SAMANTHA PYNN’S DESIGN LESSON
Make small rooms roomier with Samantha Pynn’s expert tips.
BIG IDEAS for SMALL SPACES
Oxford White CC-30, Benjamin Moore
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here is no space that’s trickier to design than a small space. And that’s mostly because we want it all: comfortable seating, room for entertaining, storage galore and – oh, yes – a spacious feeling! While there’s no way to magically increase square footage, follow along and I’ll show you tips and tricks to maximize every square inch you have.
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STYLEATHOME.COM JUNE 2022
Colour Commentary Getting colour right is crucial in a small space. My best tip is to use the same colour or shades of that colour on all the major players in a space: walls and trim, floors, area rugs, cabinetry and large furnishings. When a big piece like a sofa is the same colour as the walls, it’s camouflaged, creating the illusion of space. Tone-on-tone decorating reduces visual busyness, making a room feel calmer and larger, but that doesn’t mean you have to decorate in all white or beige – use shades of blue, green, or whatever colour you love. Do note that lighter colours give an airy feel, while dark ones are enveloping, so consider what effect you want. Finally, layer in colours you love with smaller furnishings, accessories and art. In this basement walkout from HGTV Canada’s Save My Reno, we added shades of pink, terracotta, yellow and blue for an energetic vibe.
Stonington Grey HC-170, Benjamin Moore
Red River Clay 2091-40, Benjamin Moore
PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY, HGTV CANADA. ROOM PHOTOGRAPHY, VALERIE WILCOX, SAVE MY RENO, HGTV CANADA
Lars SOFA, Hex OTTOMAN, Statum Designs, statumdesigns.com. Nancy CHAIR in Rust, The Bay, thebay.com.
