How to Design a Small Space in 3 Easy Steps (with Examples!)
We all have that one room in our house (or maybe a few of them) that we can never quite seem to figure out design-wise. Maybe we find ourselves moving the furniture around every couple of months in the hopes of finally finding that perfect layout. Or maybe we simply avoid that room altogether! Here’s what you could try instead…
We all have that one room in our house (or maybe a few of them) that we can never quite seem to figure out design-wise. Maybe we find ourselves moving the furniture around every couple of months in the hopes of finally finding that perfect layout.
Maybe we make yet another trip to Hobby Lobby or Target (or order online these days) to try to find new accent pieces that might do the trick and pull the room together, without breaking the bank (you know...just in case they don’t actually look as good as we hope!).
Or maybe we simply avoid that room altogether! Do you have one of those rooms in your home?
The truth is, small spaces can be tough to design, especially without some guidance from a professional. So today I’m sharing a few “tricks of the trade” to help you tackle that small space and make it a room that you can love!
Step 1. Pick a Single Focal Point
In larger spaces, you can get away with a geometric-patterned accent chair, a vibrant multi-colored rug, and bold curtains because you have plenty of wall space and open floor space to help balance the room.
It’s a little harder to do in a smaller space… but that doesn’t mean the room has to be boring!
I like to advise my clients to start off by selecting a single focal point for the room. Maybe you have a brightly colored desk that is a must-use in your home office. Or maybe you have a piece of artwork that you know has to be the inspiration for your space. Perfect!
I encourage you to take that focal point and design around it so that the other furniture and decor in the room complements your focal point, instead of competing with it.
Then you could use solid colors for other furniture, rugs, window treatments, and anything else that you don’t consider the focal point of the room. I promise that once we get done accessorizing later in the process, the room will look anything but boring. Trust me!
Step 2. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture
Every piece counts in small spaces, so we might as well look for items that have dual functionality. These specialty items save you space while allowing your room to work for you in a variety of ways.
If you are designing for a living room or family room, consider built-ins. Maybe your space already has them… and if so, why not use them! If not, think about whether adding a built-in bookshelf, entertainment center, or seating area might gain you some extra space (space that would otherwise be taken up by larger standalone pieces).
Ottomans with storage are also a great option in living rooms and family rooms. They allow you to store more in the room all while acting as a great foot rest. And they also minimize the clutter by providing a home (out of sight) for all of your essential items.
Side tables that move over an armchair or the side of a sofa are huge space-savers. They allow you the convenience of an end table without the footprint that a traditional end table consumes. Every inch of floor space is precious in small spaces!
When designing for a bedroom, you could consider a trundle bed with built-in storage underneath.
Or, if you are designing a guest room that won’t always be used as a bedroom, you could find a sleeper sofa that converts easily and matches the decor of your room. When not being used as a bedroom, y’all just gained another cozy seating area for your family to enjoy!
Step 3. Select Finishing Touches Carefully
Now that we have all of the larger components in place, it is time to focus on adding some personality to the room. This is the moment when we get to bring in patterns, colors, and textures in easy-to-handle quantities that give you that designer feel without overpowering the space.
You could look for...
throw pillows and blankets
picture frames
candle holders
trays (you know I love trays!!)
anything that complements your focal point
Step outside your comfort zone and select bright colors or varied textures that you may not normally consider. Combining colors, patterns, and textures gives you that boutique designer look you are dreaming of!
Examples of Well-Designed Small Spaces
FOR CLASSY COLOR IN A HOME OFFICE
If I love color and want a vibrant home office, why not make this magenta desk the focal point? To help it stand out, I left the rest of the furniture in neutrals (cream, white, grays) and added a pink ruffled pillow for fun! The result? An inspiring and classy home office!
FOR ART AS INSPIRATION
Or if you have a meaningful photograph from a recent adventure hanging on the wall, you could use the colors in the image for your accessories, like curtains, throw pillows, and more.
Playing up the colors in the artwork won’t take away from it being the focal point… it will actually make the photograph stand out even more!!! A conversation starter and design element all in one...yes, please!
FOR BALANCING WARM & COOL
Or if your focal point is a piece of furniture, like this honeycomb-patterned armchair in cool taupe and white, you can create beautiful balance by adding in some warmth! This brown leather ottoman and wooden desk do the trick! Classy and comfortable at the same time.
