Decorating

1000 square feet for a family of four sounds completely reasonable, but these days, it’s started to feel a bit cramped. As our family has grown we’ve simply had to get more creative with how we organize our space. While we’re very lucky to have three bedrooms, two of them lack a real closet space and are very oddly shaped. (The joys of living in an older home!).

Looking to make an impact on your home this weekend that you can afford? How about free? It’ll cost a little energy, time (and muscle strength) but if you’re looking for some ways to improve your small (or any size) space, try these five free ideas. 1. Improve your home’s traffic flow How you and guests move through your space has a big effect on how spacious your home is perceived.

Bedrooms are a place for resting, for reading, for getting down. And besides a bed and a lamp, there’s nothing else that must go into it. So there are a lot of options for how much or how little you want to incorporate. We’ve gone the route of keeping it simple with no artwork; just dark walls, patterned curtains and a white bed. But there are lots of options for packing style into a small space: 1.

You can make the most of living in any size space — from studio apartments to mansions — but there’s no doubt you need a special set of design skills to choose, decorate, and organize a tiny home. Here are eight that have done it successfully, and who have lots of lessons to share.

Here’s the situation: I’m a decorative painter, I live in a rental, and I largely wouldn’t change a thing — except for these dreadful floors. They’re 30 year old contractor-grade linoleum, and as dry as cardboard. I first noticed how sad and sullen they were when I shot my studio for these pages a year ago, and it’s been bothering me ever since. It was the one element in this place from toe top to crown that I haven’t had my hands on.

Sometimes it’s the small changes you make that make a difference in a room. When Diane’s knitting class let out early one day, she decided to put her extra hour to good use and finally tackle that IKEA dresser in her garage. See what a difference a little bit of paint makes…. Diane removed each of the knobs, sanded them with a medium grit paper, then applied purple chalk paint as a final touch.

Whether you’re a renter, a non-committal type of person, or have growing kids that like to change their minds often, there are plenty of reasons to explore the option of temporary wall decor. It can also be very affordable, depending on which route you go and how creative you get. Here are ten examples of how you can use decals, removable wallpaper, washi tape, or contact paper in your space.

I don’t remember where I read it or exactly when I read it, but it had to be well over five years ago. Nevertheless, that one little sentence of advice is still stuck in my head to this day. It went something like, “if your room doesn’t feel finished, add a touch of black”. It’s such a simple suggestion, easy for any novice to try out, and it got me thinking. What other tricks do the pros have up their sleeves?

We live hard in living rooms. It’s where we entertain, relax in the evenings, watch TV, and do countless other activities each day. Yet when we get sick of our surroundings and need something different, it’s tough to make big changes in the context of our busy lives and small budgets. That’s when small, cheap tweaks come in handy… Here are eight small ways to switch it up at home, on a budget: 1.

Sometimes, a room just doesn’t quite feel right, but it’s hard to put your finger on the exact reason why. The most beautiful rooms are often perfectly balanced compositions of a number of different elements, and you probably wouldn’t be surprised to know that when one of those elements isn’t quite right, a room might feel a bit “off.

Name: Vahan Petrossian Location: Melrose District; Los Angeles, California Size: 700 square feet Years lived in: 8 months Vahan is like many Angelenos who prefer to live in a small home or bungalow instead of a typical apartment building. He found his place by mistake, but all it took was walking through the living room and Vahan was sold. An added bonus was all the windows and the greenery seen through the windows. I don’t know that you can really put a name on Vahan’s style.

We hear often that many folks are paralyzed about how to start decorating their home. We don’t blame you; there are a lot of things to think about/consider/decide. If you’ve been living in a blank or boring room for too long, what you might need is a narrow set of guidelines to stick to so you can get started. And a limiting but still fabulous palette is just the way to go.

Though I’ve managed to add a cute shower curtain, other than that, my bathroom in my apartment does not have much else going for it. I think “boring” would be an accurate descriptor. But when you’re staring at a tiny space (that you’re not allowed to paint the walls in), sometimes you forget there are other things you can do in a space to spice it up. Thankfully I found some interesting and inspiring ideas in real homes to consider.

