Design tips to make a room look bigger and more decor ideas

Delicious design

Eight years after she bought it, Chatelaine's acting food editor, Amy Rosen, decided it was time to say goodbye to her tenants and take over both floors of her duplexed century-old semi. First on her reno wish list? The kitchen, of course. She turned to her designer friend Cameron MacNeil to create a space that's impressive without feeling too formal. With the walls torn down, the addition of French doors and a reworked layout, the bright kitchen now flows effortlessly into a spacious dining area — perfect for this hostess who knows that good parties always end up in the kitchen.


The narrow floor plan might have posed a challenge for some, but MacNeil created the illusion of space with clever furniture placement and by keeping the overall palette pale. He created a seating area at the front of the house, where there's ample light, followed by a cozy living area and a large kitchen-dining area. Despite the open concept space, the rooms feel clearly defined. Instead of adding formal trim and detail, MacNeil injected personality with pattern, fabric and pops of colour. Ikat upholstery, herringbone flooring and a bright yellow door jazz up the interior without feeling too trendy.


How does Amy feel about her new grown-up home? "I should have done this years ago!" she says laughing. "I knew I needed a new kitchen — you should have seen it before — but this is so much more than I could have imagined. This reno has been a complete lifestyle change. Now I have room to host my extended family." Turns out the kitchen really is the heart of the home.

Amy Rosen

Front hallway with tall mirror and console table

When space is at a premium, as in this tiny front hall, use small-scale furniture. Give it a sense of grandeur by pairing it with long skinny pieces.



Get this look: White vase, console table by Mitchell Gold, Diamond Kilim rug, Elte. Art deco blue and white vase, everydayhousewife.ca. Herringbone tile, Mettro.

Use chandeliers to define zones

Create vignettes with minimal furnishings and hang an oversized pendant lamp above. Adding pattern and colour gives emphasis without taking up floor space.



Get this look: Pendant light, Serena & Lily. Drapes, Tonic Living. Chair upholstery, Silva 4 Home. Table, West Elm.

Turn a tight space into a den

A small room is perfect for watching TV and lounging. Choose a space-saving narrow credenza and flat screen TV, then add pillows and a rug for a touch of cozy.



Get this look: White Dwell Studio pillow, The Bay. Lima Alpaca citron throw, navy and white Kingston pillow, Dove vases, Crate and Barrel. Sofa by Mitchell Gold, Elte. Coffee table, Urban Barn. Rug, Bev Hisey.

Try a bench instead of chairs

An upholstered bench adds a warm, textural touch to a dining room. It's especially useful in a narrow spot, where it can sit against the wall without taking up too much space. Tip: Choose outdoor fabric for better stain-fighting power.



Get this look: Chandelier, Cocoon. Prints, Smash. Banquette upholstery, Silva 4 Home. Tea towels (as placemats), The Bay.

Add a colourful piece of art

A white house doesn't have to feel white — especially if you pepper it with large, bright pieces of art, like this painting by Canadian artist Judy Singer. Scour flea markets and garage sales, or make your own by framing colourful objects like tea towels.

Splurge on a second sink

There's no such thing as too many cooks in this kitchen! A main sink is perfect for food prep, while a second, smaller sink — but not too small — means friends or family can lend a hand cleaning up.



Get this look: Purist kitchen faucet, Kohler. Canisters, Homeowner's own.

Tile everything

To keep the room from feeling too small, Amy chose not to have upper cabinets on one wall of the kitchen. Instead, she had inexpensive subway tiles installed on the entire wall and gave them a designer look with black grout.



Get this look: Advancia copper pots, The Bay. Tea kettle, Le Creuset. Dishtowel, HBC.

Pile on the patterns

Don't be afraid to mix modern graphics with soft florals. Create an individual, personalized look by layering your printed drapes, blinds, beddings and pillows.


Get this look: Drapes, bench fabric, Tonic Living. Side tables, bedding, West Elm. Damask pillow, striped rug, Elte.

Hallway inspiration: Turn snapshots and mementoes into a gallery wall

Identical frames may have been de rigeur a few years back, but now it's all about assorted pieces. For extra charm, mix photographs and printed artwork.



Get this look: Portraits and acrylic paintings, Canvas Gallery. Yellow butterfly pillow, Bev Hisey.

Hang sconces over your beside table

Don't clutter up a small night table with bulky lamps: Wall-mounted sconces offer task lighting while freeing up valuable surface space for jewellery boxes and fresh flowers.



Get this look: Vases, everydayhousewife.ca. Decorative box, Indigo.