Taming open shelves

<div class="entry-summary"><div class="phrasing_content"> Are your selves like mine?  They start out beautifully arranged and over time bits and pieces of things end up store there, and soon you have a  messy jumble.  If you are someone who can relax in a space no matter what is going on in it, perhaps a jumble of objects  doesn't bother you.  I'm not like that.  If my environment is in a mess that is how my head feels.  <br /><br />Here are 5 great tips to  bring order to unruly  shelves.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/79767/Living-eclectic-living-room-portland"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Vary sizes of objects </b></span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1fb39tpFfBqdNXQC501Vjnjcn0t5ePt5d-u1JWzsXhaSA1Wg5lRuen5GAWRREMqZ8lIERgULNdlAt-tuaqi92icTcPTYzbGnAdVQstkut74mOVx3TbipHD6rQ7PF657ZlBKlmyAIkTPw/s1600/69594756711623386_Ks3tJcdP_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1fb39tpFfBqdNXQC501Vjnjcn0t5ePt5d-u1JWzsXhaSA1Wg5lRuen5GAWRREMqZ8lIERgULNdlAt-tuaqi92icTcPTYzbGnAdVQstkut74mOVx3TbipHD6rQ7PF657ZlBKlmyAIkTPw/s640/69594756711623386_Ks3tJcdP_f.jpg" width="460" /></a></div><br />One of the simplest rules when arranging vignettes is to have a range of object sizes for variety.  Some should be small , some medium and at least one piece that is large. And remember to layer to create interest.  Put a tray at the back and then stack  books and a small object on top of them. If you layer artwork make sure it is actually visible.  There's nothing more annoying than using art work in a display and then covering it up. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Use repetition</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/507184/Hillgrove-Project-traditional-living-room-los-angeles"><img alt="Hillgrove Project traditional living room" border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/507184_0_8-0686-traditional-living-room.jpg" width="500" /></a><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/mkspach/tim-barber-ltd-architecture-interior-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Tim Barber LTD Architecture & Interior Design</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/626010/Bookcase-Accessorizing-eclectic-living-room-raleigh"><img alt="Bookcase Accessorizing eclectic living room" border="0" height="790" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/626010_0_8-5571-eclectic-living-room.jpg" width="500" /></a><small> </small><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/rachelgcfl/rachel-freeman" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Rachel Freeman</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Repetition, when used well, creates a strong design. Choose several elements to repeat throughout the bookcase/shelving. If you have one stack of books laid horizontally, repeat this arrangement in at least two other places.  Use small sculptures, boxes or vases and rest them on top of a pile of books or magazines. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Keep it neutral </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><img align="middle" alt="shelf-style-overall.jpg" border="0" height="628" hspace="0" src="http://www.styleathome.com/img/photos/biz/Style%20at%20Home/shelf-style-overall.jpg" vspace="0" width="550" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.styleathome.com/decorating-and-design/styling-secrets/how-to-style-open-shelves/a/34418/2">Style at Home</a></span><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>When you have a range of objects to store,  one of the best ways to keep things looking pulled together is to choose neutral colour schemes.  I love white objects for this purpose. You might also consider silver, brass, wood etc.   There's a lot going on in the space above, but because everything is white or very pale, a cohesive look is achieved.