Bold paint colors in your home are not for the timid, but if you love to surround yourself with color, then here are some combos you may want to try. Don’t limit yourself to the walls — try bringing some bold color to your furniture, floors, ceiling, or trim for some interesting color play in your space. And if you’re thinking about joining the color adventures but hesitating, start with a smaller room like a powder room, den, laundry room, etc., and feel it out. TOP ROW: 1.

The editors in NYC got the chance to go see the new IKEA PS 2014 Collection this morning, and it’s an amazing one. Created by 14 young designers from around the globe, its focus is on solutions for small space living – in IKEA’s words “to live more simply and do more with the space you have”.

Name: Dan and Elizabeth Good Location: Church Hill; Richmond, Virginia Size: 850 square feet Years lived in: 9 months; Rented There is something truly inspiring about being in a home that loves the city it is in. Dan and Elizabeth love the city of Richmond, and it shows in all the details of their cozy apartment in the Church Hill neighborhood. They live only blocks away from St.

Something feeling “off” about one of your rooms? It could be the space is a little too heavy on the low-end. You might need a visual weight adjustment. Relocating certain design details high-up in a space can create a more sophisticated, balanced room. There are ideas you can try that will take only a little time to tackle, and there are some that might take the afternoon. You decide what your room might need and how much time you have this weekend!

Stuck on the idea that a sideboard, credenza or other low storage piece is the thing to add to a dining room to make it look, feel and work like a dining room? Though a lovely credenza or cabinet might make for an obvious furniture choice in the dining room, it’s not the only item that can help fill a dining space and complement your table and chairs.

Sometimes you feel like your home needs a refresh, but you aren’t looking to spend a lot of money. These are my 10 go-to tricks, whether I’m preparing for company, getting things photo shoot ready, or just feel the need for a little pick me up without spending much money. 1. Bring the outdoors in with houseplants. A little green can go a long ways towards bringing life into your space. Choose something low maintenance, like a succulent, if you have a less than green thumb. 2.

Looking to make a bold impact with your bedroom decor? We showed you unusual items to use as nightstands last week, but the sides of your bed aren’t the only place you can make a visual statement in your bedroom. Why not show off your personality with an unusual headboard, too? We’ve got 12 fun ideas you could DIY today. Top image: Hang a shag rug!

Have you ever come across a cool thrift store furniture find — perhaps a filing cabinet, desk or credenza — that had your style, but also had a lock with keys long since gone? Or have you lost your keys to a piece of furniture in your home? It’s not impossible to restore locking function to vintage and antique furniture finds; here are a few tips on where to start from a locksmith.

I’ve always thought that the best House Tours on Apartment Therapy are the ones that clearly reflect individual styles and tastes. These looks into others’ homes definitely inspire us all to want to create spaces that show off our own personalities, but that sometimes can be easier said than done. If you are feeling stuck, here are some tips to help you be mindful and stay purposeful about developing your own style! 1. Surround yourself with inspiration.

What is a nightstand, anyway? Of course we all know what the pieces identified as nightstands at the furniture store look like: little tables, usually with a drawer or shelf. But all a nightstand really is, at its most basic, is a place to put the stuff you may want immediately before you go to bed or right after you get up, so you don’t have to lean over awkwardly and pick up your iPhone from the floor.

What’s that you say? Valentine’s Day is tomorrow? I should probably do something about that… Perhaps I’ll whip one of these sweet, quick crafts, which utilize elements most of us probably have around the house. Good luck to us all! Heart Garland by Hank & Hunt: Make this using scrap paper or old magazines, and then hang it someplace so your Valentine has to walk through it. Tangled in love!

We see plenty of shared bedrooms here on Apartment Therapy. The overwhelming majority are for siblings of the same sex, but especially when families live in small homes and apartments, it’s often the logical (or only) choice for a brother and sister to share a bedroom. Last week in “My Brother’s Bunkmate,” New York Times contributor Michael Tortorello wrote about some of the issues of brothers and sisters sharing a room.

We had some house tours from folks not afraid of color this week. Rich, soothing and energizing, these colors would complement a lot of styles. And as evidenced from the gorgeous real-life spaces that accompany these hues, you know they work. Grab wall paint color inspiration from these actual rooms for your own color project this weekend.

