Photos: Larry Arnal
Tiles
Add some spice with a patterned tile, maybe a mini-mosaic or even bold geometric design. Play with the application, why not bring them from the floor to the wall to create a full-on moment. Make sure you grab samples so you can try out some interesting patterns and configurations. Make it unique. A smaller space requires less product, so even if you’re designing something one of a kind, it likely won’t cost you an arm and a leg.
Wallpaper
Wallpaper is amazing with a capital A when it comes to creating a wham, bam, pop or pow in your small space. Our design firm believes you can never go wrong with a bold floral wallpaper. There are thousands out there to choose from. Try to think of some of the things you like the most, such as colour, style, pattern, material or texture, before you start to look for your perfect wall covering. You don’t want to get sucked down the wallpaper rabbit hole. Trust us when we say you will blink and it will be four hours later, you won’t know where you are, what your name is, or what you’re having for dinner. Consider this a friendly warning!
Paint
Splash that colour! If you have a pint-sized space, why not use it as an opportunity to splash a beautiful colour that makes your heart happy. We love to incorporate pops of colour on cabinetry, walls and even ceilings. Paint is the quickest and most cost-effective way to transform any space. Don’t be afraid of dark colours in small spaces – they can make a teeny-tiny space look even bigger, as long as there is contrast.
Wall decor
Don’t forget the earrings, and by earrings, we mean wall decor. Think of it like this: You aren’t going to get all dressed up but not put on earrings. They’re a must! Wall decor is important; however, in a small space, you have to be mindful of the scale of the piece you are putting up. Try using large white matting and a thin metal frame to keep your art piece simple, updated and stylish.
Lighting
This may seem like an obvious tip, but sometimes it’s overlooked. Make sure you are choosing lighting that will appropriately illuminate your space. Try to allow multi-layered lighting; we find that in smaller spaces, there are sometimes more shadow spots. Focus on how your room functions for you; keep in mind task, ambient and decorative lighting can all be used to create an amazing lighting scheme.
Don’t be afraid to take a few risks in a small space. More than likely you will be rewarded with a special little spot that packs a punch! Make it beautiful and make it yours.
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SOURCE: CONTRACTING AND MILLWORK by Hartley Built. Hartleybuilt.com | PAINT: FIRST LIGHT (pink), CHANTILLY lace (white), VINTAGE VOGUE (darker green), Hollingworth GREEN (light green) by Benjamin Moore. benjaminmoore.ca | FURNITURE by Article. article.com | DRAPERY AND ROMAN BLINDS, custom design | FAUCETS by Delta. delta.ca | LIGHTING by Kuzco. kuzcolighting.com | LIGHTING by Matteo. lightingcanada.com