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAEQGPw_tsDsseGFzB4X19lRxC4K_bLqfMNprPdsVDhzjIP5kZrHbvtBotEjPw93k0KEpzjwIa9a_IAvY2PGa6zTqFGkbtzRaEXuSkARDn7PWB1Vof95H4zviElVtdbTjt_nqpiufZQKP/s1600/171277592048202157_yezYGqJp_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiAEQGPw_tsDsseGFzB4X19lRxC4K_bLqfMNprPdsVDhzjIP5kZrHbvtBotEjPw93k0KEpzjwIa9a_IAvY2PGa6zTqFGkbtzRaEXuSkARDn7PWB1Vof95H4zviElVtdbTjt_nqpiufZQKP/s640/171277592048202157_yezYGqJp_f.jpg" width="512" /></a> </div><br /> This neutral scheme allows the homeowner to display stored items in an interesting way.  Also notice that the organization on each shelf is organized in two sets with both having equal visual weight. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSaEnMILVY002UNFRtQ24Hud2Xgofsp-yRAcpV1yC9Ef1xkXuuDyMt51yoWeQEka-nv14qZxIaW77Z4bJ2DksgljFU9qLQ0SFOc-U199J6VVfZ6s_pLP1A35LiL92eSZ_XWwkeskD9VWU/s1600/237424211575008203_cgI2VQLr_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuSaEnMILVY002UNFRtQ24Hud2Xgofsp-yRAcpV1yC9Ef1xkXuuDyMt51yoWeQEka-nv14qZxIaW77Z4bJ2DksgljFU9qLQ0SFOc-U199J6VVfZ6s_pLP1A35LiL92eSZ_XWwkeskD9VWU/s640/237424211575008203_cgI2VQLr_f.jpg" width="360" /></a></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is as neutral as you can get in both theme and colour scheme.I love the repetition of bottles and books with variety achieved through shape. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Keep interesting elements at eye level </b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNyQpohrFA-9jEsON7W5dJbKxVVTNMO0Jnsq-FsQbuxXVKggk0r5FfH8mTOEBcfYILFIU5XhGb4OSCP4JB2_rSEBKbkPLglBY_hFHBxJ2SgDyLYLlGfNpvA4jiwgyjYssmtcjQocQgvH-/s1600/shelf1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCNyQpohrFA-9jEsON7W5dJbKxVVTNMO0Jnsq-FsQbuxXVKggk0r5FfH8mTOEBcfYILFIU5XhGb4OSCP4JB2_rSEBKbkPLglBY_hFHBxJ2SgDyLYLlGfNpvA4jiwgyjYssmtcjQocQgvH-/s640/shelf1.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://theglitterguide.com/2012/01/25/how-to-style-a-bookshelf/8/">The Glitter Guide </a></span></div><br />This is an easy one and it really makes a difference. When you walk into a room , you tend to see what is at eye level first.  Don't forget about "seated" eye level  too.  Keep boring objects toward the bottom.  Also remember that if you have a line of books or really dark objects they will have a lot of visual weight and should rest at the bottom of the display. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Create relationships</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/79767/Living-eclectic-living-room-portland"><img alt="Living eclectic living room" border="0" height="750" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/79767_0_8-7578-eclectic-living-room.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/pdxdesignerguy/garrison-hullinger-interior-design-inc" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Garrison Hullinger Interior Design Inc.</a></small></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>  </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaQmqHkbxpRsJ7XGp6BIZW0ESQ9Lo3Xvn9DtaZJbF_UmmreewKqgYPoZUArosSbuspDzuW6kPbVdaHVYe0MnFkElkjvfhHV6hDeHpzoUae6V1Bwb119kIvh9VdIV-Dg5xYBt6pPeNQ1Ta/s1600/9359111695460311_jEQuZcJA_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdaQmqHkbxpRsJ7XGp6BIZW0ESQ9Lo3Xvn9DtaZJbF_UmmreewKqgYPoZUArosSbuspDzuW6kPbVdaHVYe0MnFkElkjvfhHV6hDeHpzoUae6V1Bwb119kIvh9VdIV-Dg5xYBt6pPeNQ1Ta/s640/9359111695460311_jEQuZcJA_f.jpg" width="480" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://amberinteriordesign.blogspot.ca/search?updated-max=2011-12-01T06:00:00-08:00&max-results=50">Amber Interiors </a></span><br /><br /></div>Choose a common element when you arrange shelving.  It could be similar colours, shapes or content/theme. Choose objects that relate to one another in colour and/or shape to create unity. Vary the size of objects and make sure they relate to each other in some way. In the images above the common theme is containers interspersed with art work.

