Life and Religion
|Transform small spaces into charming places|
|Ways to add character and style to a cramped room|
|Published Wednesday, May 7, 2014|
In home listings across the country, the word small is often replaced with a far more marketable and appealing word: "charming." But what makes a home charming compared to small? How can you transition a cramped room into a space with unique and appealing character?
Focusing on a few key areas can make a big impact in a little space, creating a charming and memorable environment.
But first things first, remove all the clutter. Even a large room can looked cramped when filled with too much stuff. So when dealing with a small space, it's that much more important to live clutter free. Make sure that only mandatory items and furniture are in the room. Then proceed with the following ideas to transform your space from small to charming.
Create special spaces and storage
Lorie Marrero, a certified professional organizer and author of "The Clutter Diet," recommends carefully considering the functions of any space, such as TV viewing, reading or computer use, so that only the items needed for those specific functions are stored there. Understanding how the space is utilized also allows you to establish dedicated zones and supplies for each activity more efficiently.
In addition, Marrero notes that creating proper storage is the key to managing and maintaining a clutter-free home.
"Even if large closets aren't available, there are a number of versatile and affordable DIY products that help create storage where there wasn't any,” she said.
Marrero said products, such as those form ClosetMaid, allow people to transform any room by making the best use of the space they have.
Make it larger with lighting
Clearing a small home of its clutter will automatically make it seem larger. However, the illusion of more space can be enhanced even more with proper lighting. The right lighting will also play a big role in helping create a more charming feel.
Recessed lighting is visually appealing and perfect for small spaces.
Torchiere lights can help bounce light off the ceiling and back down to the room. If the room does not have windows, consider adding a skylight to bring character and light to the space.
You can also affect a room's lighting with low-cost or no-cost solutions that make the most of the space's built-in features. Highlight windows instead of covering them. If the room has a fireplace, emphasize it with accessories, tile work or paint it a bold color.
Add charming details
Woodwork is another simple embellishment that adds instant character and charm without affecting usable space. A chair rail, crown molding or even baseboards can help take a standard room and outline it with interesting architectural elements.
In a small area, intricate woodwork can serve as a main focal point or art, giving the space an exceptional appeal that won't be easily forgotten.
By managing clutter and using lighting to create bright and airy spaces along with incorporating simple architectural elements, can easily transform a cramped area into a charming and inviting room to be enjoyed.
Visit www.ClosetMaid.com or www.StorganizationBlog.com for more ideas and information on living clutter free.
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