Moving into a small home? This article could be for you!

With the trend of having large open spaces, there is something to be said for homes that have cozy rooms with fireplaces that add warmth and welcome.

If you have fallen in love with an older craftsman’s home or even an attractive 70’s ranch, you can bring new life and a sense of openness to each room. Before the movers deliver your furniture, be grateful for the opportunity to decorate, starting with a blank slate.

There’s a lot of “talk” about how to make the most out of your small rooms that’s worth exploring! In fact, some designers say that decorating a very large room is far more difficult.

If space is tight (and it often is in large cities where small, cramped spaces can be a problem), you have a creative opportunity to do something very special. Older homes in historic areas also may lack space but don’t get discouraged. Unless a room is insanely small, it’s not a bad thing.

Small rooms are cozier and more intimate. You just need to be very purposeful in your decorating and planning.

Before your relocation team arrives

Before your relocation team arrives with your furniture, here are some tips that you can use to take the feel of a small room to an area of gracious space.

• Work with your window treatments Windows in older homes can be charming. If you are fortunate to have floor to ceiling windows, you will immediately see a transformation. Making your windows look larger not only lets in more light, but it can also make your rooms look taller and wider, too. Hang your drapes high and keep them open to let light into the interior of your room.
• Add Crown Molding to your rooms. Simple molding (it doesn’t have to be crown molding) is tasteful, and it can actually add height to a smaller room. When it comes to crown moldings, one of the most important factors to consider is the height of your ceiling. Crown moldings look best on ceilings that are at least 9 feet high. If your ceiling is shorter than that, you may want to consider installing a crown molding that is specifically designed for lower ceilings.
• Pare Down Before the movers arrive, declutter! If you are moving into a small home, one of the first things you want to do is let go of the things that you absolutely don’t need.
• Add beautiful Mirrors to your rooms. Interior designers swear by adding mirrors to a space, and for good reason. “Mirrors enhance the natural light in a room, make it appear larger, or create a stylish focal point. (Forbes.com)

Mirrors, Moldings, and More: Create a Sense of Spaciousness

“Mirrors can make a statement or blend into the background and highlight a room’s best features. But the trick is to use them to their maximum effect. Here are designer-recommended ways to use mirrors in your living room and throughout your home.”

Places in your home to add mirrors:

• Place above the fireplace
• Use on a wall among other home décors
• Create a wall gallery of mirrors
• Home Entryway
• Dining Room
• Above a sofa in a small, cozy den
• Use as an Art Statement.
• Add storage to a closet If you are moving into a small space, make every inch count. Just be sure that you can remove them easily for dusting and cleaning.
• Remove storage boxes from under the bed. No one wants to see storage boxes lined up under your bed. Today’s trend toward “light and airy” means being able to see beneath your bed and any other piece of furniture. Keep your floors uncluttered and easily cleaned. You will feel much better about your small space; it has the appearance of air and light. It keeps things lighter and airier by having the legs on upholstered pieces. One exception would be if you need a sleep sofa.
• Hang Drapes High Many older cottages have high ceilings, so even if the footprint of the room is not so big, you can give it a sense of space by adding drapes that are high and kept open for added light.
• Choose the right paint for your walls So much can be done with paint. Dark paint lifts the ceiling. Even a pale grayed blue green will make the ceiling appear to float higher. Here’s an excellent blog for ceiling colors.
• Create a place for work and sleep. This can be tricky. Be creative especially if you need a place to work and also sleep. One idea is to have a small workspace between two beds. This may work better for a child’s room. But you get the idea: think of ways you can turn your small space into a place where you love to live. Save space with a small desk that’s tailored to your needs. A small desk can get the job done without overwhelming the tight space.
• Add Large scale art It may seem counter-intuitive, but a large piece of art can make a room feel far more expansive than a couple of small pieces. If done well an art-wall, creates interest and height to a room. Rooms that contain art that looks too small for the wall makes the room look smaller.
• Wallpaper Works Remember: An important thing about wallpaper is that the pattern does not need to be small just because the room is small. Designer and blogger Laurel Bern writes, “Larger scale patterns look great in small spaces!”
• Be aware of furniture placement. It can be tricky to arrange a small living room layout that looks good and feels functional within the constraints of a tight space. But what you can do is amazing! Don’t forget this as you purchase your smaller home or apartment in a bustling city.

Maximize Space with Clever Furniture Placement

The right furniture arrangement can maximize a living room, making the space seem larger than it is. “Other interior design tricks, such as neutral color palettes and elements that encourage the eye to scan vertically, also help to give the impression of a bigger room. From central layouts to multi-functional furniture and more, these small living room layout ideas can be used alone or in combination to maximize your space” (Better Homes and Gardens)

Check with Lambert Moving Systems! One of the factors that sets Lambert Moving Systems apart is our partnership with northAmerican Van Lines. As an authorized agent of the northAmerican network, Lambert offers award-winning services coast to coast. This partnership allows us to provide you with a seamless moving experience, whether you are relocating locally or embarking on a long-distance journey. Call or Schedule an Appointment to experience excellence.

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