Taming open shelves

 Are your selves like mine?  They start out beautifully arranged and over time bits and pieces of things end up store there, and soon you have a  messy jumble.  If you are someone who can relax in a space no matter what is going on in it, perhaps a jumble of objects  doesn't bother you.  I'm not lik…

Read more »

Timeless design

San Fransisco based designer <a href="http://www.jiunho.com/interiors.php">Jiun Ho</a> creates rooms that are harmonious and balanced by using textures against clean lines, simple fabrics and inviting shapes. I am attracted to his interior spaces because they re so well thought out and the scale of everything always seems right. Symmetry and restraint play a prominent role in all his work.  If I had to describe his interiors I would say they are tranquil,  classic and timeless, three characteristics that make beautiful interiors.   He describes his work as   " <i>... all about style rather than fashion, all about relaxed living rather than studied formality."  </i><br /><i> </i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnFhXydX-W4XykWNkv3eELBwJowxeJn0WjybvdCREfrsI12krr1RPhWwhctdlSfkFcl9NoSkYrlonkvgnlF8AworfQeke-lFx15PBo9tC0vGK8G1z-J-BhEb4R0dob_Ns3uCOoA0xDIz3/s1600/4445991893_hastings01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="633" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWnFhXydX-W4XykWNkv3eELBwJowxeJn0WjybvdCREfrsI12krr1RPhWwhctdlSfkFcl9NoSkYrlonkvgnlF8AworfQeke-lFx15PBo9tC0vGK8G1z-J-BhEb4R0dob_Ns3uCOoA0xDIz3/s640/4445991893_hastings01.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFZnSgBAEZ_RffQ2z052zmG68R6G428sOjfIvhqR8fS1EAke2syb0CTxs_z7DPH0KUXvtNjtzCH519m9LNJNQzkfbx4CpUr3IzvOjWmtw7jquX7fSqRgBila2OiehVwocIOZQe3pLS7My/s1600/Juin+ho+Decorati.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div> The quite simplicity of this entrance is perfect.  Some might consider it too stark, but I always find clean lines and minimalism  invite one to relax. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszHs4Jz9NGRetL93F9CDr7Flpdx6Nzqal3AZfmzsNpNZwriYqViDiIo0GsSblz44ABy93sfOI0wm1w4YtAvDg2uEQrTIzTPgzuQKu-i0NStEzJP-G2pa6h8YhEyEycx4YboIS9fGilrAn/s1600/Jiun+Ho.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiszHs4Jz9NGRetL93F9CDr7Flpdx6Nzqal3AZfmzsNpNZwriYqViDiIo0GsSblz44ABy93sfOI0wm1w4YtAvDg2uEQrTIzTPgzuQKu-i0NStEzJP-G2pa6h8YhEyEycx4YboIS9fGilrAn/s640/Jiun+Ho.jpg" width="512" /></a></div>This small kitchen space uses an island to increase storage and provide an eating area. Although the cabinets are a darker colour, the lighter walls, floor and  seats balance the darks nicely.  <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7_0X7swHw_wT1orlgo3jp2G-2gpdxqsaCuGwCi3rRcjdHqBbCfNjA7AdYAvqIYodsg7aqatD9VfZKNVAhlICVxcFgszPEBrPOB-Pbm3gIvFDzM8Wt7iCjmrJ7eUOnScyP_KMmWQOmS5v/s1600/Hartford+st+residence+Ho.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="633" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb7_0X7swHw_wT1orlgo3jp2G-2gpdxqsaCuGwCi3rRcjdHqBbCfNjA7AdYAvqIYodsg7aqatD9VfZKNVAhlICVxcFgszPEBrPOB-Pbm3gIvFDzM8Wt7iCjmrJ7eUOnScyP_KMmWQOmS5v/s640/Hartford+st+residence+Ho.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>There is an overall lack of "objects" here,  but those that are chosen have perfect scale for the room.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yHySE5IqUxFtyBjg4qvSn4P5H97fi0FSKQ1hP4DLxlp6to3EGFEUeDPPAaPGb5Ahdivi5po9hrC5hqjNzgViiwjHWugiz2Y9hAMUdGvHjB9DUBveVC3hrIUH8C1RMifG-vV2W8qt5lNz/s1600/Jiun+ho+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4yHySE5IqUxFtyBjg4qvSn4P5H97fi0FSKQ1hP4DLxlp6to3EGFEUeDPPAaPGb5Ahdivi5po9hrC5hqjNzgViiwjHWugiz2Y9hAMUdGvHjB9DUBveVC3hrIUH8C1RMifG-vV2W8qt5lNz/s640/Jiun+ho+3.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br />In his palettes  you usually find one colour as an accent  used with darker neutrals - in this case  brown red . In the rooms below it's a rich gold.