Decorating & Design
10 Stunning Small Spaces
Updated on May 20, 2016
Designer Sabrina Albanese shares 14 gorgeous rooms that prove less can be so much more.
This Boca Raton, Florida, kitchen gets some added energy courtesy of lively red pendant lights and dining chairs. “I used neutral tones to create flow and a sense of openness. Then I added pops of color for some playful interest,” she shares.
This tranquil master ensuite looks larger thanks to light tones on the walls, floors and furnishings. “Soft colors mixed with various natural textures not only looks elegant, but also feels light and airy,” explains Sabrina. “The glass partitions allow light to travel through, while creating a sense of privacy.”
Sabrina used a textured geometric wallcovering in this compact workspace, “to the give the illusion of receding walls.” She then installed a floating shelf in the same tone. “It creates a monochromatic, cohesive feel,” she explains.
In this small dining area, the designer used minimal furnishings and a light palette to make the space feel larger and brighter. “Painting the trim the same color as the wall creates subtle texture,” shares Albanese. “Overall, the room is fresh and casually elegant with soft natural textures of linen and wool surrounding the dining table.”
“The shell of this bedroom is all dark — the walls and drapes are a soft graphite color — and all the furnishings and linens are light,” explains Sabrina. This creates the illusion of receding walls and a more spacious atmosphere. “The bed is also low profile, which makes the ceilings feel higher,” she says.
“Every piece of furniture must have purpose in a small living space,” the designer explains. In this bright living room, a low-slung sectional, compact armchair and ottomans provide plenty of seating while letting the city views take center stage.
Designer Sabrina doesn’t shy away from bold choices, even in small spaces. This workspace features an exotic animal hide rug, sculptural desk, and custom Batman-themed bookshelf. “I love finding clever ways to store books and stationary, like kitschy wall-mounted shelving,” she says.
Small spaces, like this downtown Toronto powder room, are perfect for trying out bolder design moves. “The mirrored surface of this mosaic wall gives an illusion of more space,” designer Sabrina Albanese explains, “and the black decorative accents create romance and drama.”
“Adding layers of different shapes, colors and textures is important to add interest in a small space,” the designer shares. In this pretty sitting area, she mixed a sculptural side table with a curvy armchair and plush throw for a rich look.
This gorgeous master bedroom has a fresh feel thanks to crisp white linens, drapery and lighting. Kelly Wearstler’s chic Imperial Trellis wallpaper brings in a hint of soft blue to tie in with the bedding.