ACCENT STYLE

There's only so much storage space in a small space and often you have to leave your goodies out on display. Forego any idea of a cluttered look by styling your stuff. Anna's coffee table is style for the shoot but you can take a small space tip from this - it looks fantastic and organized. Balance is key here so be considerate of how your room feel in regards to balance and scale. 

3 :: USE YOUR WALLS

One of my own series on the loving. living. small. blog is all about using your walls and the vertical space available to you. Going up is a great way to move the eyes around the space, allowing it to feel bigger. Check out Anna's small artwork gallery vignette for ideas of your own.

4 :: MIX & MATCH 

Creating a mix of textures and color will definitely make your small space bigger. Of course there should be some design style and balance here - use colors or patterns in a complementing palette. For example consider using all warm tones - reds, oranges, yellows or patterns - stripes, dots, zig zags. You need to add in some neutral balance as well - like Anna's wood console table or the white coffee table. Again, balance in a small space means all the difference in opening up the room.

5 :: NEUTRAL FLOORING

In a small space with tons of visual elements going on, like Anna's room, another big small space tip is to keep the floor completely neutral. The white wood flooring is the perfect foundation to such a visual space. This anchors the room and, yes, provides balance. Keep your floors bare or use a very neutral toned rug to create this look in your own home.

Check out more rooms in the small space dwellers series right here. There are over 100 small space tips, tricks and ideas to enjoy.  Fun!

 :: Image via Anna's new online shop ::

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small space dweller a white palette

 

A Nolita Flat

Welcome back to small space dwellers, my little series about real people's spaces and small space solutions right inside. When I saw this interior on my fave small space flickr  stream (if you don't check out this one - you should! A great collection of small space interiors), I thought it was a great space - fun, modern, comfortable with touches personal whimsy. I especially love the white palette that the owner used - a great small space decor idea. Let's check out how this white works for small homes. 

1 :: WHITE PALETTE

Simple and stylish - all white palettes keep small spaces clean, cohesive and pretty. I absolutely love the look of all white rooms  and think it's a great opportunity to emphasize your style by using the white to guide the design.

2 :: POPS OF COLOR

The white palette is the perfect place to show moments of color, like the pink accents throughout the space. I love the artwork with touches of pink to tie in the room.

3 :: COLLECTIONS

Another small space idea is to group your decor in collections to provide a controlled design. In this space, the owner grouped a collection of artwork.

4 :: ACRYLIC

Incorporating a floating sense of design - furniture with legs or acrylic decor - allows the eye to  keep moving. I love the Ghost chairs around the table - a great way to breakup the boldness of the kitchen table.

5 :: FURNITURE WITH LEGS

I just mentioned this one - furniture with legs. It's such a great small space idea. The pink accent chairs showcase this look well. This style of furniture and decor does not break up the movement in the room and lets the eye continue to go around the room. And I also love how she placed the pink chairs on an angle, creating a conversation zone - another small space idea.

Click here to enjoy the small space dwellers series - check out over 100 small space solutions, ideas and tips in the small space dweller series. 

Do you have a fantastic small space? Email me a few photos and I'll get you into the series.

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small space dwellers kate spade's london pop-up shop

 :: Images 1. Caitlin McGauley, 2./5. Kate Spade facebook, 3. Racked 4. @Grazia_Live  ::

I am loving loving loving this small space dwellers post, my series on real space and real small space solutions. so I've covered a few real homes now let's check out a real shop - a pop-up in fact. oh la la do I love a pop up shop! Such a cool concept - a store or brand coming alive in a unique location for a moment - yes! Enter...kate spade and you now have a sweet pop-up full of color, whimsy and tons of small space solutions.

I have always loved the kate spade brand and have been blogging the iconic brand since I started loving. living. small. almost three years ago. Maybe it's the colors, the style, the classic lines but this brand is very much resonates with me. I wanted to share images of kate spade's London Pop-Up shop, their first presence in London. There are such goodies in here for all small space dwellers to enjoy - let's check out a few. {and loving Cailtin's illustration of the space - she is super talented and can be found my the loving. living. small. blogroll, of course}

1 :: USING YOUR WALLS

Yes, they sure did! I am loving the use of vertical space with the random art gallery across the wall. The best part - the fireplace now really jumps as the focal point of the room. This adds balance to this room.

2 :: REDEFINING SPACE

I do love a warm fire but if you are not using your fireplace for ambiance, use it for your decor. I love the stacked books in this space. No part of your small space can be overlooked for an opportunity to decorate. Of course enjoying negative space (or *not* filling it up is perfectly fine too)

3 :: POPS OF COLOR

Loving the kelly green in the space and the closet door that's line with contrasting wallpaper - clever, cool and I am totally stealing this idea. Vibrant colors do work in small spaces - don't be afraid :) I also love the interesting paint treatment with the yellow color block (spotted in twitpic) Cool and chic - this is an affordable way to add art to your small space.

