Small Spaces
One of the most frequent questions I get is what to do with a small space. Usually it's complicated because you need to fit a lot of activity into one area.
I am a big advocate of functional design. I like flexible rooms that actually get used. Nothing is sadder to me than a formal living room without anybody sitting in it, or a stuffy dining room used once a year.
Tamsin Johnson is one of my favorite designers (and outrageously talented at sourcing the best murano fixtures). I'm paraphrasing but she's said "my goal as a designer is to make sure my clients use every inch of their house."
Hard agree.
This newsletter is bough to you by WEST ELM. A great place for modern furniture and decor that works in all kinds of spaces. The Axel Side Table is a perfect example of this that I've got in my own home.
This is the kind of thinking that's helpful for small spaces. But it's also what you put in them. Here is a list of a few things I think are attractive and functional for small versatile spaces:
The Floria Toile Chair by Urban Outfitters
Why I like it: It looks awesome, folks are starved for pattern and this is a great way to get it without overpowering a space. It's comfortable. It has a relatively small footprint. It's also on legs so light passes underneath and will make your small space feel a bit bigger.
I've seen this carried by a bunch of different retailers. It's clearly a factory wholesale product. But it looks great, it's a unique color, and you could use this on a desk, kitchen island, bedroom, living room and anywhere else. Not so tiny that it can't function as living area light.
Marcus Samuelsson Color Block Cabinet
Very much drawn to this because of it's great color, but could see this working anywhere -bar, dining, office, living room, hallway.
Johnathan Adler Monterey End Table
I love a floating dresser, vanity, wall shelf. This could be a night stand, could work in a living room. Could be a small bar. Two of them together would look great. Doesn't take up any floor space.
Would look so great as a dining chair! We used chairs similar to these in our Brooklyn project. Perfect for a flexible space where amount of guests vary. Leave two out and keep a couple more in the closet. Love the lines and color of the wood.
Oscar Drum Wood Coffee Table
I love this inverted pyramid shape. It's very art deco and would great with both new or old pieces. It provides amble surface space, storage inside, and doesn't take up a huge footprint underneath.
This will make any space feel big. Beautiful color, beveled rounded edges. Sit on floor and lean or mount on wall. Win win.
The Corroy 78.25" Sleeper Sofa
A compact and versatile sleeper sofa that actually looks really good. Comes in a variety of colors.
Wood Plant Stand by West Elm
Get those plants up on legs and turn them into trees. Emphasize your height in a small space. This leggy option from West Elm is perfect.
Arbor Floor Lamp by Schoolhouse
Minimal yet elegant classic. Again emphasizing height without taking up hardly any space.
Having a large rug is critical for small spaces. It will make the room feel bigger. This is a good sized one and I love the pattern. Reminds me of the Currents album cover, a popular, but terrific record.
Golden Tapestry by Ramble Interiors
Large art with a horizon line gives the room depth. Tapestries are a perfect reasonably priced art choice for small spaces.