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZK36jzvKf36MczPZaAkPADeh2IFkTcRupgTSGPC1y3EkOsxCFwQ2PS_7YndX0YIDRTNgUb1W3YQbVnPjtZHbMrDtmk5x6OXpD9pGux2EL_AHF8HU31O4aDgdOPctTM3_KDJ0y5iJSxFx/s1600/Jiun+Ho+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJZK36jzvKf36MczPZaAkPADeh2IFkTcRupgTSGPC1y3EkOsxCFwQ2PS_7YndX0YIDRTNgUb1W3YQbVnPjtZHbMrDtmk5x6OXpD9pGux2EL_AHF8HU31O4aDgdOPctTM3_KDJ0y5iJSxFx/s640/Jiun+Ho+2.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KQaCaTKwL7_iq6TpqMkpjumoOweNo63EuDNi4RDsL1njMwfz8jQjqoYzTYulg8R1-EkMhRU41xrFDVegiEIfTmoMPrdESPaWsWGsUgrdT1kSFFNalzlBNSUSlhwVxbGqriCfzM3gOXp_/s1600/1037972948_redwood02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="633" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KQaCaTKwL7_iq6TpqMkpjumoOweNo63EuDNi4RDsL1njMwfz8jQjqoYzTYulg8R1-EkMhRU41xrFDVegiEIfTmoMPrdESPaWsWGsUgrdT1kSFFNalzlBNSUSlhwVxbGqriCfzM3gOXp_/s640/1037972948_redwood02.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhora5acLb15omoWqSDs9-5FCVjH_f0Lvxr0pUJJy1k9yWX8k0u_pmJoUexe1aRiZYVjKW2hsT-DlUeTsVyOIilkQQtcrAPF82V9Tbti_A2wI2mYreT4YR7pgsFqh4cg0ZmT1w6b6mgCk_Z/s1600/Jiun+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhora5acLb15omoWqSDs9-5FCVjH_f0Lvxr0pUJJy1k9yWX8k0u_pmJoUexe1aRiZYVjKW2hsT-DlUeTsVyOIilkQQtcrAPF82V9Tbti_A2wI2mYreT4YR7pgsFqh4cg0ZmT1w6b6mgCk_Z/s640/Jiun+4.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFZnSgBAEZ_RffQ2z052zmG68R6G428sOjfIvhqR8fS1EAke2syb0CTxs_z7DPH0KUXvtNjtzCH519m9LNJNQzkfbx4CpUr3IzvOjWmtw7jquX7fSqRgBila2OiehVwocIOZQe3pLS7My/s1600/Juin+ho+Decorati.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRFZnSgBAEZ_RffQ2z052zmG68R6G428sOjfIvhqR8fS1EAke2syb0CTxs_z7DPH0KUXvtNjtzCH519m9LNJNQzkfbx4CpUr3IzvOjWmtw7jquX7fSqRgBila2OiehVwocIOZQe3pLS7My/s640/Juin+ho+Decorati.jpg" width="640" /></a></div> These two rooms share the fireplace and you can peek through from one to the other.  Perfection. Again darks are broken up with a significant amount of light and the lighting is provided by clean lined fixtures with bold scale.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybaUjqODIeqnwmt_vs5Bd9VrVFQKjA2ybypLloA_Te4FXd51qgInyTkG333WYpfW0NACx9pPyaznCPql7ClTvZ7qz1UFhI7Sz2Pg9HHXQe7QaUPyt306X0yevj7-z_MyD03svjYWlCYbs/s1600/89812946_redwood01+Woodside+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjybaUjqODIeqnwmt_vs5Bd9VrVFQKjA2ybypLloA_Te4FXd51qgInyTkG333WYpfW0NACx9pPyaznCPql7ClTvZ7qz1UFhI7Sz2Pg9HHXQe7QaUPyt306X0yevj7-z_MyD03svjYWlCYbs/s640/89812946_redwood01+Woodside+.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0KQaCaTKwL7_iq6TpqMkpjumoOweNo63EuDNi4RDsL1njMwfz8jQjqoYzTYulg8R1-EkMhRU41xrFDVegiEIfTmoMPrdESPaWsWGsUgrdT1kSFFNalzlBNSUSlhwVxbGqriCfzM3gOXp_/s1600/1037972948_redwood02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>How do you feel about these rooms?   Do you have a favourite?<br /><br /><b></b>

Timeless design

San Fransisco based designer Jiun Ho creates rooms that are harmonious and balanced by using textures against clean lines, simple fabrics and inviting shapes. I am attracted to his interior spaces because they re so well thought out and the scale of everything always seems right. Symmetry and rest…

Read more »

10 Tips for decorating a small living room

<span id="goog_699855724"></span><span id="goog_699855725"></span>It's a fact that  <span class="heading2">in many of today's new home builds, either your living room or family room will be a smaller  room.  There are many things that can be done to help visually enlarge smaller spaces. There are ways to use darker colours and larger scale furniture in smaller spaces, but their successful use takes a trained eye.  If you want to decorate a small room  with confidence the following ideas are easily applied.  </span><br /><span class="heading2"><br /></span><b><span class="heading2">1.  