FOR SPACES THAT FEEL MORE OPEN
My last tip has to do with... mirrors! Adding mirrors (especially large ones) to your space can really make the room feel larger, brighter, and more open. Don’t believe me? Come see for yourselves, y’all!
This little breakfast nook looks twice the size than it actually is because of the large mirror we propped against the wall. A simple trick that makes a noticeable difference… and is perfect for checking hair and makeup on your way out the door!
ONE FINAL WORD
One final word on accessories in small spaces: less really is more. Small spaces can quickly feel over-cluttered, which makes them feel EVEN smaller and distracts from all the hard work you just put into designing your space! :)
Last but not least, I hope that you feel confident to put these tips into practice in your own home, but I also never want you to feel alone in this process! I am here for you.
If you have questions about any of these tips, or if you just want someone to take a look and give you some expert advice, I invite you to contact us.
No space is too large or too small for us to tackle with purpose, function, and comfort!
Our goal is to create a space for you that brings a smile to your face, and if tackling that small space of yours helps accomplish that, we would LOVE to help!
Sending love from GA,
Sarah
A Budget-Friendly Interior Design Plan that will Wow You!
If you want the interior designer look without a huge time commitment, designer budget, and in-person interaction (social distancing!), I have some exciting news to share with you… we just launched e-design!
Picture this for a moment... you arrive at your friend’s home for a party (to celebrate when all of this social distancing is over, hopefully very soon!). You walk in the door and stop in your tracks.
Not only is her entryway re-styled, but her living room has undergone a complete makeover since the last time you visited. No, the flooring hasn’t changed, and the wall color may even be the same, but the gorgeous furniture, boutique-inspired window treatments, and timeless yet on-trend accessories give the space a brand new feel… and it looks incredible!!
Later that night, you arrive home and walk into your own living room. You begin to notice that it feels dated and doesn’t bring you all the joy that it once did. Maybe you should consider an upgrade too… but do you have the budget for that?
A wave of stress and overwhelm washes over you as you turn out the lights and head upstairs to bed. You try to leave thoughts of a new living room behind because you simply don’t feel like you have the time or money to tackle that project right now… but you certainly wish that you did!!!
Does this situation sound familiar? If so, y’all I have a solution I can’t wait to share with you!!
This is exactly why we created… our NEW virtual e-design service! People who want the designer look without a huge time commitment and without the designer budget.
Intrigued? Keep reading to learn more…
Who is our virtual e-design service for?
You might be a prime candidate if you answer “yes” to any one of these questions:
1. Do you have a space that feels incomplete?
Maybe you fell in love with a certain wall color a few years back, painted the room, and then never got around to finding furniture or accessories to match. Or maybe vice versa. You’ve made do with what you have, but the room feels uninspired or simply unfinished.
2. Do you struggle to identify your design style?
Maybe you know what you like and dislike when you see it, but you struggle to identify why you feel the way that you do. You have purchased furniture and accessories over the years that you like individually, but when you put them together, there is no cohesive style. And you’re ready for some style!!
3. Do you have a number of pieces that you love, but feel unsure of how to pull them together?
Maybe you inherited an antique chest from your grandmother that just has to be a focal point of your space. But you also have an area rug you love and you have no idea how to use both of those pieces in the same room. Together, we can create harmony!!
4. Do you want the help of a designer with the flexibility to order and install the items on your own schedule?
Maybe you want a professional game plan, but are excited about ordering the items and installing them in the room yourself!! (I can understand that!!) You simply want links to the items you should order and then you can take it from there, allowing you a creative interlude in your very busy life. ;)
5. Do you live in another location but want to work with us?
Maybe you have family or friends that have been clients of ours in the past and you’ve wanted to work with us, but location has been an obstacle. If you want the same quality and attention to detail in your own home, even though you’re in another city or state, I’ve got you!!
If you answered “yes” to any or all of these questions, virtual design is PERFECT for you! Our team would be honored to help you complete your space, identify your design style, pull together the pieces that you already own and love, and do it all on YOUR schedule, wherever you are in the world.
What does our virtual e-design process look like?