One of those designs that inspires true passion on both ends of the spectrum – it seems you either love it or really don’t – Ligne Roset’s Togo is a classic. These sofas, loveseats, chairs, and ottomans are unique with their low-to-the-ground, casual styling and almost anthropomorphic folds. The design has inspired a slew of knockoffs, too (perhaps a true testament to the Togo’s status as a classic).

Get those instruments up off the floor! I never thought I’d be the type of person to display a guitar, a banjolin and a ukele on my wall, but now that I’ve done it I actually think they look quite stylish! Hanging them on the wall keeps them safe from harm and available to play all the time. During my hunt for inexpensive string instrument mounts, I found a handful of gorgeous — mostly handmade — ones that I would love to invest in some day. Take your pick! (Pun intended.

It’s unstable, reactive and even toxic but that hasn’t tempered our obsession with the fragile beauty of Verdigris. If you’ve seen an old, rusty penny, you’ve seen verdigris in nature; it’s the greenish-blue patina that forms on copper, bronze or brass when it’s exposed to moisture. Just take a look at this artist’s reproduction of what a brand new Statue of Liberty must have looked like. Statue of Liberty, copper construction.

Did you hear? IKEA reissued the popular Frosta stool, available again in the U.S. starting February 1st. Which means it’s time to resurrect our favorite hacks and paint jobs for this beloved and now-classic piece of budget-friendly furniture. While the new versions will be in pastel instead of plain birch, there’s still plenty of work to do to make them your own. Here’s inspiration and some ideas from over the years…. A starry-eyed surprise from Home Story.

Name: Natural Curiosities, an art house/art studio Location: Echo Park, Los Angeles, California Size: 5,200 square feet Years lived in: 2 1/2 years at Jensen Recreation Center’s Bowling Alley Space. How do you imagine your dream office? Lots of light? A historic old building? Lots of hidden nooks and crannies filled with things to discover? Working with a bunch of talented and creative people? Check, check, check and check! Welcome to the wonderful workspace of Natural Curiosities.

Name: Stephen Stocker and Antwann Nourse Location: Andersonville, Chicago, Illinois Size: 1,100 square feet Years lived in: 2 years Two items I spotted at Stephen and Antwann’s home: A book by Nate Berkus and a painting of the Superman “S”. So what do you get when you cross Superman with Nate Berkus?

My sister and I had a doll stroller we shared. We took that thing everywhere — there are countless photos of us pushing it in the house, in the front garden, out the back. Even as many favorite dolls came and went, together we loved our stroller for years. Do you have a doll-loving little-y in your house? Perhaps this would be a great option for a treasured gift? 10 fantastic wood strollers and prams after the jump! 1.

Go homemade! Not only can you get exactly the look you want, but it makes gift giving more personal. Here are thirty fabulous homemade holiday gift wrap ideas to make the people on your holiday list feel extra special without breaking the bank. 1. Foil Baking Gift Wrap: Hey Look 2. Raid Your Craft Stash Gift Wrap: A Lovely Lark 3. Polka Dot & Yarn Gift Wrap: Cotton & Flax 4. Neon Bow Gift Wrap: How About Orange 5. Pom Pom Gift Wrap: Katie’s Pencil Box 6.

A White Elephant gift exchange is my favorite kind of holiday party. Every guest shows up with a gift in a decided price range (usually $10 or $20), and then guests take turns choosing from the wrapped gifts, not knowing what’s inside each one. Of course, you usually know what’s inside the gift you brought… unless you buy a box of something from one of these mystery shops.

There is something so wholesome, tangible and satisfying about felt. Not only is it warm and comforting, it’s also majorly colorful and energizing as well. Which might just make it the world’s perfect fabric for wintertime. Projects and ideas abound, and this is your guide. Here are some products and projects that will give you the warm fuzzies: These cute boxes were made using inexpensive stiffened felt (called E-Z Felt) found at a major craft supply store.

