Who wouldn’t love a big house with plenty of room and space to not only cater for our needs but also store all the things that we accumulate in this life? However, sadly that is not the reality for most of us. so in today’s blog post, I am going to recommend 4 interior design styles that will work perfectly in any small space. I am curious to know which one is your favourite so remember to let me know in the comment section below.
Minimalism
If you are someone who values space, does not like clutter, and seeks simplicity, usefulness and clarity then you might find minimalism beautiful. Minimalism works great in small spaces because it focuses on the quality, function and structure of furniture rather than on the quantity, beauty and aesthetic aspects. In a small space, this will work best because it will save you floor space and make the room feel bigger than it actually is.
Choose a neutral colour palette. For a classic minimalistic interior, your base colours should be subdued hues to create a feeling of calm and fresh looking. Neutral colours are great for a small space because they open the space up and make it bigger. Natural tones can also be incorporated for example brownish tones through a jute fibre rug, a wooden coffee table and a rattan chair.
Now let’s talk about the type of furniture you need in a minimalist space.
It should not have unnecessary design elements added to enhance the overall visuals. Everything is kept to the point and focused on the purpose of the furniture’s ultimate use. Minimalist furniture is always stripped bare and highly simplistic. It consists of simple shapes to provide the necessary functions to the fullest.
In the bedroom, the bed is the most essential part of the minimalist bedroom, and its design will reflect the rest of the ambience. The first rule of bed selection for such spaces is that it should be low-height and as such a platform bed is a great choice for this.
In the living room, the upholstery of your minimalist sofa should always be chosen in a neutral palette. For other colour variations, shades of greys and browns are the go-to choice. In the kitchen, if possible go for a matt finish for your cabinets, as it is much more understated than a glossy one. Handle-less cabinets and drawers are the most popular choice for minimalist kitchens. Since there’s always an emphasis on natural elements within minimalism, you should add some wooden accents as well.
If you appreciate minimalism yet it comes across as too impersonal, cold and soulless to you then you might want to explore warm minimalism, which I break down in this video.
Japandi
If you are someone who values artisanship, sustainability, nature, and simplicity, and if you like to be peaceful and Zen but with comfort then Japandi could just be the interior design style for you. Japandi design is the combination of Scandinavian functionality and Japanese rustic minimalism to create a feeling of art, nature, and simplicity.” This fusion creates the perfect blend of function and form, focusing on clean lines, bright spaces, and light colours.
Minimalism and Japandi have many similarities and I understand if you are struggling to understand the difference so let me highlight it for you. Minimalist designs intend to be functional, and items are chosen based on how essential they are. Like the Japandi aesthetic, minimalist spaces also tend to have a neutral colour palette, but there is no ornamentation or room for imperfection in a purely minimalist design. Minimalism is meant to be cool, slick, and rigorous. In contrast, the Japandi style is all about finding beauty in irregularity which is called wabi-sabi and emanated from Japanese philosophy. Japandi also appreciates the craftsmanship of each item. Japandi has an emphasis on the sustainability of the materials used, which is not focused on in minimalism.
If you would like to bring some of Japandi’s design characteristics into your space, here are some ideas to consider.
- Paint walls cream, beige, or a soft pastel shade to create a light, calming space. Again, this point will work to your advantage in a small space.
- Bring plants and greenery into a room for natural touches. Adding nature to any room will make a space look bigger especially if you use one big tree, this will create the illusion that if the space can accommodate such a big plant then it is big.
- Opt for organic airy textiles with subtle patterns like striped linen bedding. In a small space, you want to avoid heavy fabrics, which will weigh down a small space but rather you want to make it look and feel as light as possible.
- Mix in natural materials like rattan and bamboo and look for striking, sculptural paper light fixtures
- Avoid clutter by storing things that do not need to be seen out of sight. In a small space think of using multifunctional furniture such as murphy beds which can be stored away when not in use thus saving on floor space.
- Choose vintage or reclaimed pieces when possible, keeping sustainability and wabi-sabi in mind
Scandinavian
The main purpose of Scandinavian design
is to improve daily life. The style is so popular because it speaks to both our tidy tendencies and our desire to live in inviting and comfortable settings. Hygge is a characteristic of Danish culture that has translated into Scandinavian interior design. It involves creating a warm, comfortable atmosphere in your living spaces. Scandinavian interior design is a minimalistic style using a blend of textures and soft hues to make sleek, modern décor feel warm and inviting. It emphasizes clean lines, utility, and simple furnishings that are functional, beautiful, and cosy.
- Scandinavian interiors are typically painted in light colours, with colours like blush pink, baby blue, mint green and soft grey used sparingly. Designs often play with natural light, which is a hot commodity in Nordic countries. High contrasts are the hallmark of Scandinavian interior design. In an all-white dining room, stark black sculptural furniture helps create a dramatic, impactful statement.
Here are some easy ways to implement the Scandinavian design in your small space
Accessorize With Warm Textiles.
Warm textiles are frequently used in Scandinavian home décor. There are a variety of textiles you can choose from, including throws and rugs made from wool, sheepskins, or mohair. Alternatively, choose options that look like they come from these materials.
Use Plants And Fresh Flowers To Decorate.
To add a living element of colour and beauty to your Scandinavian interior design, consider adding natural elements. Plants and fresh flowers can be put to good use when decorating your Scandinavian theme.
Keep Your Interior Clutter-Free.
The Scandinavian interior design style puts a strong emphasis on keeping the space clutter-free. Organizing storage spaces smartly should therefore be a priority to avoid unnecessary clutter.
Lighting
Scandinavian interior design emphasizes the importance of lighting. In Scandinavian décor, light is considered a life source, and there should be different types of lighting to ensure adequate illumination. In a Scandinavian home design, lighting also sets the mood. Modern lighting can be incorporated into an industrial design by using wall sconces and pendant lights.
Your Own
Lastly, I encourage you to make use of the different elements of the interior styles to make your individual style, which speaks to you and serves you. In the end, your home should be yours and make you happy. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re going to mix a lot of styles in one space
Choose a Limited Color Palette
Too many colours can detract and make each piece in your room feel as if it stands alone. A good mantra to remember about colour is to “spread the wealth,” meaning that you should repeat the same colours throughout the space to bring items (and the room) together. By being selective with a few colours you like, the rooms throughout the house will feel unified, no matter the variation in decoration. If you need help with this then check out this blog post on choosing a color palette.
Match Wood Types
It is amazing how two very contrasting periods of furniture will go well together when they are the same shade or made from the same wood. Keep your wood tones consistent to tie pieces together. If you have mismatched wood pieces that you love and work well in the space, consider a wood stain to bring them closer to the same shade.
To round up this post, we discussed four interior design styles, which you can incorporate into a small space – scandal. In general, when you are decorating a small space keep your furniture and décor items minimal keep your colours light and neutral and remember to let the natural light in.
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