change your look in your small space reupholster your own furniture

Like my table situation, I realized I didn't have enough comfortable seating in my small space. I set out to buy some chairs but couldn't find what I wanted for the price that I wanted. When I spotted these chairs on sale months ago, I snapped them up because they were such a great deal and beyond that - comfortable! Although the price was right, the fabric texture and color were not for me. After finding some fabric that I really liked for my space,  I continued to do a lot of research to find a local upholsterer that would be able to recover my chairs for me for a good deal. Doing some research and finding ways to change your small space look by adding new fabric is affordable and will definitely make you feel good. It's your own "custom" style - who doesn't love that?  I am dropping these chairs off today and - within a week - I'll have a whole new look! Check back in next week to see the new look in action. 

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textured lighting :: yes

since light can really balance out a small space, consider investing a chandelier that works it's magic and makes you smile when you see it, like these insanely gorgeous beaded pieces by designer Marjorie Skouras. I love the textured vibe from the design - stunning. I. want. one. of. these. now. 

happy weekend! :)


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remember those small details in your small space

I sure do love super small details in small spaces - like this set of pencils in my office that are inspired by the burroughs of New York City, one of our donated gifts by Paper Pastries from the June at BOL 6 | NYC and the flat glass vase I picked up for $2. Oh la la.

By the way, I am prepping the next Blog Out Loud in Los Angeles in September. The panel to date is insane - all LA based creative people looking for social media inspiration must attend. Check back here next week for all the details.

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small space accentsflat vases

setting up my new small space has been fun because I've been able to pick up a few things or so to add to my home. from these sophisticated paintings to my new orange felt pillow, I also snapped up a $2 flat vase the other day and, once again, I am smiling. the cool things about the vase is that it provides a great home for a pretty flower while showing off it's own neat structure - definitely a good thing in a small space - the details.

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small space solution split tables

if you are a small space dweller, like me, then you know all about using furniture for double duty. In some cases - custom your furniture too!  I was going through my inspiration notebook last night and came across this old domino spread and wanted to (re)post it for you guys.  This pretty red table splits in half when needed and comes together in a flash - yes! Definitely a great example of stylish small space living in both form + function. 

:: image via domino ::

small space style change it up

every few months I go through a small space style makeover - usually with small details. I love this collection of three votives - super affordable and stylin! I bought a few to place on my credenza instead of my glass vases. a little change can create a new little vibe in your home. fun!

modernizing classic glass

the cute lunch spot across the street from where I am working in san francisco has a great combination of textures, my all time fave small space vibe. cool woods, black iron, glass and marble - there's a lot going on and it works. I really enjoy their chandeliers - classic glass with a tinted vinyl shade - very cool! it's neat that such a simple addition to the glass chandelier turned them from formal to modern. consider trying mixing ideas like this in your small space.

x-inspired bench

lately I've been seeing a new crop of x-benches popping up with a more industrial vibe and really am considering this look - love it! there's something classic about this style yet the it's accessible and cool! plus these pieces double, or even triple, in small spaces. i am loving the x-inspired bench that I spotted recently on a blog I recently discovered, Good Bones, Great Spaces. I love the placement under the window and that it's a bench more then an ottoman. actually, one of my first Apartment Therapy posts was about x-inspired furniture.

:: image via Good Bones, Great Spaces ::

{love} throw

favorite home decor accent, throws. I love adding throw to my small space for comfort and design style. {love} this one. 

creating a {small} office

many of us are working from home these days and creating a functional yet cool office environment is important. when creating your space, remember to create it in a zone. now this doesn't mean that you have to block your work station off in some random area because there happens to be a little extra space there. Instead consider  incorporating  your office into your layout.  do this by doubling your desk. I am loving this desk from Pottery Barn because of it's scale (and it looks nice too) It's big enough to be a desk and I can also see it as a side table to a couch or bed. now you have a dedicated workspace and also a piece to connect your room's layout.

aquarius = turquoise

I was reading my horoscope and apparently I am a turquoise/blue. I have been eying this chaise that is really not my design style but there's something about it. Plus it's a great small space piece. Is this blue chair calling me? i do know this print by Giovanni Garcia-Fenech is coming home to me. It reminds me of my fave Nixon throw. hmmm, more to come.

small space accent: modern knit

:: Modern knit interpreted through Ferm Living, Flocks and West Elm ::

I am loving the modern craft look and we actually showcased it as a trend for 2010. now I don't believe in the word trend. We actually talked about that quite a bit last week. I do believe in the idea that some design ideas become more popular or highlighted than others but the most design styles are always around so don't worry if you have it or it's over - it's not. If you love it in your space, it's timeless. To me, knit items are totally timeless and perfect for every small space. Amazing texture + style, knit has more recently been interpreted to items like ottomans, office decor and more. Gone are the days of grandma's throw (although my grandmother did knit back in the day and I am so very lucky to have a hand-knit throw from her!!), today you can expect to see every aspect of the the home taking part in knit design.

the cutting garden at flora grubb gardens the perfect small space accent

One of the rewards for writing for Apartment Therapy for the last 1.5 years has been meeting such talented and sweet writers! Aside from the LA gang, I've met a bunch of writers in other cities, including Susie who posts for San Francisco (my new town!)

I wanted to share her fab new business, The Cutting Garden at Flora Grubb Gardens. As you guys know, flowers are one of my best small space accents since they add color and texture (and of course they are pretty!!) to a room. The Cutting Garden offers locally grown, garden-style flower designs for homes, businesses, and occasions. Love this! Also, their web shop is full of innovative and just cool green ideas, like a vertical garden (pictured). Click here to check out the Flora Grubb site. And Valentine's Day is just around the corner!!

add color through your furniture

it's easy to fall into a habit of buying neutral pieces of furniture and I get it - furniture is expensive and you want it to last a long time. Many of my own pieces are wood tones or gray. If you can, though, consider investing in some colored pieces to add tons of style to your small space. I love these turquoise blue chairs (knock-off's of Eames molded plastic chairs) and can see them around a small kitchen table. Color is a great way to express your personality and in a small space, you want your style to shine through!

SMALL SPACE ACCENT: Bold Lighting

One of my fave tips for living small with style is creating a neat lighting design in your home to add balance and scale. You'd be surprised with what a little be of extra lighting can add depth to your home. I also like the idea of using a bold lighting accent in a small space. You can have tons of small lamps and lights but go big in your main room. I spotted this sweet chandelier at Tuvula in Laguna Beach and love the shape - kind of a modern day crystal ball. Like using your walls, adding a design element overhead will draw the eye up and add the feeling of more space. All small space dwellers like that!

LIGHT UP YOUR SMALL SPACE

Since I've been living in small spaces for the last 10 years, I have been more aware of lighting and how it can really add balance to a small space. The idea of less is more doesn't really apply when it comes to providing ample light in your home. Look around your space and definitely see where you can add a light or two. Plus the lamps themselves add great color and design elements, like this sweet tear drop lamp.