Small Spaces, Bold Choices, Big Impact!

When working with small spaces, it’s easy to think the best approach is to play it safe, keep things minimal, stick to light colors, and avoid anything that feels too “loud.” But here's the truth: small spaces are the perfect canvas for bold design choices.

In fact, taking risks in smaller rooms can often deliver the biggest impact.

Why Bold Works in Small Spaces

Small spaces create a natural sense of intimacy. This gives you the freedom to experiment with color, pattern, texture, and statement pieces without overwhelming the space. Think of a tiny powder room with rich, moody wallpaper, it instantly adds drama and personality in a space where you might least expect it.


Bold design doesn’t necessarily mean bright or busy. It’s about confidence and intention. A deep emerald green accent wall, a graphic rug, or a vintage chandelier in a compact entryway, these elements elevate the space and make it memorable.

Let the Space Tell a Story

One of the joys of designing small spaces is that every detail matters. It’s a chance to highlight your personal style without distraction. Rather than trying to make the room feel larger, focus on making it feel meaningful. Layer in pieces that have character, a bold artwork, a textured throw, an oversized mirror, and let those details speak.


Even functional pieces can make a statement. A uniquely shaped chair, bold tile in a small kitchen backsplash, or open shelving styled with intention can completely transform the feel of a room.

Tips for Going Bold (the Smart Way)
  • Choose a focal point. Go big in one area, like a feature wall or striking light fixture and keep the surrounding elements more neutral.
  • Use color with purpose. Deep hues can create a cozy, sophisticated vibe. Just balance them with light or reflective surfaces to avoid feeling cramped.
  • Play with scale. Don’t shy away from larger pieces. A single oversized artwork or armchair can feel more curated than several small ones.
  • Edit thoughtfully. Bold design still needs breathing room. Leave space for your eyes to rest.
Small Space, Bold Design: Quick Tips Checklist

Start with a Focal Point
Choose one bold element to anchor the space, a feature wall, eye-catching art, or statement light fixture.

Don’t Fear Dark Colors
Deep tones like navy, forest green, or charcoal can add drama and depth, especially in cozy rooms like powder baths or bedrooms.

Embrace Pattern
Try bold wallpaper, geometric tile, or patterned textiles to add personality in a compact space.

Maximize Mirrors
Mirrors bounce light and give the illusion of more space. Bonus: they can also double as bold décor.

Scale Smartly
One large piece (like an oversized chair or artwork) can make a space feel more intentional than multiple small items.

Keep Surfaces Clear
Let your statement pieces shine by avoiding clutter, style shelves and surfaces with purpose.

Layer Textures
Mix materials like velvet, wood, brass, and linen to create a rich, cozy feel even in small rooms.

Use Lighting Creatively
Sconces, pendants, and floor lamps can add height, drama, and mood, and often double as design statements.

Make Storage Stylish
Opt for furniture with built-in storage and use decorative baskets or boxes to keep clutter tucked away.

Let Your Personality Shine
Bold design is personal. Choose colors, objects, and layouts that reflect your story.

The Power of Art: Evoking a Mood

By Barbara Emami • August 22, 2025
Art in a room is more than decoration it’s a silent storyteller, mood-setter, and personality-revealer. The right piece can transform a space instantly, shifting it from calm to energizing, intimate to expansive, playful to contemplative. In interior design, art is one of the most powerful tools for shaping how a room feels, because it communicates directly with emotion. Why Art Has Such Emotional Impact Unlike furniture or architecture, which are often judged for their function, art is experienced almost entirely through feeling. Color, form, subject matter, and even scale trigger subconscious responses. A large abstract in deep, moody blues can create a sense of serenity or introspection, while a vibrant piece bursting with reds and oranges can energize and excite. Art also connects to memory and personal associations. A photograph from a favorite travel destination can bring warmth and nostalgia, while an expressive portrait can add a human connection to an otherwise minimalist space. Choosing Art to Shape the Atmosphere For Calm & Tranquility: Soft palettes, flowing lines, and nature-inspired imagery tend to relax the eye and soothe the mind. Water scenes, gentle landscapes, or minimal abstract works can help create a sanctuary-like environment. For Energy & Dynamism: Bold colors, sharp contrasts, and graphic patterns can make a space feel more alive and invigorating. These are perfect for creative studios, home gyms, or social living areas. For Drama & Sophistication: Large-scale pieces with strong contrast, dark tones, or striking compositions can make a bold statement, especially in entryways or dining rooms where you want an impactful first impression. Placement as a Mood Tool Where you place art matters as much as the art itself. A piece hung over a fireplace or sofa becomes a focal point, setting the tone for the entire space. Smaller works clustered in a gallery wall can create a sense of intimacy and personality, while a single oversized piece in a minimal room can feel powerful and commanding. Lighting also plays a role. Soft, warm lighting can make art feel inviting and romantic, while cool, bright lighting can highlight details and sharpen a piece’s impact. Personal Connection Matters Ultimately, the art that evokes the most powerful mood is the art that resonates personally. A piece you love, that tells your story or reflects your values, will always bring more authenticity and emotional depth to a room than something chosen solely for matching colors. 