Choose light  furniture with simple lines </span></b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlQe9CIPKPaBIx8w1CHr7Yqw-U7iRpvdKWafJPPRj_6QoQYFDGvEu3cMt1KRctTHmjMT8G6NpSvv0NvK6K4DUOZ1TKxU6ZoDwbSVnxz_T7OZsQTg-KkwRvRZ7vJY5eKKzWYuyq9JN-nUQ/s1600/gray-beige-greoige-living-room-traditional-style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="light furniture small living room" border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlQe9CIPKPaBIx8w1CHr7Yqw-U7iRpvdKWafJPPRj_6QoQYFDGvEu3cMt1KRctTHmjMT8G6NpSvv0NvK6K4DUOZ1TKxU6ZoDwbSVnxz_T7OZsQTg-KkwRvRZ7vJY5eKKzWYuyq9JN-nUQ/s640/gray-beige-greoige-living-room-traditional-style.jpg" title=" Designing Home: 10 Tips for decorating a small living room" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span class="heading2"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Houzz</span></span></b><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="heading2">There's only one thing I would change in this room. With everything else  so light , I find the darker wood of the table somewhat harsh.  Something lighter would be more cohesive </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><span class="heading2"><br /></span></b></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70B1UTaobrmxbAc35RSgN-uEF6hY7PRdZflUnqp-PVFKSBPpZ91EhUtu43f83qq6bIF7uWU0OI-trhlqn7lh0V66bepsMTlsW6IBQFP7TKwxP-XFqyMTOSW5kx8sk8Ja4WB2Rn-y8tGUA/s1600/173881235582883489_OJVMsVyK_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="light furniture small living room decorating advice" border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi70B1UTaobrmxbAc35RSgN-uEF6hY7PRdZflUnqp-PVFKSBPpZ91EhUtu43f83qq6bIF7uWU0OI-trhlqn7lh0V66bepsMTlsW6IBQFP7TKwxP-XFqyMTOSW5kx8sk8Ja4WB2Rn-y8tGUA/s640/173881235582883489_OJVMsVyK_f.jpg" title="Designing Home: 10 Tips for decorating a small living room " width="400" /></a></div><br /><span class="heading2">Choose furniture first and look for pieces that are light in colour and have legs. Lighter colours occupy less visual weight and legs provide an unobstructed view of the floor, allowing the space to appear more open.  Coffee and end tables in metal and glass also allow the eye to move through the pieces consuming little visual space while dark wood furniture has the opposite effect.  The cow hide ottoman above works because it is overall light and has great legs. It also serves to connect the tones of the wood pieces in the room.</span><br /><br /><b>2.  Choose a lighter colour scheme </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGZNaamGdkUMb6fvNItjjMgxI4ccGfmNn6pDbUbh_8t0SmCbJu6h27lq2CzbMTbl9rf_bdQabMhfjtPVFTbC-MrRS6Ycv1-NPTrCJRfUN64epwlACwOb4ROXb-GIenF3aG2FMqPQrbtcQ/s1600/171277592048690148_RmG1NSHz_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="light furniture small living room decorating advice" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPGZNaamGdkUMb6fvNItjjMgxI4ccGfmNn6pDbUbh_8t0SmCbJu6h27lq2CzbMTbl9rf_bdQabMhfjtPVFTbC-MrRS6Ycv1-NPTrCJRfUN64epwlACwOb4ROXb-GIenF3aG2FMqPQrbtcQ/s640/171277592048690148_RmG1NSHz_f.jpg" title="Designing Home: 10 Tips for designing a small living room " width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Maria Killam</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><br /> Neutral colours mixed with  lighter shades of blue and  green  work well in a small living area.  Cooler colours recede  thus giving the impression of a larger space. . Use hints of  brighter colors in  accent rugs or pillows. The golden accents above warm up this space.  Small spaces work best with a three-color (or less) palette as in the room above.  If you love texture consider using a monochromatic scheme.   Bare  wood floors in lighter wood tones also add to a clean, flowing feeling.  Dark floors have the opposite effect.  Unfortunately the current trend for darker floors often causes many problems including closing in a space. The dark mirrors at the end of this space enlarge it.  Which leads me to ... <br /><br /><b>3.  