Whether your apartment, condo, loft or house is less than 1,500 square feet or you are researching ideas and inspiration for a small bathroom, there is vast assortment of tricks in designing for small spaces. Essentially, in our real estate market, space is expensive and many people are downsizing on their dreams in order to have their own place. If you possess a small house or room, remember the benefits that these small spaces provide: they are less wasteful and more cost effective. Since they require less heat, light and cleaning, a smaller space can actually be quite desirable. Flexibility and versatility are the two main components in designing for small spaces. The ability to work and play in your space effectively is important, as a usable room feels less small.

When decorating your small space, always focus on simplicity. Visual unity among decorations enables the room to maintain a sense of class, without becoming cluttered and closed in. The details, furnishings and decorations should be simple and balance each other. One method of balance is to make the surfaces of the room consistent. Consider using cool colors to make rooms feel more spacious. If the cost fits into your budget, some relatively simple structural changes can make a smaller home or room feel and behave larger. Things such as built-ins, removing or replacing doors such as pocket doors or sliding barn doors, removing walls, creating movable walls, closet organization, create a loft, high storage or a hanging bed if you have a high ceiling.

Rather than fighting it, focus on the benefits of your smaller space. Maximize the favorable concepts found in all small spaces such as coziness, security, intimacy, charm and functionality. Find the natural character of the room you are designing and draw in the visitor. Look for extra space, such as under a sloping ceiling or under a staircase, and find ways to utilize these smaller treasures. Planning is always an important component in interior design, but it is particularly crucial in small spaces. Sit down with pencil and paper, not only drawing the layout of the room or floor plan, but also form a list of the necessities. Scoping out floorplans from various communities is a great way to come up with ideas; the floorplans are always easily accessible and the properties are always built in a way that maximizes useable space.

Scrutinize the potential uses of the room, the furniture requirements, storage needed and personal interests. Design a budget, determining the financial means at your disposal, future changes in your life and the amount of time you plan to spend in your current home. Previewing all this information before you start designing for your smaller space makes all the difference in your success.

Photos: Mi Casa