Secret santas exchanges, office holiday parties, a little token for the the helpful neighbor next door…sometimes something small but special is in order. Here are our 10 picks for ultra inexpensive (all under $10!) goodies that are fun to give and even more fun to receive.

Ikea stylists are good at showing us common folk how to style our homes in inspirational ways for the holidays. You don’t need to shop at the Swedish giant in order to have a festive and fun household this season. Follow these tips, tricks, and suggestions to do it yourself. TOP ROW: Hang Ornaments on the Wall: Perfect for small spaces, wall-hung “trees” have all the festive feeling without the large footprint.

Name: CB Owens, NYU grad student in Food Studies, and Catering Sales Manager at ’wichcraft Location: West Village; New York, New York Size: 450 square feet, plus rooftop terrace Years lived in: 4+ years; Rented I first met CB way back in our days as undergraduates at NYU, where “home style” had everything to do with outfoxing the limitations set upon you by countless questionable roommates, inadequate wall space, awkward 80″ bed frames (what the heck were those all about?

One year I want to make an advent calendar that my family can use for years to come. This is not that year. But using an advent calendar is a tradition I loved as a child and want to share with my children. Here are 15 of my favorites for sale this year: advent calendars in a variety of sizes, styles, and budgets to suit any home. Each day remove a piece of the vignette from the numbered presents and add it to the fireplace scene.

What bland optimism. Just look at all those smiling, happy white people. If there was ever a more striving crawl towards generic homogeneity, I’d like to hear about it. And if this utopia was built in the 40s and disintegrated in the 60s, then for a moment it existed — for some — in the calm center of the storm of the world, 1950s America. Let’s look at the colors used to sell this story.

Often called “Chinese Red,” vermilion actually has a long and storied history throughout many cultures of the ancient world. Read on to find out more about this ancient color. It starts with a mineral, the undisputed champion of cool mineral names: cinnabar. Grinding cinnabar produces the brilliant red powder called vermilion, evidence of which was found as early as 8000 BC in the area that is now Turkey.

I had a conversation with a friend recently about the creative process and how people seem to just “come up” with amazing ideas in the spur of the moment. For those who depend on their creativity for a living, and even those who struggle to fill a blank wall at home, here is a little secret… If you want moments of inspiration, you have to cultivate them.

Name: David, Jennifer, and Tupelo Clancy Location: Jamestown, Rhode Island Size: approximately 900 square feet Years lived in: 16 years; owned Long rays of golden light stretch across the Clancy lawn and fill their small cottage with a warm glow as the sun rises over Narragansett Bay.

In the past, monthly subscriptions only came in the form of magazines and music for a penny, but we have come a long way from then. Now you can give a subscription gift to just about anything from wine to candy to food to beauty products. Here are some of the best monthly subscription boxes and gifts for anyone on your list: What could be better than receiving a surprise gift each month in the mail? It’s a surefire way to put an exclamation point at the end of any good or not so good day.

Today, I’m sharing some great insider info found in our comments section. Drew wrote: I worked for IKEA for four years—one as a kitchen planner, three as an interior designer. If you buy an IKEA kitchen, specifically the Akurum fitted line that the rest of the world outside the US calls Faktum, you can get a great product. The question is what’s your time worth to you?

I like to play with the feel of interiors, throwing together things that you might not always think to combine. One of my favorite looks at the moment is something I like to call ‘dark feminine,’ which pairs things that we traditionally associate with ‘feminine’ decor — curves, intricate patterns, soft fabrics, flowers — with dark, moody colors. The result is mysterious, intriguing, and unexpectedly modern. TOP ROW: 1. That aubergine velvet sofa! Yum.

Pale pink may not be a common color for the dining room, but I absolutely love it in these inspiration rooms. It’s such a calming and demure color that I can’t imagine not having a relaxing meal in a room so delicate. The pale, peachy hues shown above are subtle, yet unexpected enough to be unique. See below for some colors that can help you get this look. Inspiration Rooms: 1. Yvestown flickr (Licensed under Creative Commons) 2. Kishani Perera for Style Me Pretty 3.

