Recently, maximizing small living spaces has been on an upward trend, especially for working professionals who prefer modern design. By understanding how to incorporate modern interior design into sleek, small spaces, your Florida living space can be optimized while balancing function and appeal. Leveraging the following creative tips to make your spaces look different can facilitate designing the ultimate modern living space that matches your lifestyle.
Optimally Leveraging Wall Space
Creating a gallery wall, covering all of one wall with objects ranging from plates to paintings, can make a space feel larger than it is. Another old trick involves adding mirrors to a room to make any cramped area feel more open and lighter. Adding a statement piece of wall art, such as pieces that feature the palette of your room, can also bring visual attention and appeal to a focal point.
Wall shelving and wall-mounted desks are solutions for using wall space efficiently and wisely. From metal shelves that pop against painted walls, to rugged wooden options, hanging storage options can bring personality to any room while helping organize the space. Furthermore, as a media console can take up a large amount of space, consider mounting your flatscreen TV to the wall or above your fireplace to get essential space back.
Focus on Your Color Palette
Using neutral and calm tones in more crowded spaces can help a space feel larger than it actually is. Neutral does not necessarily have to mean bland. Adding various textures, and playing with different materials, can bring dimension and personality to your space while sticking to a cooler, calmer tone. Being consistent with your color scheme throughout the home, you ensure continuity and cohesiveness throughout your house.
Neutrals such as beiges, tans, creams, and grays can serve as the basis of design for your modern Florida home. To bring a modern pop to any room, consider utilizing focal points, such as chandeliers or wall art that features a bold or metallic pop. Consider layering multiple neutral colored rugs, from straw to shag, to bring adequate dimension to the room, with various smaller rugs dividing up the space.
Play with color to bring personality and dramatic effect to any small space. Incorporate pops of color, such as electric blue or burnt orange, with small accessories such as candles, small rugs, throw pillows, blankets, and artwork to keep the sleek, organized feel of the home without losing the modern touch.
Bring In Custom Furniture and Storage Installations
Take advantage of existing architectural features of your home, such as rounded windows or inclined ceilings, as an opportunity to install custom design features. Storage nooks can be installed along walls or in hard-to-reach areas to bring order to a room, keeping clutter out of sight and space optimally utilized. Options such as sleek daybeds allow for multifunctionality of spaces. For example, a home office can be easily transformed into a guest room for visitors.
Many existing furniture solutions today offer storage options that combine sleek, modern aesthetics with functionality. For example, custom furniture options can allow for storage underneath seating arrangements, such as booths, as well as under beds. Consider using a piece of furniture for multiple uses, such as a desk in the bedroom, for both working and getting ready for the day. Avoid putting furniture up against the wall to help a room feel larger.
Storage solutions oftentimes do not take advantage of all the wall space available. Implementing custom solutions that leverage all parts of the wall can make the ceilings feel taller than they are, bringing an overall more spacious feel. However, it’s important to avoid clunky storage solutions that can take away from the minimal and modern feel of the overall space.
Delineate Sections of the Home
For rooms that have multiple functions, such as living and dining, zones can be demarcated with large hanging curtains, paintings, or even mirrors. Sheer curtains can be used to allow lighting to pass to different parts of the home. Another option for creating different zones is building a partial glass wall. Existing walls can be torn down, and more organic delineations between zones can be used to connect different spaces in the home and open up spaces.
Sliding doors that have glass features are also ideal for partitioning spaces. As these doors take up less space than swinging doors, they can be used to block out parts of a room, while still letting in natural light to adjacent spaces. Lighting options can also be used to indicate distinct areas for various activities in the home by having different colors and intensity of lighting in different areas.
Choose Your Pieces Wisely
Trying to fit all your furniture pieces into a smaller space can make a space feel cluttered and cramped. Consider opting for a few large modern pieces, such as those featuring dark woods or metals such as bronze or silver to help a space feel enlarged. Utilizing vertical space, such as by hanging greenery, or even seating options, such as swings from the ceiling, can provide personality to the room and free up floor space.
Transparent and reflective materials can bring lightness and openness to an otherwise cramped space. Opt for furniture with shiny surfaces and glossy finishes, as well as glass and acrylic furniture options. When it comes to small spaces, less is more, so it is important to only display items that you regularly use. Investing in stylish, high-quality furniture can make a modern statement in your small-scale place, contributing to overall comfort and functionality.
Open Up and Modernize Your Cramped and Cluttered Spaces
It can be difficult to implement customized, modern solutions that match your lifestyle while balancing functionality and aesthetically pleasing modern design. To significantly enhance the sense of space in your home, while maintaining functionality, it is highly recommended to work with an experienced designer. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Rob Turner of CRT Studio at (407) 440-4446 or rob@crtstudio.com.