Small Spaces done right

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It's difficult to create a roomy feel when you are limited on square footage. Here are a few examples of different spaces that I think are done well for limited space. 

via designoffurniture

A bedroom doesn't have to be large to be glamorous. You also don't need a lot in a bedroom to make it a bedroom! A bed and a side table will do just fine since this is a room for sleeping. Keep is simple with a touch of your personality to make it homey.

via lushome

Laundry rooms can be extravagant or simple but making the most of the space you have is what makes it stand out. This simple closet doesn't look like much but it has everything you need.

via decoist

An office doesn't require a room, a little nook or corner will do just fine! I love when paint is used to separate a space like this. Keep it simple and clutter free so it doesn't matter where in the home it is!

via huffingtonpost

Closets are so personal. Everyone has different priorities for them and different needs whether it's shelving, hanging space, or shoe storage! When the closet is small sometimes you can feel limited to how you can design it to fit your needs, but this picture proves that you still can!

via theinspiredroom

Sometimes a dinning room room table or a kitchen table aren't a necessary! If you don't have a large family, a dinning room might be a waste of space. This kitchen nook is perfect for small spaces and the extra storage on the side is a great bonus.

via mydesignethos

Powder rooms tend to be small, but what do you do if you have a tiny powder room? This one is done so well! With a skinny sink to give youroom to walk and a bold pattern behind the toilet, this space looks well designed even though it's super small!

Murphy Beds I Might Actually Use!

FREE IMAGES The idea of a murphy bed is a great option for those who are lacking in space, but it's hard to find one that actually looks comfortable! After doing some digging around, I actually found a few I might use:

via popsugar

This one feels open and elegant, but also looks like it would close up to look like gorgeous storage!

via inspirational-homes

I love the two tone wall to make it look like a different space, and the indents in the side for shelving use!

via hgtv

This one is styled perfectly for a great bedroom feel, but I can imagine once it's put away the possibilities are endless what you could do with that space!

via apartmenttherapy

This one is perfect for a more modern feel! What would you do with that blank white canvas once it's put away?

Smart Home Designs

FREE IMAGES Upgrading your home has always been a toss on whether you want to do something just for the joy of having it done the way you always wanted it to and what has the best resale value. These days it seems like many of us don't stay in one place very long so it doesn't seem smart to invest much into it when you won't be able to enjoy it for what it's worth.

Here are a few home designs for those of you who are like me, and plan on being around for a while! Why not enjoy it?

via hgtv

This technology upgraded bathroom is not only gorgeous but it's pretty impressive with all it's extra perks!

via inthralld

Add something completely unique! This drop down bed makes this small square footage double.

via hgtv

Need a pet friendly space that can tuck away when needed? These features in the laundry room make it very pet friendly without stealing much needed space.

via realsimple

Don't be afraid to go all out on storage space. Make it look great, especially if you know you will be using it on a daily basis. 

If you had the extra funds, which room would you go all out on?

Small Spaces: Defining a space

FREE IMAGES More and more people are choosing smaller spaces to call home. They tend to be more efficient and don't take as much time to clean ( a big perk for me), and are easier to maintain. Sometimes it's hard to define a certain area or space as it's own but all of my tiny NYC apartments have allowed me to try out almost all of these ideas. Here are some of my favorites.

via housebeautiful

For me, feeling like I had a little privacy while sleeping was crucial. Creating a foot board that creates some privacy for the bed is a great way to define the bedroom space. I also love the entryway table they used against to the foot board to create a real wall look.

via pinterest

Looking for a not so permanent solution? A rod with a curtain can do the trick. You can keep it open and airy or close it off for privacy. A sheer or semi-sheer curtain is important to help filter light through though. 

via Apartment Therapy

On the topic of light, it's important to choose window treatments that will allow for maximum light to come through.  Make sure when you open the curtains you'll be able to pull them completely to the edges of the windows.  Also make sure you have proper ambient lighting to prevent dark shadows which will make the room seem smaller.

via pinterest

A very budget friendly solution is to purchase an open bookshelf like the one above to use as a wall space. The fact that it doubles as storage is really important since small spaces tend to lack storage space. This is one of my favorite tips and I've used it in the past.  You can find similar, inexpensive modular shelving at Ikea.  Mine has held up well over the years.

via decor8

Consider raising up a space! This creates a ton of storage space and puts one part of your space above the rest. This is a great solution if there's not enough square footage to create storage otherwise. 

Setting up Shop

FREE IMAGES Whether you are working from home or have your own shop as your business location, the fact is that your working hours are being spent in an environment that you can organize and decorate as you see fit! Of course, if you are trying to welcome customers, there should be a bit of science and study behind how you arrange and present your goods and wares. A friend of my just recently opened up a shop and I was shocked at how much is involved in a successful shop opening.  They ended up gutting and remodeling the entire space!

As passersby a store only has a few seconds to get our attention and convince us to take a peek inside, so more or less everything falls on the window or store front to get us in the door.

Here's a few enticing storefronts:

via Flickr

via Fabulously Broke

Want to feel like your shopping in a French flea market? (albeit a very $$$$ one), Anthropologie has your number!

via Apartment Therapy

A whimsical Hermes display
via the bwd.com
However, if you have a shop that is open to the public there are lots more things to take into consideration than purely decor or interior design issues. Here are a few things to think about:
When setting up shop you need to consider the location very carefully. You want as many potential shoppers as you can find so make sure you are easy to see and in a great walking path! Being tucked in an alley way might not be a great spot if you need to catch your shoppers eye.


via Pinterest

Parking is also a great advantage! Having dedicated spots for your clients makes it a more pleasant experience getting into your shop. In some places, like cities, there isn't parking available for many of the shops but there is local transportation! Make sure people can get to you - there have been many instances where I don't shop a certain spot because I know I won't be able to park.



via etsy.com

If your business is primarily online than it may be better off for you to find a cheaper space in the alley way where you can still be seen but don't need the foot traffic. 

Another thing to look for before finding your space is the local competition as well as your neighbors! You don't want to be competing with a larger store that sells similar items as you but you also do want to be near neighbors that don't fit in with your typical buyer!


via domestikatedlife.com

It's a good idea to find out what kind of clientele you have and figure out where they would go shopping! That's where you need be!

Sometimes it's better off to have the right kind of help when you are looking for that perfect space. Fenn Wright are specialists in finding retail premises in Suffolk and having that type of local knowledge an experience that they provide can really make a difference in finding the perfect space for your shop.


via Pinterest

Make sure you have room to grow! Your location can be a big part of the success of your business and changing your location can make it really hard on your customers as well as you! Think about the space and place where you'd want items to go. Then try to think about your space when you expand. If you have options for both, then the space might just be the perfect one!

this post is in partnership with fenwright.co.uk