Use mirrors effectively</b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzXHLqx5kcW3eLrPzNu5RxrGNSjqqGRBgZzRZQWgo-zXOvaqMImNBv7vHdkBqMth628pJdZWlKiuMmSz245HftciG56xrXYP8Qf0AyLwlKbehvUILg00XYykKZXeGI8wogP-guCJ6TE4d/s1600/Small-living-Room-Interior-design-Minimalist-Inspiration_6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="mirrors small living room decorating advice " border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzXHLqx5kcW3eLrPzNu5RxrGNSjqqGRBgZzRZQWgo-zXOvaqMImNBv7vHdkBqMth628pJdZWlKiuMmSz245HftciG56xrXYP8Qf0AyLwlKbehvUILg00XYykKZXeGI8wogP-guCJ6TE4d/s640/Small-living-Room-Interior-design-Minimalist-Inspiration_6.jpg" title="Designing Home: 10 Tips fordecorating a small living room " width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <a href="http://all-pictures.biz/beautiful-pictures-of-small-living-room-interior-decorating-inspiration/small-living-room-interior-design-minimalist-inspiration_6/">source </a></span></b><br /></div>Mirrors can make a small space look larger but it's not that simple.  They function best by reflecting light. That can be the light colour of the wall or refleced  light. Be aware of what gets reflected in your mirror by standing in different positions in the room.  I have seen mirrors actually decrease visual space because they reflect the wrong things. <br /><br /><b>4.  Emphasize  vertical lines  </b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaQpWIsenb80jWyT8qkPvg-r4Pyz4KglWYGc2elWpecVp7Ypu79cqtgI6giYlUlax2gc88rXPiiNLJirl_sT8HWPNNXcxGkZpFZvyaVNjrpww5Z5c79mw1iFujS-4h5o_qhWMgQh-7hVf/s1600/122512052333589520_TEz0L9iI_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="verticals in small spaces decorating advice " border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoaQpWIsenb80jWyT8qkPvg-r4Pyz4KglWYGc2elWpecVp7Ypu79cqtgI6giYlUlax2gc88rXPiiNLJirl_sT8HWPNNXcxGkZpFZvyaVNjrpww5Z5c79mw1iFujS-4h5o_qhWMgQh-7hVf/s640/122512052333589520_TEz0L9iI_f.jpg" title="Designing Home: 10 Tips for decorating a small living room " width="400" /></a><b> </b></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkU_zwaK12usf97wmKKftJWPKJTzdc8o8g9S8r7kZbi6tpIURp63Vxts-GzocQ7NyFMzLLEMDOuI5dT-k95U6UMRepp0w0K_NVUyOgeXXl6kC9jwDojd8vFlwxeXvo76REYtsRlokMN7J/s1600/erin2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="verticals in decorating a small space" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKkU_zwaK12usf97wmKKftJWPKJTzdc8o8g9S8r7kZbi6tpIURp63Vxts-GzocQ7NyFMzLLEMDOuI5dT-k95U6UMRepp0w0K_NVUyOgeXXl6kC9jwDojd8vFlwxeXvo76REYtsRlokMN7J/s640/erin2.jpg" title="Designing Home: 10 Tips for decorating a small living room " width="317" /></a><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.styleathome.com/homes/small-spaces/6-small-space-decorating-ideas/a/34004/3">source </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div>We often forget that a room has a vertical axis. Add things to the space to encourage your eyes to move upward from the furniture.  Floor lamps, large vases with tall twigs, full length draperies, long  mirrors, vertical paintings or stacked paintings, mantles, tables with multi- layered  arrangements etc. are possible choices.Did you notice the large mirror on the end wall?<br /><br /><br /><b>5. Match the furniture to the scale of the  room  </b><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9Z4Lbm84ZGv-6LZqgv5-dNvJCXqcloR3clcTPLZ4zxq3Vdy5HwLhysjGUb5OX4rlT1S-RfQjVYkBZ7_6j-LVezuJK1BK462p3uMVy78tWQmRZCsKYc137F9UxzZ69Vb__mydx_hjNqV_/s1600/127508233169939834_VQcLeHsG_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/808493/Contemporary-and-Casual-Living-room-traditional-living-room-los-angeles"><img alt="small scale light furniture decorating a small living room tips " border="0" height="400" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/808493_0_8-8646-traditional-living-room.jpg" title="Designing Home: 10 Tips fordecorating a small living room " width="371" /></a></div><div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;"><small><a href="http://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designer/los-angeles" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a> <span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/adolgin2/asd-interiors-shirry-dolgin-owner" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">A.S.D. Interiors </a></span></small></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlozQ_J-oHRgHrRKN4k2gLHMk5YhiK4wBaGsht_As1w18oXH5r9XNR97kicSZOwlgqgql425GZg5Q1LZkWi8VXIb4dyblvSr33cmmVaWHrR3xn5IBLqSmQOq1HpwBkdetphxHpxwK1fgSm/s1600/171277592048707296_vBNKGj8u_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>If your room is small, choose smaller scale furniture.  