Designing a small living space can feel like a challenge. However, it's possible to add style, comfort and functionality to any space regardless of the square footage. If you're interested in ways to maximize the potential of your small spaces, here are some decorating tips to help:
One key strategy to designing a small living space is achieving a perfect combination of high-and-low. Some decor and furnishings should draw attention up high, while others should remain low to create the illusion of more space.
For example, attach curtain rods far above the tops of windows to make them appear taller. Floor-to-ceiling bookcases can also make the ceilings of the room seem higher and add more space. For furniture, opt for low-sitting pieces closer to the ground. Sofas, beds and other larger furnishings should rest entirely on the floor or very close to it. The combination of these two furnishing strategies will make any space appear more open.
Finding the perfect area rug for a room is essential to the design process. However, it's crucial to pick the correct size of rug, especially when decorating a small space. Too small a rug can make the room seem smaller and more cramped than it actually is, while a rug that's too large can swallow up available floor space.
To find the perfect size of rug, consider the placement of furniture in the room. Chairs and beds should be half-way on the rug rather than completely on top of it, while smaller furnishings like end tables should either be on empty floor space or on the rug. Experiment with different rug shapes to find the perfect balance in your space.
These are just two ways to decorate a small room without making it cramped or uncomfortable. By maximizing the space you have, you can express your personal style and create the perfect aesthetic for any room.
Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include:
Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:
In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.