7 Small Space Design Tips

Tip No. 1? Think multipurpose.
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small space design tips
Designer Denise Seifferlein opts for window shades instead of heavy drapery at this cottage on Little Island Lake. // Photograph by Jeff Garland

Looking to spruce up your small cottage getaway? Or hoping to revitalize a tiny room in your home? Here’s are some small space design tips from local designers to help make your interior stand out.

Think multipurpose

“A cutting board can be a serving tray,” says interior designer Dawn Jacobs, of Holly-based Artichoke Interiors. “And a storage trunk can be a coffee table.” Adds interior designer Denise Seifferlein, of D’Avignon Interiors in Clarkston: “Furniture that’s easily movable can do double duty, like ottomans or kitchen seating.”

Consider creative storage systems

“For example, beds can have drawers under them,” Jacobs says. Tiffany Edison of Birch Design Associates adds: “A custom banquette/eating area was constructed in a corner of our family room and provides storage under the seating surfaces.”

Add sleeping space

Main living areas can accommodate overnight guests, especially if there’s a sofa that pulls out to become a bed, Edison notes.

Skip heavy drapery

“Consider window shades for privacy, and keep those colors light,” Seifferlein says.

Go with white

Edison used Sherwin-Williams’ Snowbound paint in a satin finish on all the first-floor walls and used a semigloss finish on her wood ceilings. The white theme was continued throughout the galley kitchen, with floor-to-ceiling subway tile in the same hue.

Retain character

Edison’s original enamel sink unit maintains the character of the space. It was reglazed to match the newly installed kitchen cabinetry, lending a seamless aesthetic.

Up your entertaining game

“We built a deck on for extra seating for entertaining,” Edison says.