It’s a very simple 4-step process:
1. Discovery Call
We spend 15 minutes with you on the phone learning all about the room that you want help designing. You can tell us what you like about the space currently, what is functioning well for you, and what needs to change. We’ll also ask you about your lifestyle so that we can better understand how the space is used on a daily basis. (You know I’m all about function!!!)
You can also talk us through any design elements that must stay or what you’re okay saying goodbye to. This call helps us get to know your room, but also helps us get to know YOU, the fabulous homeowner, so that we can cater the space to your particular personality and style!
2. Measurements and Photos
We will ask that you take pictures of the room from varying angles so that we can get a feel for the space without ever being in it. We’ll also ask for measurements of the space, as well as of any items that you would like to keep. This includes measurements of the floor, windows, doors, and existing furniture.
We’ll really appreciate it if you can note any ceiling slants that we have to work around, central air vents that can’t be covered up, and outlets that need to be accessible so that we can accurately design your space for both function and style!
3. Questionnaire
At this point in the process, we have a good idea of what you are looking for, but the detailed questionnaire we send your way helps us further dig into your design style so that we don’t miss a single detail.
We’ll ask specific questions to get to the heart of your personal aesthetic and help us discover any additional wants or needs for the space.
4. Design Creation & Delivery
Once we have all of this data collected from you, we’ll get to work designing your space! We’ll create design concepts and furniture plans and then provide links to purchase each item. All of this is delivered to you within 3 weeks of sending us your questionnaire.
For those of you concerned that you won’t like the selections, don’t worry! You have the opportunity to make 2 changes after we deliver your design packages before additional charges apply. We want it to be perfect for you!!
And that’s it! From there, it is your turn to order the items and install them in your space...but with the design plans we provide, it will be fun, easy, and totally exciting!
What does the virtual e-design service include?
At the end of the process that I just outlined, you will end up with the following items:
1. Two design options to choose from
Like the examples below:
2. Two furniture plans to choose from
Like the examples below:
3. Direct links to purchase your chosen items
Like the example below:
If this sounds like the perfect solution for you — saving money and saving time, all while revamping a space in your home that needs some love — please reach out to us!!
We are SO excited about the possibility of working with y’all in person or virtually to design a room that rejuvenates you and, best of all, makes you adore your home again.
Sending love from GA,
Sarah
My Favorite Finishing Touches for Classic, Fresh Spaces
When you think interior design, do you think paint colors and flooring? You aren’t alone! These more prevalent design elements are certainly a large part of any space, but it is the finishing touches and sweet little details that make your home truly unique.
When you think interior design, do you think paint colors and flooring? You aren’t alone! These more prevalent design elements are certainly a large part of any space, but it is the finishing touches and sweet little details that make your home truly unique.
Finishing touches add color, personality, inspiration, texture, and life. They take a room from ordinary to extraordinary with a few simple, carefully-selected items.
Today I am delighted to share some with y’all some of my favorite recent finds for classic, fresh spaces!
1. Touches of greenery
Ya’ll, I have to be honest — I have never really been a fan of fake plants (especially those ones you see in restaurants that obviously haven’t been touched, or even dusted, since the restaurant opened...you know what I mean, right?!)
All joking aside, I do believe that every once in a while, the right artificial plant can add a nice touch to your space. This eucalyptus arrangement from Target is designed to look just like the real deal, and comes in a simple white pot that can fit right in with nearly any home decor.
Source: Target.com
If you don’t have a green thumb, then I would suggest adding this simple and sweet plant to a coffee table, desk, or bookshelf. It provides the perfect amount of greenery without any necessary upkeep.
2. Bold, versatile trays
I love a good tray! Although, often overlooked when shopping for finishing touches, trays add variety and function to a space. I think that the placement of a tray on the ottoman in a living room or on the dresser in a bedroom makes it feel lived in and inviting.
Adding a colorful tray, or even one with a sophisticated bold pattern and metallic accents (like this one from Hobby Lobby), can bring personality to your space. It’s also the perfect item if you’re looking to add an inexpensive detail to your space — great price point!
Source: Hobbylobby.com
You could place it on a bed, dresser, vanity, bookshelf, or ottoman and add on decorative accents like a small vase of flowers or a scented candle. Better yet, add some cookies and sweet tea when you are expecting guests to draw attention to this adorable design detail and you will look like a design pro!
