apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

1. Less is More: In a small space, it is sometimes best to just work on decluttering. The less stuff you've got, the more space you have. Our inspiration is Nicolas Mini Loft: lots of open space creates a serene space.
2. Make the Bed a Focal Point: By centering the mirror above the bed and adding a curtain to the side, the bed in Ana and Bob's Bay Area Nest has a space of its own that can stay clean and calm. And when the bed is made with nice bedding and a good accent color it can make the rest of the room look chicer than it really is.
3. Add an accent color: John's Mission Melange has a nice stripe of blue to keep the eyes focused up, it makes the space feel larger. The row of framed art and stacks of books also makes the space feel more organized.
4. Divide the Space: Adding a curtain or some shelving to divide up a studio can help it from feeling like a giant mess. Create distinct zones like Kelly and John did and the space will feel larger.
5. Pattern and Color: Patrick's place doesn't shy away from color, kitsch and fun. It's a small space but using geometry and a palette based in green, the space feels cohesive with a kick.
6. Small Scale Furniture: Choose furniture that doesn't take up a lot of floor space. The room will feel even larger if you choose furniture that has hairpin legs or is somehow off the floor. Rajiv's space stays minimal becuase of how much floor you can see even though there's actually a good amount of furniture in a small room.
7. Keep it neutral but up the contrast: In Lucas' Surplus of Light he uses wood tones, plants and white to create a neutral palette. But because there's contrast between the dark wood, the dark green and the brght white and light it keeps the space interesting and not a collection of beige.