4 :: MIRRORS

Yep, they rock in small spaces. Mirrors are the best small space accent and truly make a space appear larger than it is.

5 :: CREATE NEW HOMES FOR YOUR THINGS

If your closet is jam packed with your favorite threads then consider using your space for your items. I love the purses hanging on the wall - super cool and a great storage idea.

Enjoy many more small space dwellers rooms and tons of small space solutions right here.

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small space dwellers bright colors work in small spaces

:: Bright Colors Work ::

oh wow do I love this small space located in the beautifully designed home of Williams-Sonoma Home creative director Monelle Totah. (seen in Elle Decor 8/09) I actually had blogged Monelle's bedroom last summer {kind of my prelude to the small space dwellers series itself.} I also had the pleasure of meeting and working with her earlier this year. I also might have told her I would move in to her home if she didn't mind because it's so pretty! :) I wanted to share her room in the small space dwellers series because there are some fantastic and easy small space ideas and solutions going on that anyone can use. Let's take a look at some of them below. 

1 :: Bright colors

Forget the idea of using only a neutral palette in a small space for fear that it will feel "too much". The opposite is true - using bright colors actually makes a small space shine and open. By layering tons of great colors, your space will feel dimensional and stylin. Monelle used colorful and large-scale artwork and pop of colored accents to create this look and it works. 

2 :: Large-scale pieces work in small spaces

I often point out that if you create balance and harmony in your small space then it works - and this is true for large-scale furniture and decor. In this corner, Monelle went big with her artwork and dresser, even the chair is on the large side but it feels cohesive and balanced. Yes!

3 :: Colorize your decor

I personally love this look and, once again, it creates balance and harmony. By simply stacking accents - in this case the stack of blue books on the dresser - is great small space tip.

4 :: Design your lighting

I love that Monelle chose to hang a gorgeous chandelier in this small space. Don't be afraid to create and design your own lighting - in fact - less light often makes small spaces appear smaller. 

5 :: Furniture with legs

Yep, another great small space solution. Use furniture with legs so the eye can continue to move through to the wall. This definitely opens up a room and everything feels bigger and brighter.

Check out more rooms in the SMALL SPACE DWELLERS series right here.

:: Image - and shots of her entire apartment - via Elle Decor  ::

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small space dwellers balance

Balance

Today's small space dwellers series is all about balance and the small space solutions that are inspired by this. I am loving this interior from talented photographer, Brian Park.  Full of style with a sophisticated and gilded twist, there are some great small space solutions right inside using balance. Let's take a look a a few of them that you can use in your own small space. 

1 :: SYMMETRY

Creating a real balance in a small space will make everything feel good - which makes any space comfortable. Symmetrical decorating actually can be a neat addition to your design style and open up a space. 

2 :: PATTERNS

Oh la la am I loving the carpet in this small space! Aside from the fun color palette, I love how the pattern balances out the frames on the wall. Smart small space solution to making the most of balance. 

3 :: FURNITURE WITH LEGS

One of the best small space tricks is to use mostly furniture with legs. This allows the eye to continue moving past the furniture and expand the space. Simple, right? Yes! I love how the coffee table has long legs and that they are acrylic also (double small space solution)

4 :: MATCHING DECOR STYLE

While i am for mixing it up, it's also nice to have more matching style to create, yes, balance. I am enjoying the gold frames on the wall and think they add balance to open up the space.

5 :: HEIGHT

Take a look around your space and see how your decor is doing height-wise. If it feels out of balance, then get some inspiration from the room above. Check out the lamps in the room and see how they make the room level and balanced. Again, this creates an even eye and makes everything fall into place.

Check out more small space dwellers and tons of small space solutions right here.

:: Image via Brian Park Photography ::

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small space dwellers dark walls + accents

Dark Walls + Accents

I am loving the next room in the small space dwellers series because it's a mix of dramatic flair and soft edges. I've been a fan of Stacy Bass photography when I spotted her on fave site desire to inspire and I bookmarked her site to follow and enjoy her portfolio. Aside from exteriors and table top, the interiors are lovely and this room is fabulous! let's take a look at some of the real small space ideas inside...

1 :: DARK WALLS

I am loving dark accent walls in a small space. This creates a substantial texture to the space. Best tip - keep the moldings bright white to create a seamless style to the white ceiling - driving the eye up to create vertical depth.

