'Don't forget the four-letter word': Three important tips for designing a small space

With limited space, creating a striking neutral design with a clean, streamlined aesthetic isn’t easy, but there are pros to decorating a small space over a large one. Why? Well, it’s just like Nate Berkus said at a recent event: “You can spend more on the products you love because you don’t need as much.”

Adore marble? Thanks to your tiny kitchen, you only need a small amount to create the countertop of your dreams. Have your eye on a fancy wallpaper? You can slather your entire vanity in it from floor to ceiling because you only need half the amount you would in a typical bathroom.

Pottery Barn’s EVP of design and product development, Monica Bhargava, revealed her dos and don’ts for decorating a small space, including the trends we should adopt and the one thing we should never do.

Map it out

Before you lament over how little space you have to decorate with, flip your perspective and see it as an exciting challenge instead. While Bhargava agrees that “small spaces require creativity,” it should never compromise your personal taste or style, but planning is key. “It is important to map out your living space and take into consideration the different uses of the rooms and the moments that can be created,” she says. “Just because you have a small space, doesn’t mean that the design has to be one note. Go for a dramatic moment, pop of colour, or counter design. Play with configurations and make sure to maximise utility without sacrificing comfort.”

Pro Tip: Invest in multifunctional pieces and mobile designs that can be easily moved around if needed. Your small space should be designed for entertaining, working and living with character and charm.

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Apply the four-letter word rule

Now that you’ve unleashed your creativity and your design juices are flowing, there’s one thing you need to consider first. “Don’t forget the four-letter word: E-D-I-T,” said Bhargava. “Prioritise what you need and what you don’t. Choose multifunctional furniture that fits your specific lifestyle, and donate or recycle the items that create clutter in your space.”

Pro Tip: Keep pieces that tell your story and help define your individuality.

Never compromise style

“Never feel as though you need to sacrifice style and quality due to the size of your space,” says Bhargava. “There is a clever solution for every size home. Express your style through pieces that are adjustable or customisable. These individual pieces allow you to plan the perfect configuration for your space.”

Pro tip: Considering each piece carefully to curate a room that fuses fashion with function and speaks volumes about who you are is the pro’s secret for how to decorate a small space without compromising on style.

Stay on neutral ground

To ensure a cohesive, unified space that feels light and airy, Bhargava says stick to a neutral palette. She loves anything from classic white to dramatic charcoal or even chocolate. “Choosing a neutral colour for paint and larger furniture pieces allows you to bring in soulful accents such as patterned pillows or wall accents that catch the eye,” she says.

Pro tip: Bring home a few sample paint pots in all the neutrals you love from light to moody and test them on the walls first.

Make sure it has three important qualities

Even when you don’t plan on overfilling a space, new things enter your home daily, and if they don’t have a place, they can end up becoming clutter (something small spaces don’t have room for). Always consider every piece and ensure every room has these three important qualities. “No matter the [size], it should be functional, comfortable, and a reflection of your own personal style, so you are designing a space that you are truly happy to call home,” she says.

Pro tip: When considering how to decorate a small space, remember: Quality over quantity. Invest in the right pieces that add practical elements with style.

Introduce multi-purpose products

If you want to make the most of your small space, invest in furniture that has more than one function. “Choose pieces with unexpected storage compartments and space-saving extensions,” she said. “Also, don’t neglect wall space. With mounted storage and modular shelves, you can make the most of every inch.”

Pro tip: Add shelves that also have hooks so you can hang up pieces that might turn into clutter on the ground.

Implement small-space trends

Since most trends are in one day and out the next, it can be tricky knowing which ones are worth the investment. That’s not the case with small-space trends, which are focused on design function over fashion to maximise your space and really open it up. “Creating your own private moments within your small space will also be a big trend,” said Bhargava. “Whether that be a reading nook or an intimate dining area, think of subtle divisions that will create a sense of escape and relaxation.”

Pro tip: Create vignettes on top of multipurpose side tables to add extra style, personality, and flair.

– This story originally appeared on My Domaine