Small Living Room / BIG Impact Decorating Tips
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- čas přidán 6. 04. 2024
- Hello lovelies! I have received many questions from you all about how to decorate a small living room or small apartment. Therefore this week I wanted to share with you my personal tips (based on much experience), as well as my easy and simple decorating ideas to style and furnish your small living room.
I’m certain we’ve all heard that we should use smaller furniture, being a nearly 6-foot woman (5’11” to be exact, 6’2” in heels 😉) who has lived in SEVERAL NYC studio apartments-I say noooo we can do better.
We can be more thoughtful in creating our small space so that we have plenty of breathing room yet ample seating. All of this while still displaying our interests, our personality and history in our homes.
Eclectic, contemporary, modern, cottage, country vibes ETC, doesn’t matter your style, these tips will still work for you in a way that your personality shines through.
While these trips are geared toward a small space, in my world, the principals remain the same; therefore you can take these little designer tip nuggets and apply them to any space.
As mentioned in the video, check out the Foundations of Creativity playlist for further inspo, tips & education.
If you have a design dilemma, then DM me on Instagram with your question and a photo for a chance to be on next week’s YT LIVE.
Instagram @christinadistefanostudio
Have a great week lovelies!
XOCD 😘❤️🥰
If you’re inspired by these images, you can find all of them on my Pinterest account.
pin.it/3vE1cm6Fz
Hope you’ve had a great week!! Sending you so much love from NYC.
XOCD
FOUNDATIONS OF CREATIVITY PLAYLIST:
• Foundations Of Creativity
ABOUT ME:
Hey I'm Christina DiStefano! I am sort of a jack-of-all-trades: artist, sales director for a top NYC real estate development company, certified life coach, yoga instructor, Reiki practitioner, artist (I'm a painter), businesswoman--and now I'm taking on Interior Design via a certification (I'm starting an Interior Design firm in 2024 lovingly called Casa Serenità Interiors). Oh and did I mention I'm leading the renovation of our country home (inside and out)?!
I believe that home is a sacred place that we nurture, and in return, it nurtures us. That being said, my design process is focused on creating a sanctuary, a place of serenity that truly feels like home.
Questions? DM me on Instagram
@christinadistefanostudio
* If you want to share your home, design projects, inspiration, ideas to be used on an episode, or would like to collaborate, then feel free to contact me at the email below. I’d love to share your ideas with the community 🤍
Email me at:
Christina@casaserenita.com
Please note that due to email volume, there may be a delay in getting back to you. - Jak na to + styl
**If you’re inspired by these images, you can find all of them on my Pinterest account.
pin.it/3vE1cm6Fz
Small spacer here. This was bravo. I also like "leggy" furniture from a maintenance standpoint. It's easier to clean under and it discourages spiders and other creepy crawlies. Someone that studied abroad in Paris commented on their channel how differently homes were laid out there. There are exceptions to everything, of course, but she said that the homes generally had a kitchen, dining area, living room, and bedrooms. The living area was primarily for reading, entertaining, or hanging out, (with perhaps a small TV in the corner) but it was arranged with seating that encouraged conversation. She said that the thought of using the living room to lay down to take a nap or watch something on TV was unthinkable to them. That is what the bedrooms were for. So, not dissing on my fellow Americans, but we've certainly migrated to being able to lay down in multiple rooms whether living rooms, dens, man caves, etc. We removed our couch years ago. As you say, Christina, it's not conducive to conversing. Sorry, I didn't mean for this to turn into a dissertation. 😬 XoX
I love your dissertations 🤗 I agree we have a lot of places to lounge over here in the US. I would rather not have a tv in the living room but Jerry loves the NY Knicks 😂 He’s watching basketball as I respond to comments. I can’t fault him. We both worked very hard in the yard today! He more than me. I had some baking to do.
Okay now I’ve done it. Totally off subject 😘
I get not wanting to lie down in your living but what do you have in place of a couch? Lots of chairs?
@@swaters5127 A double recliner and a chair and a rocker. We bring in chairs from the dining area if we have more guests, which are also comfortable. At first removing the couch looked odd to me,, but we quickly acclimated. Now it's an area for conversation, reading, and occasionally watching something on TV..