2 :: ACCENTS IN GROUPS

I love this look - grouping similar decor accents in groups. The pretty ikat patterned canisters work!

3 :: USING YOUR WALLS

If you've been reading loving. living. small. then you know that using your walls is one of my fave small space ideas. hey if you don't have the floor space, go vertical. I love how the simple wall decor is symmetrical and stylish.

4 :: SWING ARM LIGHTING

Oh I also love this one - swing arm lighting. placed sweetly on the wall, swing arm lighting is a great way to create lighting balance in a small space without taking up any floor space.

5 :: FLOOR CUSHIONS

Part accent, part seating option, floor cushions are a great double duty accent in a small space. They add color and texture to a small space while providing necessary seating for guests - yes!

Check out tons of more small space ideas that real people are using in small space dwellers.

: Image via Stacy Bass Photography ::

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small space dwellers mark and melissa's ranch home

 :: Mark & Melissa's Ranch Home via Living Etc ::

Oh la la...am I loving this new small space dwellers, straight out of the pages of Living Etc. magazine. (did you know they have a digital mag too? yes!) Design couple, Mark and Melissa's, California ranch-style home is eclectic, cool, sophisticated and refined with a completely comfortable edge.  This small space above is full of small space solutions, which are ideas that work in both form and function. Aside from the color palette (loving mustard yellow), turquoise and red accents, the couple's personality completely shines through in this room which is what it's all about, right small space dwellers?! Let's take a look at some of their small space style.

1 :: USING YOUR WALLS

Mark and Melissa took advantage of the structural location of the room (located under a flight of stairs) to make a big impact by wallpapering the entire wall in a dramatic and dark pattern.  This definitely draws the eyes up - creating vertical depth. Paired with the contrasting with the white molding, this works well.

2 :: LAYERING FURNITURE

Once again, we are seeing small space dwellers layer their furniture in front of other pieces. This creates a real dimension in the room and makes smaller rooms appear bigger.

3 :: BALANCED LIGHTING

Creating a lighting design in a small space is a smart way to create balance. Although this couple has a fab chandelier overhead, they also have an arc lamp that creates lighting tone and texture. 

4 :: SCALE

Along the lines of balanced lighting, using scale in a small space will make it feel much bigger as well as balanced. The couple has a few accents that work in the same parallel line, like the height of the chandelier, tree, artwork and lamp.

5 :: DEFINING ZONES

Like our last small space dwellers post, this couple also has successfully created zones in their small space with 2 seating areas and an office space that feel equally unique as they do seamless.

Check out more small space dwellers in the series right here.

 :: Image via Living Etc July 2010 ::

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small space dwellers Lyndsay & Fitzhugh via The Selby

:: Lyndsay & Fitzhugh's Brooklyn Loft via The Selby ::

ok loving. living. small. friends, I have yet another new series that I am introducing on the blog and it's called small space dwellers, small space solutions and tips in real homes by real people. yes! I've been wanting to do a series that curates fantastic real homes to show the small space solutions and tips - or effective ways to reinvent small spaces in both form and function, look and feel.

The first small space dweller post was spotted over at sweetly cool lifestyle design spot, The Selby. The home is of a Brooklyn-based couple. When I came across the space, I instantly felt calm and collected. The homeowners were definitely super thoughtful about their small space and created a cohesive design palette. Let's take a look at some of their small space ideas. 

1 :: NEUTRAL PALETTE

Of course I love an accent wall but going the neutral palette route makes small space truly appear bigger. No competing color tones here and the room opens up wide.

2 :: USING YOUR WALLS WITH FLOOR-TO-CEILING BOOKCASES

One of my all-time fave small space tips is to go vertical and this couple did just that by taking advantage of their vaulted space. 

3 :: SYMMETRY & BALANCE

This room feels big, right?? By creating a symmetrical vibe via the bookcases and the chair layout, the room not just looks bigger but feels balanced and, therefore, comfortable.

4 :: STRAIGHT LINES

Oh I love this small space tip. I have to believe that the couple was considerate about using straight lines in their entire design palette and - wow - does it work! Again, balance is created by repeating the straight-lined pattern starting with the wooden ceiling beams (love those), through the bookcases, to the tables and kitchen area and down to the white-washed plank floor. Lovely. 

5 :: DEFINING ZONES

Don't you love the kitchen, dining room, living room, and bedroom and can you believe this is one room? Love it! By defining zones in one-room living, you are making space for your home to have a functioning layout that makes sense and feels good. And a lot of the zones play double duty or work with another. Swing a kitchen chair around to provide extra seating in the sitting area when you are entertaining.

:: Image via The Selby::

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