Here are five comedy concerts to stream on Netflix where the language is kept clean (the worst it gets is similar to prime time television programming humor), but the laughs are plentiful: 1. Jim Gaffigan’s Mr. Universe Gaffigan has been given the unofficial title of “America’s Cleanest Comedian” and with good reason. He’s wickedly funny, but never wicked.

Psssst. Hey, so are you thinking about entering this year’s Room for Color contest, sponsored by Chip It! by Sherwin-Williams? I can let you in on the absolute best way to garner maximum votes for any entry: take your time on the photos so you submit great ones.

Shella Garcia recently opened a children’s boutique for new and vintage clothing, toys and accessories in Long Beach, California. With a color palette akin to a bag of Jordan Almonds, there are some ideas here you could steal for your own child’s room. The pastel frames hung from the ceiling immediately drew my eye and add some nice texture. I also love the nostalgia-inducing metal school lockers and the chairs hanging on the wall which cleverly double as clothes racks.

Mystic Medusa Mystic Medusa:hereARIES: Aries craves simplicity and a funky-inspirational atmosphere from which to operate. Think primary colors — most of all red — Mark Rothko-style massive bright abstracts if there is to be art, and the most insane, enviable and functionally loud sound system possible. TAURUS:The couch is the center of the Taurean universe, and ideally it is ultra-comfortable and yet provides proper support.

We spend a lot of time throughout the year doling out advice on how to make the best of small spaces. Which got me thinking — I actually enjoy a lot of things about living in my rather petite abode and want to focus on the upside. So in classic Letterman fashion, here is my top ten list. It’s easier to clean. You’re less likely to overshop when space is a priority – so you save money. Small versions of furniture cost less. A lot less.

This post is all about gasp-inducing details – elements that stop you in your tracks, take your breath away and, in one fell swoop, transform an ordinary space into an extraordinary one.Some of the details are architectural, and some are the result of dramatic furnishing choices, but each provides an undeniable “wow” in the experience of the room.TOP ROW:1.

Like many of you, I often struggle with finding artwork I like versus artwork I can afford. For example, I love vintage posters. But good, interesting (not to mention affordable,) prints can be hard to find. Until now, that is… Now, you can download hi-resolution vintage posters for free at Free Vintage Posters and put your printer (or a commercial printing service) to work (just remember to change your printer settings to their highest resolution color mode and use good quality paper).

I don’t know about you, but my daughter and I start to go a little stir crazy at this time of year. We try to get out as much as possible, but sometimes with these short, cold days we can’t be out for long. I’ve been keeping my eye out for inexpensive do-it-yourself ways to have a little fun indoors. Here are some fun and budget-friendly cardboard creations that are sure to keep your little ones entertained during those final weeks of Winter: Row One: 1.

Q – I need help on how to pick the right color for a home theater room. I have heard that it should be black or a neutral gray. Where should I begin?A – Hi John,To recreate a serious home theater resembling an actual cinema (like Scott’s Home Theater above), a darker and flat paint is the right way to go.

If you’ve got a smartphone (and we bet you do), magnifying glass, shoebox, and some everyday spare parts, you can construct a miniature digital projector that would make the Lumiere Brothers proud. This could make an excellent project for the kids, illustrating the properties of light and the science behind movie projection.

Name: Christi Finley and her pup Lilly and a roommate (not pictured) Location: Bouldin Creek, Austin, TexasSize: 675 square feetYears lived in: Rented, 1.5 years Living in a small space doesn’t mean it has to be boring, as evidenced by the home of creative and crafty apartment dweller Christi. The South Austin home she shares with her roommate and her incredibly photogenic pup Lilly is packed with color, pattern, texture and style.

Sometimes there is nothing quite so daunting as a big, blank wall, waiting to be painted. With all the time, money and effort that painting entails, you want to be sure that you’re actually going to like the finished product. Read on for some tips on how to choose color wisely.Consider your light. First of all, you should be realistic about your space and the colors that will work within it, and light plays a big role here.

Name: Carol and Jeff SayreLocation: Seaview, WashingtonSize: 500 Square FtYears lived in: 12 years — own The Sayre family bought their vacation home in Seaview, Washington twelve years ago. This one bedroom cottage is blocks from the waterfront in a sleepy coastal town just 3 hours south of Seattle. Now spending most of their time up north in the city, the Sayres have opened their home to guests and family friends who need a quiet getaway. Welcome to the Shoebox Inn.