I love this seating idea Shiryone curses having a sofa. Hope you’ve been well luv.
This is such a relevant topic, thank you! For many people a small living space is not something temporary. Like for myself, I live in my small rental apartment (473 sq ft) for over 27 years now. It has become my "forever home". The things you point out are so true. I know by experience that dealing with a small space has to become a way of living. In that way, I can add some tips to your relevant video.
1. Minimise clutter. To help doing that everything should have its own designated space. Because our household develops, new things are coming in. So preferably sort out your storage every 6 months or so.
2. Group small, personal items. You might not have them because they are beautiful, but just because they mean something to you. In a small space there is little wall space, surface space and floorspace. Things can add up and can block any clean lines that you need to have some breathing space. So when you group them, they become a curated moment, like a sculpture, together.
3. Every item counts. In a small room especially, anything you bring in your home influences the space quite strongly. So try to let them be beautiful. That is possible on a budget (see your video about thrifting). Compose them carefully: a balance of items with a loud voice and with a soft voice and medium voice (also your video about charm in charmless homes is helpful).
For further inspiration you can also watch the make-overs by Alexandra Gater. Perhaps you have to look past her personal taste and all the squiggles, but she shows how to make every corner in a small living space count and how that can transform a small space into a home.
So many excellent and thoughtful suggestions Grady. Number 2 is my favorite 👏
Thank you!
I love Alexander too❤
Love your video style. Easy to follow, nice images and soothing tone! Practical tips
Thank you so much Regina 🤗
Thank you so much Regina 🤗
I LOVE small spaces, they just feel safe and cozy to me. I so appreciate listening to all your videos, always learn something.❤
Yes I’m actually sitting in our smallest room as I’m reading your comment and thinking, “Yes it’s so cozy in here!” 🤗
All of your inspiration/example rooms are always so beautiful. I think I screenshot 80% of them😅. And, I love all the notes you write in over your videos. The bookshelves are so enticing to me. A whole wall of lower ones with art above would act as a craft table area for my daughter.
Oh perfect Angela 🤗 sounds like a fun idea for your daughter! I know I would have loved that! Oh and here’s the link to all the images on the “Small Living Rooms” board on my Pinterest
pin.it/Is0Ay4bQH
Thank you Christina! I will check it out.
Great food for thought. We have a good amount of square footage in our house. But, on the other hand, each room is quite small, which I love because it’s cozy. I am proud to say I have implemented some of the ideas you described😊. And others, I will be implementing ASAP.
Awesome Janet! Keep me posted! I’d love to see what you’re up to 😉
Christina! Thank you for yet another wonderful offering! Thank you also for creating such an amazing channel, your videos are always top tier and packed with useful information! Your presence is so appreciated here and I have come to look forward to carving out time on Sundays ! You are a whole vibe and I am so happy you’re here!🤍🙏🤍
Oh my gosh Cheyenne you're going to make me cry happy tears--hahaha I am actually. Thank you so much babe. I REALLY appreciate you saying this. My heart is so full 🥰
I've always lived in small living rooms, and I'm actually pretty comfortable with them. I have always arranged the seating so that no one gets a stiff neck or twisted back during conversations. Also, no one appears to be left out because they are in an awkward space because of blocked visibility. I don't have an L-shaped couch in this open-plan living area, but two very comfy 2-seaters perpendicular to each other, and a wing-back chair angled opposite. The two smaller sofas give me a second point of entry to the room, which makes it seem more spacious.
This is another great lesson! I'm already eyeing the possibilities of little changes......😂
So good that you are sensitive to your guests neck comfort Elizabeth! Surprisingly people don’t think about this little thing that makes a huge difference. Love the layout option you’ve presented (especially so all feel included-another important one) and an excellent option for all those here indeed 🤗
I especially liked the part about seeing wall and floor space and light rugs, sheers in windows instead of heavy curtains. Made so much sense. So I guess too, open shelving on upper cabinet space might be a good idea.
Yes adding some lightness to a small space makes all the difference 😉
PS This Sunday’s video is about small bedrooms ❤️
So thoughtful and beautifully articulated. You're nailing it - thank you Christina 🌠🙏💛🌞
Awww thank you Joanna dear 🤗
I am moving into an efficiency apartment in May. This was extremely helpful. Thank you!