Armless chairs, apartment size sofas, small sectional etc. will make the room appear  more spacious. Consider a bench rather than a conventional coffee table or a glass or lucite table as in #4 photo.  Don't get carried away with this and  end up with  clutter by using too many small items. <br /><br /><b><span class="heading2">6.  Choose multifunctional furniture </span> </b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b> </b><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/546360/Living-Room-traditional-living-room-austin"><img alt="small Living Room decorating tips " border="0" height="280" src="http://st.houzz.com/simages/546360_0_8-2105-traditional-living-room.jpg" title="Designing Home: 10 Tips for decorating a small living room " width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><small> <a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/heather-scott-home/heather-scott-home-design" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;">Heather Scott Home & Design</a></small></div><br /> One of the best ways to deal with limited space is to choose  dual-purpose furniture, e.g., a pair of ottomans can double as coffee tables, with storage inside; coffee tables with a lower shelf can hold baskets, books, covered boxes for storage; consoles with doors make tidy hiding places, bookshelves used as a sofa table when you can't walk around the sofa, etc.    <br /><br /><b>7.  Build in storage </b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNoDIqMFlS6v-4ikH2-oQhLC6qxlOSYxxtP89s3ZS8eoUlTxqXZhluUPvqoeM1aZ5D4W0dWfGn9Z7CdqzAuCQ6pVWhDMSz1TisbztzKqBCqf3KCtHzevZ75mz-D6eXal48WVHEd5-tr-T/s1600/246712885806617420_zkv7pYAV_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="extra storage small living room decorating tips " border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNoDIqMFlS6v-4ikH2-oQhLC6qxlOSYxxtP89s3ZS8eoUlTxqXZhluUPvqoeM1aZ5D4W0dWfGn9Z7CdqzAuCQ6pVWhDMSz1TisbztzKqBCqf3KCtHzevZ75mz-D6eXal48WVHEd5-tr-T/s640/246712885806617420_zkv7pYAV_f.jpg" title="Designing Home: 10 Tips for decorating a small living room " width="400" /></a><b> </b><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.conspicuousstyle.com/">source </a></span></div><br />Give a small space  character and maximum function with a bank of custom-built cabinets in a light colour.  Built in cabinets and shelving triple storage options.  Keeping the colour of built ins light will increase the visual space. Arrange objects on open shelves in an artful way.  Leave lots of open space and vary the sizes and shapes of decorative objects.  <br /><br /><b>8. Harmonize  large pieces of furniture </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtLNfqvW-wsgbLt7VEEuU6p4M8RIG6mcKa6meWNPTOy0cVbmWfBF9peQ9QUXSabKpty3dIh_8smVLD38OW41EetSDY8vWlY7c_ViJ-pjoge1X1E-zvgcp9_eY8ANuG2PGckqFI-YfA9uc/s1600/67976275595789684_3BSqz4gp_f2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="harmonized furniture small space decorating " border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCtLNfqvW-wsgbLt7VEEuU6p4M8RIG6mcKa6meWNPTOy0cVbmWfBF9peQ9QUXSabKpty3dIh_8smVLD38OW41EetSDY8vWlY7c_ViJ-pjoge1X1E-zvgcp9_eY8ANuG2PGckqFI-YfA9uc/s640/67976275595789684_3BSqz4gp_f2.jpg" title="Designing Home: 10 Tips for decorating a small living room " width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://11eleven-life.blogspot.de/2011/01/what-is-your-decorating-style.html"> 11 eleven </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>If you have a  sofa or sectional that you need to keep and it dominates the room,  paint the walls  a shade that is just a bit lighter than the upholstery . The eye will move  across the room rather than sticking on  the sofa. In the room above a stone wall harmonizes with the sofa and the warm yellow from the wall is picked up as accents. <br /><br /><b></b><b>9.  