Tatami mats are a kind of rush flooring used in traditional Japanese homes. Made of woven rush grass around a rice straw core, they are gentle but firm underfoot, and also give off a lovely (I think) scent, especially on rainy or humid days. Increasingly rare in modern Japanese interiors, tatami deserves to be considered as a potential material in all homes. Let’s take a look at its rich history.

Wicker furniture might seem like an invention of the Victorian era, but that’s just when it hit the English and American markets. In fact, wicker is one of the oldest methods of making furniture, common all over the world for thousands of years. But wait, I’ll bet you’re wondering what wicker is exactly, am I right? So let’s define our terms, and take a quick look at the history of wicker.

We’ve all seen Marcel Breuer’s famous Wassily chair — the first to use tubular steel for a domestic setting — supposedly inspired by a bicycle frame (image 1). Would you believe this chair, maybe the most famous design to emerge from the Bauhaus, is a grandfatherly 87-years-old? Yes, the Bauhaus turned 93 this past spring, a shocking fact given that Bauhaus design still feels incredibly fresh and current.

Name: Natalie and KevinLocation: Parkdale, Toronto, CanadaSize: Approx. 1500 square feetYears lived in: 9 months; Rented When searching for a new place to call home, Natalie and Kevin never dreamed they could find such a spacious, bright, and charming place within their budget in the city. Nine months after moving in, Natalie is still pinching herself.

A common dilemma for expanding families in small spaces is what to do when the number of kids outpaces the number of bedrooms. Bunk beds are a popular and obvious solution, and rightly so. Going vertical is always a good option. But what if your small space cannot accommodate a traditional bunk bed setup? All is not lost. In fact, floor space is gained with the Tuck Double Compact Bed.

Name: Jennifer LaskeyLocation: Windsor Square / Hancock Park, Los Angeles, CASize: 1,000 square feetYears Lived In: 11 months Bette Davis, Marion Davies, Mae West, Ava Gardner, Douglas Fairbanks, Clara Bow, William Randolph Hearst…a who’s who of Hollywood royalty that once called the historic Los Altos apartments “home”. Now the tony address is home to events planner and vintage design specialist, Jennifer Laskey and her feline sidekick, Capone.

Name: Sara, Blogger and Real Estate ConsultantLocation: Dupont Circle, Washington D.CSize: 718 square feetYears lived in: 2 years; OwnedWhen you have a blog that focuses on how to achieve high fashion at a bargain, there is a good chance your home will reflect that same sensibility. Blogger Sara’s home radiates world charm, luxury, and her keen ability to mix her taste in high-quality vintage pieces with great low-price steals from her favorite bargain shop, Home Goods, and D.

Just like suitcases with wheels, recessed power outlets are one of those “I can’t believe it wasn’t around ’til now” inventions. But even if you know they exist, you might not know how to use them. Here are five places around any home, apartment or loft where you should install this space-saving electrical hardware.Recessed outlet hardware has a faceplate that is set deeper into the wall than a regular outlet.

A few months ago, I took my youngest to an amusement park with a large group of friends and their moms. As we all gathered at the front entrance with a gaggle of 5 – 7 year olds, I noticed one mom writing her cell number on her child’s arm. Brilliant idea! For kids who aren’t ready to remember a phone number, it’s a simple way to keep an emergency number visible in case she gets lost.

Love that Wall Street Journal stipple-style illustration? The results are not exactly as beautiful as Kevin Sprouls fine illustrations, but the SnapDot app does a decent facsimile using stippling algorithm to convert any photo into a stipple drawing, even color! SnapDot gives your iPhone the ability to draw professionally with the ideal fine art format: dots!

Sure you can always paint over, but that doesn’t make picking the color that you’ll see everyday any easier. I’ve seen more people agonize over the perfect wall color than the perfect sofa, despite the fact that the former is significantly less expensive. It’s harder to visualize, and that’s scary. Here are a few things to keep in mind to ease the process. • Don’t ignore your floor color! Don’t.