Oh good!!! I’m so happy this is going to help you 🤗
I never considered putting mirrors across from each other. Such a great idea to try!
You should!l try it! Let me know how it turns out 😘
Yes, that was a new tip for me as well.
I appreciate the encouragement on this. I’m currently rearranging my kitchen (on paper!), meaning the existing upper cabinets width will eliminate the window trim on both sides of the center window. My imagined solution, to avoid feeling I’ve boxed in the space and the light, is to line both cabinet sides with mirror. I’m hoping this will give the illusion of expanding the window, and will reflect more light.
I just subscribed because you deliver content in a very emotionally generous manner which feels encouraging and motivating.
@@Trenchant468 I love your creativity!!! I’m sure it will be a nice feature and it should magnify the light nicely. Keep me posted! 🤗
omg thank you so much for mentioning more upright chairs! i hate it when the only seats are leaned like that. it kills my neck.
Right?! It’s just not comfortable and not flattering to anyone!
Awesome tips, thank you! I agree that storage is key! ❤😅😊
So important!!! Thanks for being here Sophia 🤗
Fantastic video. I just redesigned my small living room and used many of your points even before watching this video. After each point, I was nodding and thinking how right on you were. Plus your presentation style is funny, light and unpretentious. New subscriber here!
Awwwww thank you!!! Just trying to keep it as realistic as I can on CZcams 🤗 Also super happy to see the points resonated with you and confirmed what you intuitively knew 👏
Great advice. Love your solutions❤
Thank you! Happy you got some ideas! 😘
Loved stopping by your channel and seeing this video.
I have a conundrum that I haven't been able to find any advice on and it's choosing the bedroom and office between 2 rooms. One bedroom always is the brightest and airiest and best view. The other bedroom is always a cave-like room with minimal light exposure and limited windows usually facing a less desirable view or neighbor.
I usually pick the best room for the bedroom but that usually means my office is the least desirable room. It also means I don't feel as energized and excited to spend time in that room. This time I've decided to make the room that I feel inspired in as the office. That means it's the biggest, brightest and best view as a designated office/library. It's vibrant and I love it and the space. But I'm getting nervous that I'm making a bad move for my bedroom which is smaller, faces a neighbor, and only has a sliding door - no other windows. It's great for sleeping but I always have to keep the curtains closed if I'm laying in bed, getting dressed, or we are talking too loud.
So I'm torn. I'm finally prioritizing having an awesome feeling office with productive vibes written all over it. I finally want to spend all my time in there but I'm sacrificing privacy with my bedroom
Any thoughts on this? Do we always make the best bedroom the main/master bedroom.
On a side note: both these rooms are smaller than your average sized rooms. I live in 700 sq feet and the rooms are 9•9 and 10x10
Okay so as I’m reading this I can feel you light up when you talk about making the airy bright best view room your office. You write so much about that-and not as much about making the other room a bedroom. So I think you know your answer, luv 🤗
But if you need some encouragement, here’s my experience. I have had both: a bedroom without windows and an office without windows. A bedroom without windows/or limited window/exposure, can be adjusted and decorated to still be inspiring and is actually great for sleep. I slept so well in that room.
Now an office without windows, where I’m spending a huge portion of my day is very depressing. I do not like that at all. It’s uninspiring and I feel less motivated in a space like that. It’s definitely not conducive to a good work day!
So those are my thoughts!! Let me know how it goes.
PS if you decide you don’t like the arrangement you can always change it. Don’t be afraid of making a mistake. It’s your home and your safe place ❤️
What helpful tips and ideas! You've given lots to consider for a smaller space.
Yeah! Im so happy it was helpful to you, Sandra 😉
All great tips and suggestions!
This subject perfect refresher for me. Moving from a large beach house to a city apartment. Using the open kitchen-living to accomodate a six seater table, and some comfy chairs/small sofa. One good size bedroom will become a cosy TV/ chill area ( re-jigging the built -in wardrobe to become a TV niche and cupboards under). Definitely don't want a cluttered feel!