Control clutter</b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9Z4Lbm84ZGv-6LZqgv5-dNvJCXqcloR3clcTPLZ4zxq3Vdy5HwLhysjGUb5OX4rlT1S-RfQjVYkBZ7_6j-LVezuJK1BK462p3uMVy78tWQmRZCsKYc137F9UxzZ69Vb__mydx_hjNqV_/s1600/127508233169939834_VQcLeHsG_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="clutter control small spaces" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG9Z4Lbm84ZGv-6LZqgv5-dNvJCXqcloR3clcTPLZ4zxq3Vdy5HwLhysjGUb5OX4rlT1S-RfQjVYkBZ7_6j-LVezuJK1BK462p3uMVy78tWQmRZCsKYc137F9UxzZ69Vb__mydx_hjNqV_/s640/127508233169939834_VQcLeHsG_f.jpg" title="Designing Home: 10 Tips for decorating a small living room " width="400" /></a><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.designshuffle.com/blog/inspiration-pretty-pastels-for-spring/">Design Shuffle </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Find interesting ways to store the objects that are needed in a room, e.g.,  storage cubes, baskets, covered decorative boxes, ottomans, etc. This room has a lovely wicker basket which serves as an end table.  On the shelf  is a fabric covered box and the coffee table has a lower shelf which can be used to store books, boxes, baskets etc.Sometimes the more space you have the more objects you accumulate. Keep shelving organized. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqNoDIqMFlS6v-4ikH2-oQhLC6qxlOSYxxtP89s3ZS8eoUlTxqXZhluUPvqoeM1aZ5D4W0dWfGn9Z7CdqzAuCQ6pVWhDMSz1TisbztzKqBCqf3KCtHzevZ75mz-D6eXal48WVHEd5-tr-T/s1600/246712885806617420_zkv7pYAV_f.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>10. Layer lighting </b><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJdkpp5Cmhuc9yaV2fJ_erceBL4Ff4-M3horflKCZedr68yPUxBvsw0mvej38o3HB1ir5vS1tbeZZG6WkNgcnTgK3UF7MtPrdHVCpmuA9R5uGLSrxBDs3qrddYRtLp1peDg0B3Het84Bk/s1600/171277592048708140_g92Rpsq4_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="layer lighting small spaces" border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuJdkpp5Cmhuc9yaV2fJ_erceBL4Ff4-M3horflKCZedr68yPUxBvsw0mvej38o3HB1ir5vS1tbeZZG6WkNgcnTgK3UF7MtPrdHVCpmuA9R5uGLSrxBDs3qrddYRtLp1peDg0B3Het84Bk/s640/171277592048708140_g92Rpsq4_f.jpg" title="Designing Home: 10 Tips for decorating a small living room " width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/ctlozano/cecile-lozano-interiors"> Cecile Lozano Interiors </a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Lighting is important in any room but even more so in a small room.  Keep window  treatments light and airy so that the natural light can shine through or have drapes that can be pulled back to let the light flood in. . For evenings or when there is minimal natural light use additional lighting to maximize each area of the room. A dark corner is a great place for a floor lamp or an accent table with a lamp for reading.   Wall sconces take up little space and can be used to highlight a certain areas of a room. Lights over artwork add an additional layer of brightness and highlight the artwork.  I try to have at least four  levels of light in a room- natural light, dimable ceiling lights, floor lamp or sconces, and  table lamps. Do a visual check to see if the four corners of your room have adequate light.<br /><br />Many of these ideas will work in much larger rooms too.  The most important thing to remember is to select furniture that is the right scale for the space you are decorating.  <br /><div><a href="http://www.houzz.com/photos/808493/Contemporary-and-Casual-Living-room-traditional-living-room-los-angeles"><br /></a></div><div style="color: #444444;"><small><br /><a href="http://www.houzz.com/pro/adolgin2/asd-interiors-shirry-dolgin-owner" style="color: #444444; text-decoration: none;"></a></small></div>

10 Tips for decorating a small living room

It's a fact that  in many of today's new home builds, either your living room or family room will be a smaller  room.  There are many things that can be done to help visually enlarge smaller spaces. There are ways to use darker colours and larger scale furniture in smaller spaces, but their successf…

Read more »