Juxtaposition: The Art of Contrasts

By Barbara Emami • August 22, 2025
Juxtaposition in interior design is the deliberate placement of contrasting elements side by side to create visual interest, highlight differences, and evoke emotion. It’s not just about mixing styles or colors, it’s about using contrast as a tool to bring energy, depth, and narrative into a space. When done well, juxtaposition transforms rooms from ordinary to unforgettable. What Juxtaposition Means in Design In simple terms, juxtaposition is the art of “this next to that”, pairing elements that are different in scale, texture, shape, color, style, or era. The human eye is naturally drawn to contrast, so juxtaposed elements encourage people to pause, take notice, and engage with the space. This approach can make a room feel more layered and personal, telling a story about the people who live there. Why Juxtaposition Works Our brains love patterns, but they also love surprises. Too much uniformity can make a room feel flat, while too much chaos feels overwhelming. Juxtaposition strikes a balance by providing both harmony and tension. A sleek, modern sofa paired with a centuries-old Persian rug creates intrigue. A glossy marble table against a backdrop of rustic wood beams sparks conversation. These contrasts stimulate the senses and make a space memorable. Ways to Use Juxtaposition in Interior Design Mixing Old and New One of the most powerful forms of juxtaposition is blending antiques with modern pieces. A minimalist dining table surrounded by vintage chairs, or a contemporary light fixture hanging above a reclaimed farmhouse table, creates an interplay between time periods that feels both grounded and fresh. Contrasting Textures Texture contrast adds depth and tactile richness. Imagine pairing a plush velvet sofa with a raw, exposed brick wall, or a sleek glass coffee table on top of a chunky wool rug. The softness plays against the roughness, and the glossy plays against the matte, giving the room a richer sensory experience. Color Opposites Color theory offers endless opportunities for juxtaposition. Placing complementary colors like deep navy with warm orange can create vibrancy, while high-contrast neutrals like black and white add drama. Even subtle contrasts, such as muted tones against a single bold accent color, can have a striking effect. Mixing Shapes and Forms Geometric and organic shapes work beautifully in juxtaposition. A round mirror above a rectangular console table, or curvaceous chairs flanking a sharp-edged desk, creates visual tension and balance. This approach helps a room feel dynamic rather than static. Balancing Scale Playing with proportions can make a space feel more engaging. A large-scale art piece above a small reading nook, or an oversized pendant light over a petite table, draws the eye and adds personality. High-Low Styling Pairing luxury pieces with affordable finds creates a layered, lived-in aesthetic. A designer sofa with thrifted side tables, or a high-end chandelier above a DIY kitchen island, makes a space feel curated rather than showroom perfect. The Subtle Side of Juxtaposition Not all contrasts need to be bold. Sometimes, the most sophisticated interiors use gentle juxtapositions, like slightly mismatched wood tones, or combining glossy and matte finishes in the same color palette. These quiet contrasts add depth without shouting for attention. Tips for Getting It Right Anchor the space with at least one unifying element, such as a color scheme or repeating material, so the contrasts don’t feel chaotic. Edit with intention - too many contrasts in one room can create visual overload. Choose one or two types of juxtaposition to highlight. Let each element breathe - give enough space around contrasting pieces so their differences are noticeable and impactful.

Creating a Personal Space That Doubles as an Office or Homework Area

By Barbara Emami • August 18, 2025
In today’s world, the boundaries between work, study, and home life often blur. Whether you’re working from home, managing personal projects, or your children need a dedicated homework zone, creating a space that serves both as a personal retreat and a productive workspace is essential. The key lies in designing an area that feels inspiring, functional, and adaptable. Choosing the Right Location The first step is finding a spot that balances focus with comfort. If you have a spare room, it can easily be transformed into a multi-purpose space. If not, consider underused corners in living rooms, bedrooms, or even wide hallways. Look for an area with enough natural light to boost mood and reduce eye strain, but one that can also be shielded from distractions. Defining the Space Even in shared or open areas, you can carve out a distinct zone. Rugs, room dividers, or strategically placed bookshelves can separate your workspace from the rest of the room. This visual boundary signals to your brain, and others in the household that you’re in “work mode.” Furniture That Works for Both Worlds Your desk should be comfortable for extended use, but not so large that it dominates the room. Choose a chair with good ergonomic support, but consider fabrics or colors that blend with your personal décor style rather than screaming “office chair.” If storage is needed, look for cabinets, baskets, or shelving that can hold work materials yet double as attractive home storage when the day’s tasks are done. Floating shelves or wall-mounted organizers can save floor space and keep the area uncluttered. Lighting Matters A combination of natural light and task lighting works best. Desk lamps with adjustable arms allow you to direct light exactly where you need it for reading or writing. Warm ambient lighting can then shift the space into a more relaxed, personal mode in the evenings. Incorporating Personal Style A dual-purpose space shouldn’t feel sterile. Add artwork, plants, or decorative objects that inspire you. For a homework area, include motivational quotes or a pinboard for reminders. Select colors that encourage focus, soft blues, greens, and neutrals are known for their calming effects while adding accents that reflect your taste. Managing Clutter Since this is both a personal and a work zone, clutter control is crucial. Use attractive boxes or baskets to store papers and supplies when not in use. For shared homework spaces, assign labeled bins or drawers so each person can quickly find their materials without disrupting others. Flexibility is Key The best multi-use spaces can adapt to changing needs. Consider furniture on casters so you can reconfigure the room easily. A fold-down desk or wall-mounted work surface can disappear when it’s time to relax, instantly transforming the mood of the space. The Emotional Benefit When your workspace feels personal and welcoming, it’s easier to transition into focus mode and just as easy to step away when the work is done. This balance helps prevent burnout, supports productivity, and ensures your home remains a place you enjoy being in.