I love your ideas and repurposing the wardrobe. This is the kind of stuff that makes it so fun and rewarding too. What a big change moving from a large back house into the city. Please keep me posted on your ideas and how they're coming along. I would love to see what you come up with 😉
You have given the most understandable advice to date. I was about to buy a loveseat.
Good! I’m so happy it inspired you and helped! Thank you for bring here, Kenya 🤗
Great Advice, Thank you very much dear Christina.
Thank you sweet Carol 🤗
We are downsizing to a much smaller home. Our living room space for a couch, will be nothing more than a right angle wall. Trying to fit my grandmother’s, beautiful end tables, that I’ve redone, is quite a trick. I’ve found that the L shape couch is ideal! It will also provide an extra sleeping space with a large ottoman, that will also be used as a coffee table and blanket storage.
I mean, does it get better than this? 😉
Great ideas!!!
I’ll come back to your ideas when we move in and start setting up our new decor!
Guest chairs? Well, our dining room chairs will have to suffice.
Ah! I love it Kelly!!! You are speaking my language with all the multipurpose furniture!! It’s a bit like a puzzle and sounds like you’re up for the challenge 💪. Keep me posted!!
Very informative and helpful!!
Oh good! I’m happy you enjoyed it 🤗
Outstanding recommendations! Thank you so much!
My pleasure, Regina!! 🤗
SOOO mnay wonderful ideas! Thank you!
Yeah!!!! I am SOOO very happy it inspired you Sarah!! 🥰
Thank you very much for you inspiration design tips ideas for small living room🥰
Absolutely!!! I’m working in a small bedroom video too. I’ve had many of those!!!
Another helpful video! Thank you Christina! While I admire the dark/cave spaces, I'm with you, I love the light bright airy spaces.
Exactly! I looooove those moody spaces but I know myself well. Give me all the light sunshine and I’m as happy as can be!
Yes to mirrors! Sharing this with my daughter living in San Francisco. 😊
Yeah Tobey!!! 🤗 sending you hugs babe!
Great tips. Thank you.
Thanks Sandi! Nice seeing you 🤗
Thanks. This was some really good info.
Great Gina!!! I’m happy you liked it 🤗
So many possibilities! I like the details and examples you provide after explaining a principle; eg, using leggy furniture to show more of the floor. I've been noticing that most of my furniture is leggy and it doesn't feel quite right; I think, like you suggested, a mix might feel better.
I just moved from a house with a small living room and separate dining room to a condo with a large room for both functions. I want to accommodate both functions but I don't want it to be too obvious: I don't have people over to dine more than once a month and the room is primarily for reading, writing, and conversation. I would love to see your take on creating an interesting room that is primarily a living room with occasional dining for small group. Thanks!
Hi Carol you should DM me if on Instagram with a picture for the YT live this Weds. I’d love to see the room. Sounds very much like condos here in NYC.
Thank you
🤗 you’re welcome luv. Thank you for being here and watching 🤍
❤❤❤
Thank you Grace 🤗❤️
13:24-13:30: Oh! That is why my wall looks wonky😅. Our apartment living room window is near the middle of the wall (left to right) and is in the center of the wall (top to bottom). My curtains look off because they only cover a small portion of the wall. What a great suggestion!
Ahhhhhhh yeah-happy this will help! Let me know how it goes 🤗
Ok, I'm on the right track. I definitely need sconces in 2 different rooms. But I don't like the look of the ones that have a visible cord hanging down. I feel like that detracts from the beauty of the lamp. So I'll just need to figure out how to install them! I'm having surgery this Wednesday but I will try to make the live! 😬🤞 Wish me luck! Great video as always. Edit: I watched some videos about hardworking sconces and I can safely say there is no way my husband is going to support me in that particular decorating venture! Haha, maybe I'll find an alternative.
Melissa sending good energy, hugs and love for your upcoming surgery ❤️
I agree with you on the chords but some of them have very pretty chords that sort of add to the lamp. I feel like that could be an Anthropologie kind of thing…
Yes my husband is not thrilled when I bring up adding sconces to one of our walls 😂 so know that convo!!
