I’ve been asked about the best value purchases for a small open plan living space. My first suggestion to to make items multi-purpose.
For example:
* An ottoman with storage below the lid serves at least two purposes
* A coffee table with storage inside e.g. a Scotch Chest or a low table with a functional surface and a shelf below is another dual purpose item
* In a small home a deep sofa, wide enough for visitors to sleep on, acts as an extra bed
* Keep furniture simple; a three seater and a two seater take up less space than a sofa and easy chairs for the same number of guests
* Furniture proportions are important. If the space is small keep the style simple and arms minimal.
* Choose a sofa colour similar to the wall colour as strong contrasts appear to shrink the space
* Minimise the appearance of storage by having one standard unit for the television, books and accessories. And/or
* Integrate ready-made shelving. Paint shelves the same colour as the wall and they tend to disappear
* Minimise contrasts; keep flooring the same throughout, select curtain fabric with a background in a similar colour to your walls

Do it once and do it right; if you’re stuck invest in professional help.

Thank you,
Betty

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