Small rooms, while challenging to decorate, offer unique opportunities for design. With careful planning, these spaces can exude elegance and sophistication, focusing on sustainability and timeless materials rather than fleeting trends. Here are five small room decor trends that designers believe will stand the test of time:
Bold Color Choices
Designers are moving away from the traditional all-white palette, encouraging homeowners to embrace bold colors. For instance, Matthew Boland from MMB Studio used Sherwin-Williams’ Energetic Orange in a guest house kitchen to create a memorable impact, illustrating that vibrant colors can enhance small spaces rather than overwhelm them.
Fitted Furniture Over Freestanding Pieces
Fitted furniture provides a more streamlined look for small rooms, eliminating gaps found with freestanding items. Sarah Peake of Studio Peake emphasizes using consistent colors for bespoke joinery to create a unified appearance. This approach adds character and maximizes storage, making the most of limited space.
Light-Reflecting Materials
The trend of incorporating metallics like copper and brass is growing, particularly in small kitchens. Lucy Mayers, a decorator at Sibyl Colefax & John Fowler, recommends using light-reflecting surfaces to visually enlarge a room, such as coordinating cabinetry colors across walls and ceilings to create depth. This can elevate the overall aesthetic while adding a sense of luxury through reflective qualities.
Layered Lighting Schemes
Lighting is crucial in small spaces, which often lack natural light. Designers suggest creating layered lighting schemes that include various sources, like table and floor lamps, in addition to ceiling fixtures. Overhead flush mounts help maintain a clean visual line in low-ceilinged areas, while accent lighting can enhance the ambiance. An oversized light fixture can also add an element of surprise, contributing to the room's overall character.
Decorative Details
Incorporating decorative elements, such as patterns and contrasting colors, can make small rooms feel cozy without overwhelming them. Eva Sonaike advocates for mixing patterns through textiles and accessories, while Ruth Mottershead adds that small entryways can benefit from warm colors and textures. These details enrich the space, allowing for personal expression and creativity, which is essential in small room design.