@Christina_DiStefano thank you!!! And good idea, I'll try to be open minded and creative about it because I love the idea
@@melissak8892 Keep me posted babe and good luck on Weds 😘
I really like your semi flush chandelier behind you. Who is that by? Where did you find it? I’m in love 12:04
It's gorgeous in person too! Here's a link to the sei-flush mount chandelier. This one is slightly smaller than the one used for our model home. It's more of the size of the full-sized chandelier with a modified arm.
www.lumens.com/addis-semi-flushmount-by-crystorama-CRYP527026.html?cgid=9219&dwvar_CRYP527026_AttrValue1=Amber&dwvar_CRYP527026_AttrValue2=Aged%20Brass#tileIndex=10
www.lumens.com/addis-large-chandelier-by-crystorama-CRY2465813.html?PLA&Crystorama&CRY2465813&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwq86wBhDiARIsAJhuphlVtr_RBRanxKLLIsj6Lr0fqRK6LdFQXO1kBCuccQigaKsBJPSZEYQaAnJkEALw_wcB
I have a small bedroom with two closets and a tiny 1/2 bath. I figured out the best thing would be to take off the door jambs to make seamless doors so it is appears the doors and walls and indiscernible. 2:16 what do you think?
Hi Gina! It’s interesting how something like a door jam can “feel” like it’s taking up room-especially if there are three! I am visualizing this now and I agree with you; the doors would fade into the wall.
Are you doing the job yourself or hiring someone? An alternative would be to paint the walls and trim the same color, if you didn’t want to contract out the work-I’d you were planning to.
I’m actually releasing a small bedroom tips video on Sunday. Hope to give you some more ideas that you can implement. Keep me posted on the door jambs.
I'm cureently trying to figure out the best layout for my apartment using the exisiting furniture I have. My main issue is that I have a wonderful bay windown but underneath it is a built out for my large in wall ac unit. I have two loveseats and have been thinking about blocking the ac unit to do an L shape layout so I can add a chair but I'm unsure. I don't want to block the bay windown since currently it is the main focal point of the room (I don't own a tv and don't plan on owning one, my house is more for relaxation and conversation).
You should DM Christina some pics and join the livestream on Wednesday.
Ha! I love it! I was actually going to suggest you DM me a pic so I can help you on the live this Weds but Shiryone beat me to it!
You beat me to it! Love it babe 🤗🤗🤗
@@Christina_DiStefano I’m debating on it because I’m slightly embarrassed about how little I’ve done in my space because I am trying to buy at least 70-80% second hand.
@@toyaJM If you don’t feel comfortable no worries. If you like you can still DM me and I’ll have a look-doesn’t have to be on the live if you don’t want to! Just be sure to let me know.
I will say that you should never feel embarrassed-easier said than done sometimes. It’s a process and many people myself included are at various stages of furnishing their homes. In other words, most people do not hire decorators to get it done and move on. Especially if we’re searching for the right pieces to bring in. I hope that makes sense and helps 🤗
Yes and look at the price!
The price of rent? Not sure what you’re referring to?
💪
🤗
Hello
Hi!
Personally I want to lean back when visiting anyone. I won’t stay if I have to sit in a rigid upright chair. I do do that in the office already. Visiting is supposed to be fun.
Hi Jessica, thank you for your comment. I don’t think the word “ridged” ever came into the recommendation I gave. Not everyone has the core strength for lounging back in a deep chair or sofa. What I’m recommending supports the back of the person sitting in it and is comfortable. Also this video is for small spaces and the deeper a chair and the more it lounges back, the more space it consumes. Hope that helps to clarify my points here.
@@Christina_DiStefano Most perching chairs are, in fact, rigid. And as far as small spaces go, a few inches of seat length go a long way towards comfort, otherwise the seating only covers from the bum to halfway to the back of the leg, which prompts having to cross their legs. It’s well worth the few inches to be comfortable. Typically if the back is tall enough and not short (like is being pushed as a “style” now) that’s enough back support. Space can be saved with a couch that has the back cushion built in. A firmer cushion and a seat that is not too low also does more for someone with less core strength. If a visitor is shorter, then appropriate pillows work.
@@Jessica-kk1cz thanks for all your tips Jessica 😉