How to decorate a small living space

Use mini sofas

A typical sofa is almost always a waste of space, since the middle seat is rarely used. Max out your area with two loveseats.



Bonus: They make a room feel a whole lot bigger.


Get this look: Homage-to-Motherwell prints, Ralph Lauren tiger-print pillow, pink velvet ombré pillow, all ELTE.



Homeowner smarts: When you’ve got it, you’ve just got it. Take writer and stylist Kate Gertner, who refused to compromise on wow factor when designing her functional and fabulous Toronto apartment — even though it’s less than 400 square feet. Tiny rooms, a cramped bathroom and teensy kitchen? Irrelevant details. In an apartment that’s smaller than some master bathrooms, she’s created a stunning three-room home that’s glamorous, comfortable and full of smart storage tricks. “I move my furniture around all the time, so it’s easy for me to host six people at a dinner party without it feeling tight,” she says.

Kate Gertner

Pull up an invisible chair

Clear, see-through pieces create a barely-there feel that works perfectly with this round pedestal table. Save even more space by sliding upholstered stools under the table when not in use. They’re easy to pull out any time more seating is needed.


Get this look: Fuchsia wall hanging, Snob Stuff. Närhet champagne glass, Rens sheepskin, both IKEA. Cupcakes, Eat My Words. Kudo horn on stand, hide rug, Rocco Ottoman, both ELTE.

Hang a bookshelf

Make the most of vertical height by installing a bookshelf that goes up to the ceiling. The area above the radiator that would otherwise have been wasted is now a beautiful open-storage display spot.



Get this look: Ikat-print pillow, ELTE.

Place a dresser in the dining room

Who says a chest of drawers has to live in the bedroom? Choose a unit with drawers in many sizes, and use it to store anything and everything. Small drawers are great for craft supplies, cutlery and home office materials. Larger ones are perfect for clothing and linens. Even the top doubles as a vanity or a buffet for entertaining.


Get this look: Old-fashioned knobs, Anthropologie.

Helpful decluttering tricks

1. A tall perfume bottle is great place to corral jewelery (image on left).


2. Make use of the area under a coffee table.

3. Stack books into a side table and bookshelf.

4. A clear hollow lamp base can save a lot of room.

Fake a headboard

No need to sacrifice a headboard just because space is limited. In her bedroom, Kate pinned up a length of white puckered fabric to subtly delineate the shape of the bed.



Get this look: Izmir queen quilt, Izmir euro shams, ELTE.

Change it up often with bright blooms

When the urge to buy strikes, choose fresh flowers rather than knick-knacks. They’ll bring more joy — and less clutter — to the scene.



Get this look: Flowers, grower’s flower market and gifts, 416-920-2442.