Modern Furniture

To underscore a gorgeous window treatment, try to install downlights in the ceiling—a bigger project (involving electrical work and, sometimes, plastering) than you may desire. The low-budget version? Plant an uplight, available at any lighting store, at the foot of the draperies, concealing the fixture behind a piece of furniture. This looks especially good with sheers, though be aware that outsiders can see through lighted sheers at night. (Translation: Restrict this effect to the living room.)

Tip: Buy an incandescent uplight Halogen bulbs can be a fire hazard if placed near fabric or furnishings.

For a sophisticated sheer that is worthy of the living room we devise a treatment that is half curtain, half shade.

Hem (at top and bottom) a flat panel of sheer fabric—wool, linen, even a sheer metallic—so it precisely covers the window like a banner. Slip a brass curtain rod through both hems, let-ting the ends of the rod extend an inch past the shade on either side. Hang the top rod from hooks on the wood trim so the sheer drapes before the window like a delicate flag.
To raise the shade, you’ll need to install a pair of cup hooks or plant hooks, one on each side of the window, as high as you can comfortably reach. Lift the bottom rod and set it in the hooks.

The top of the window will still be veiled by the sheer; the bottom reveals a partial view and can now admit the breeze.

In a small space, the right plan can artfully incorporate more furnishings than you might expect. Stacked white storage cubes draw attention upward and make an under-eave space appear taller, while providing ample room to store clothing. Camp furnishings, such as folding tables and chairs, are flexible and have a slimmer profile than indoor items. A secretary serves as both desk and nightstand, and closes to hide clutter. A restored steamer trunk offers seating and storage. Anything that can serve more than one purpose is especially welcome in a small space. Much of this room’s special appeal derives from its surprising structure, hut you could easily replicate its visual punch in an attic room or loft.

Every item in a small space must work hard to make the most of the floor plan and to add to the overall sense of space. The simple painted gray floor here is left unadorned, with a narrow band of white offering the barest definition of a summer “rug.” Connecting indoors with outdoors works especially well to expand small spaces, whether through a window, porch, or entryway. Borrowing space from the outside can make a small space feel larger and more gracious. Take an informal approach inside and out, with casual pieces that set the tone before you enter.

The placement of furniture dictates a bedroom’s flow of traffic and defines sleeping, dressing, and conversation areas. It helps determine whether the room has a snug, secluded feel or an open, airy one. Warm colors, plush textures, and casual clutter make a room seem more intimate, while pale colors, sleek surfaces, and minimal styling make even the smallest room seem spacious.

Lighting has a powerful effect on our perception of space. Fluorescent bulbs cast a cool and contemporary light; incandescent lamps give off a warm glow. Bright light, especially natural light, makes a room seem more open, while candlelight creates a sense of intimacy and drama.

Large bedrooms demand a different approach, especially if your aspirations include a sense of intimacy. Start by delineating discrete areas with an arrangement of sofas, chaise longues, or easy chairs. Define a reading nook or dressing space with an area rug in a rich tone. Pull your bed out from the wall, and drape it in layers of fabric.
Whatever the size of your bedroom, little touches count for a lot. Flowers on the night table scent the air. A plush rug eases the cold on winter nights. A chenille throw folded at the foot of the bed invites an afternoon nap. It’s not a showcase you’re creating, but a personal haven. Make it inviting, make it soothing, make it yours.

So,  you move into a new home. The empty space is the blank canvas that you get to work with. An empty room can be as challenging to a homeowner as a blank page is to a writer - and just as satisfying once you’ve figured out what you want to say. If you’re designing your dream home, you may have the luxury of deciding how many square feet will go where. But most of us work within existing rooms, squeeze favorite possessions into new spaces, and see the spaces transformed. The size of a room may determine proportion, but it needn’t limit your imagination.

Making a success of a small space remains the greatest challenge for many of us, but the imagination and ingenuity required often result in unexpected charm. Every part of the room offers storage possibilities - overhead and under furniture, on floors and on walls. Look for items that can be hung, tucked beneath the bed, or stored up high out of sight. Dual-purpose modern furniture like daybeds and nesting tables also help make economic use of limited space, while floating shelves (rather than solid bookcases) and hanging lights (instead of standing lamps) expand visual space.