3. Throw pillows with unique accents
This Etsy shop, Stitched by Grace NY, has the cutest pillows, y’all! These cotton and faux leather pillows with multi-directional stripes feature a concealed zipper and neutral tones to complement any room.
Source: Etsy.com
An adorable throw pillow is so versatile. Toss it on the couch, a bed, or even pile a couple in a basket for a cozy accent in your home. Not only are these pillows sweet and stylish, but I love that they are made by a small business owner. You know I love to support other small businesses!!!
4. Large woven baskets
Large baskets are a GREAT way to add texture and color to your space. Plus, they double as storage and who couldn’t use more ways to organize blankets, throw pillows, and other accessories (am I right?!)
This decorative storage basket from Target features a handwoven design and dark espresso finish. It is easy and inviting, and keeps all those miscellaneous items in one place.
Source: Target.com
Even better, by purchasing this specific ethically handcrafted basket, you’ll be supporting Filipino weavers and making a positive social impact on their communities.
5. Book-style boxes
Boxes add character to your space and help you to be more organized, too. I love these distressed white and gray boxes from Hobby Lobby — they look like books AND you can hide your phone cords, remotes, tablets (and let’s face it, anything else really!) inside them.
Source: Hobbylobby.com
Place these on a bookshelf, stack them on a nightstand, or add them to a coffee table. They make for a clean looking space while maintaining the convenience of having your necessities nearby.
6. Wreaths for all seasons
A cute wreath is the perfect way to personalize your space and add a little extra character to a room. This Etsy shop, The Burlap Cottage, has wreaths that are fun, simple, and sweet!
The wreath below is a great year-round decoration that works well within any design style from modern minimalist to rustic farmhouse (and everything in between).
The front door isn’t the only place to hang a wreath like this one (although that would be beautiful!) Consider hanging them on a wall, an interior door, or on an interior window so that YOU can enjoy it from inside your home!
Source: Etsy.com
So, what do y’all think? Are you feeling inspired to add a few new finishing touches to your home? I sure hope so!
Or maybe you are eager to take on a full remodel to really freshen up the space… you know...to give you a blank canvas that you can add these fun finishing touches to!
If you are ready to start navigating the world of interior design, my Remodeling Planning Guide is a great resource for helping you begin this beautiful process. Until next time...
Sending love from GA!
Sarah
How to Style Your Kitchen for Christmas
We’ve all heard tips and advice for decorating our Christmas trees, our family rooms, our porches and front doors… but what about our kitchens, y’all?!?!
We’ve all heard tips and advice for decorating our Christmas trees, our family rooms, our porches and front doors… but what about our kitchens, y’all?!?!
Since it is officially the Christmas season, I wanted to share with you some of MY FAVORITE THINGS. And as most of you know I love supporting small businesses, so before the new year when we will get into all of the remodel and renovation advice, I wanted to share my favorite Etsy shops!
The handcrafted touch adds an extra sweetness to your home and even to gifts!
If you’re hostessing this year, I bet you would get LOTS of enjoyment out of a festive kitchen, leading up to the holidays AND when it’s actually time to cook and entertain!! If that’s you, I have some great styling ideas and tips below that I think you will love!
If you’re not the hostess this year, I think you’ll love these ideas and tips anyway. ;) Because these will make INCREDIBLE hostessing gifts! Walk into your holiday event with one of these goodies below, and I guarantee you will score some major brownie points!!
So, are you ready to make this the prettiest, most festive Christmas yet?? Then let’s go!
1. Greenery + Simple Dishware
For me, simplicity is KEY. Normally, you don’t want too much stuff on your counters. This goes double for Christmas time… we’ve got to leave room for the food!!! That’s why greenery and simple dishes are my favorite way to decorate a kitchen for the holidays.
They are also easy and beautiful gifts to give a hostess!! Who doesn’t appreciate flowers or a small green plant to liven things up and look sweet on the counter??
Check out Kim on Etsy at TheBackyardGardener.
2. Burlap Cottage Wreaths
Before your guest walk into your kitchen they will go through the front door. So you have to make a good first impression there! I can’t think of any other better wreaths than The Burlap Cottage. They make the most STUNNING wreaths. They are unique yet simple — which of course is why I love them!!
