Category Archives: projects

Since I managed to get behind on things last week, failing to post my first Creative Spaces column as promised, I thought I’d share a sneak peek of the redecorating I’m doing at my own casa!

My friend-slash-decorator, John, taught me a few really important tricks for making my small space appear much larger!

(Aside: these chairs were estate sale steals at $5 a piece. I refinished and painted them, had new seats cut, and re-upholstered the new seats. I LOVE the change, but it was HUGE project, one that I’ll never do again! The finished chairs also ended up being just as costly as new chairs would have been. DIY=WHY?)

The first trick was to scale down on furniture. I had waaay to much furniture in my living room. John encouraged me to switch to a round dining room table (from rectangular) and get a clear glass side table instead of the dark wooden dresser I had there previously.

Since my living room also serves as my consultation space, this was a really great change for me. A round table is more comfortable and conducive for meetings with clients!

I also eliminated a sofa. That means we have a lot less seating now, but it makes our space seem more open.

The other big tip from John was to raise the curtains! We moved the rods nearly to the ceiling and hung new curtains, and the change was dramatic! Floor to ceiling curtain panels draw your eye up, making the ceiling seem much higher than it actually is.

We have a great deal more work to do in our place, but it’s coming along. If you live in a “small space,” I hope you’ll be able to adopt these tips for your own place!