These wreaths are perfect for a front door or inside your home. Prop it up against the kitchen counter backsplash, hanging from the wall, or set it in front of a window!
The best part? Leanne (owner) also takes custom orders, too! So you can personalize the wreath to make your gift recipient feel extra special. :)
On Etsy: The Burlap Cottage
Instagram: @theburlapcottage1
3. Personalized Engraved Cutting Board
This has a special place in my heart just because how sweet it is, AND Look, you can add a NOTE! Soooo sweet!! Perfect for a gift.
Wooden cutting boards are also my FAVE accessories to use when styling a kitchen. They add so much to a space: simple natural beauty, rich, and warm.
For Christmas decorating, you could pair a cutting board with some greenery (sprigs of pine, etc.) for the perfect holiday vignette!
For these cutting boards, Christy from ChristysCreations5 on Etsy is a must-see!
4. Pantry Labels
I LOVE the idea of pantry labels… for yourself or to give as a gift! (Who doesn’t love to at least try to be organized? I’m raising my hand over here!!!) To turn these into Christmas decor, you could get red jars and stick the labels on for candy, cereal, sugar, flour, cookies, you name it.
OR, you could fill a jar with hot cocoa mix, label it, and give it as a hostess gift! The labels come in MANY custom colors, so you can find something you know your recipient will love all year 'round ;)
To become organized and stylish in the kitchen this Christmas season, check out Racheal from WMCreationsShop on Etsy.
Facebook: Wonderfully Made Creations
Instagram: @wonderfully.made.creations
5. Custom Printed Kitchen Towel
Christmas time isn’t only about red and green. It’s about family and friends. I can’t think of a sweeter gift than to give a relative a dish towel with a meaningful family recipe on it. It will last for years and years and can even be passed down if you would like! How sweet is that?!?!
To find it, I have the sweetest shop to share with you!
As for the decorating side of things, you could hang this towel on the oven for instant decor that brings a smile to your face -- and a delicious recipe to the table. ;)
Go check out Ashley’s Etsy shop ByCuddles to add a sweet and personal touch to your kitchen this season.
FB: ByCuddles
Insta: ByCuddles
So, what do you think? Are the ideas flowing and inspiration flowing? I sure hope so! I’d love to hear which was your favorite in the comments below!
Coming up in the New Year, I’ll also be sharing a series of posts about renovations and remodeling that will take kitchen style a whole step further. Especially if you’re feeling the pain of a small or dysfunctional kitchen this season, you won’t want to miss these!
Until then, God Bless you and your family and I hope y’all have a Very Merry and Blessed Christmas!! See y’all in the New Year!!! Can you believe that it is already going to be 2020?
Xoxo,
Sarah
How to Design Your Home for Peace & Family Connection
Come join us in celebrating our blog launch, y’all! We have cake!!! Plus, 5 tips for inspiring peace and deep family connection at home — that’s right, just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
I can’t keep it in a second longer — I have something to tell Y’ALL!!!
Ivory Lane Interiors Officially has a BLOG!
I thought for the 3rd anniversary of Ivory Lane Interiors, “How can I celebrate in a BIG way?” Why not a BLOG?!?!? So here it is, Ivory Lane’s first EVER blog post! Grab all the balloons, cake and confetti you can and let’s have a party!!!
Okay back to business… well sort of…. before I dish on all things design, I want to say THANK YOU!!!!!
Yes, YOU…. We couldn’t have done this without our amazing clients and supporters. Truly. These past 3 years haven’t been a piece of cake (although, I love me some cake! Actually mainly the icing!!! I might have to go grab a cupcake with a TON of icing to celebrate), but designing homes for incredible people has been an honor and such a BLESSING!!!
It makes my heart so happy when I get to the end of a project or hey, even in the middle of a project, where the client says, “I love everything and how it is coming together!!!”
As a thank you, I’m dedicating the Ivory Lane Interiors Blog to ALL Y’all! (P.S. I thought long and hard about how to address you guys. Even thinking that maybe y’all is not the proper way, but hey it’s in my DNA to say y’all so here we go! LOL.)
I can’t wait to give you our best tips and inspiration for functional, beautiful and purposeful spaces that bring joy to every day at home. So let’s dive into this month’s topic, with 5 ways to inspire peace and deep family connection — that is right, just in time for Thanksgiving and Christmas!
1. Create a Welcoming Overall Aesthetic
We’re all about simplicity here at Ivory Lane, and there’s a good reason for that. Life is SO hectic sometimes and simplicity is something that we could all you sometimes. (Can I get an AMEN?)
But this season, simplicity can do even more for y’all!!! It can be welcoming, warm, and promote family connection! There are several ways design can do this, but one of my favorite ways is…. TEXTURE.
Soft textures are key to creating feelings of warmth and comfort. Combined with light, open spaces, texture makes it feels comfy and uplifting all at once. (I’m getting excited just thinking about it! Cue a cold winter day with the fire going and a fur blanket. Ummm YES, please!...)
So you might be thinking, Okay, how is that done? Well, you can add soft textures to your common areas with throw blankets, pillows, cozy rugs, or drapery. A soft simple linen drape can work wonders to a space! It makes a huge difference to the look of the space — and how you can enjoy it!
2. Create a Mood with Lighting
Imagine y’all are all cozy in the living room... snuggling into the sofa, blankets everywhere and sipping warm drinks. (Hot chocolate anyone? it’s that time of year!) Now image mood lighting setting the scene, and it’s perfect, because who wants BRIGHT and HARSH lighting? (Ummm… no one!) LOL
If you have recessed lighting and you think that might be too harsh, add a dimmer to it or just have one recessed light that can highlight one area light the fireplace and the rest can be turned off.
Because no one wants to feel like they are in a board meeting or hospital with that harsh lighting. It is a great way to make family occasions feel more intimate and special.
For spaces shared in the evening hours, warm lighting is the perfect touch. You can always have the recessed lighting or lamps on dimmers.
3. Embrace an Inclusive Kitchen Layout
The heart of the home is usually the kitchen, and the chef probably doesn’t want to feel all alone as he/she prepares the yummy food. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to lay out kitchens to include all your favorite people.
An open concept space is ideal, but whether that’s an option or not, islands in the kitchen are GREAT for bringing people together. An island (or bar top seating, if an island is a no-go) will help bridge the gap between the host and the guests.
If an island or bar top seating isn’t possible this year, another option could be setting up a soda or snack station at an available kitchen counter. (Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love snacks, where’s the popcorn and M&Ms?!??)
4. Rearrange Living Room Furniture
Family rooms and living rooms most likely have seating pointed toward a main focal point, usually the TV. Yes, this setup is perfect for Game Day, and yes, it’s also true that Game Day has its own way of bringing the family together. BUT...
For those football-free moments (there will probably be some!), there’s nothing better than sharing conversation and connection with loved ones. Like that cozy, cuddly sofa scene I described in Tip #2. ;)
So, how’s this kind of connection created? Instead of all furniture facing the TV, turn the sofa and chairs to face each other and encourage talking. It doesn’t hurt to have some soft throw blankets at the ready either. ;)
5. Fine-Tune the Overall Flow
When it comes to entertaining (or just life in general), it’s important that one room flows well into the next!! These transitions make life at home easier and more peaceful, so the house is working for and with the family that lives there. (SO COOL.)
Same concept when it comes to entertaining...
For example, let’s say you’ve got a sweet hot chocolate making station in the kitchen. Once the cocoa is stirred and the marshmallows are added, where will people go next? The living room? If so, position the cocoa station on the side of the kitchen closest to that room, so there’s no cross-traffic tripping up the chef.
Another example could be carrying fresh-out-of-the-oven-food from the kitchen to the dining room. Where are the utensils for each dish? Buried in kitchen drawers and ready to cause chaos? Or already placed conveniently along the path from oven to table? ;)
Sure, these are small things, but they contribute big time to the peace and joy of a smoothly flowing and fun family event!!
And there you have it, that’s 5!
Which one of these tips speaks loudest? Is there anything y’all already do to promote connection at home?
I’ll be back again next month with more fun tips. Til then, I hope y’all have an amazing Thanksgiving with family and friends. ;) Speaking of Thanksgiving, what is your favorite side to have at Thanksgiving? (I’d love to hear in the comments!!)
Sending love from GA,
Sarah