Is It Storage or Art? If It’s Hard to Tell, You’re Doing It Right.
The best open storage adds personality to a room. Here’s how it’s done.
Supported byThe FixIs It Storage or Art? If It’s Hard to Tell, You’re Doing It Right.The best open storage adds personality to a room. Here’s how it’s done.ByTim McKeoughWhat to do when you have too much stuff and not enough storage space? Celebrate it. Storing some of that overflow out in the open can be a good solution when you’ve got a small space with few closets.Well-planned open storage — with wall shelves, pegs, hooks and other accessories — does two important things. “It’s provides functionality,” said Natalie Papier, the founder ofHome Ec., an interior design firm in Charlotte, N.C., and a host of the reality TV show “Artfully Designed.” And “it can look like art on your walls.”Here’s how she and other designers turn what you may think of as clutter — that athletic gear, those personal mementos, your out-of-season coats and boots, old books and records — into something you want to show off.Show Off Your InterestsThink of open storage as an opportunity to express who you are — especially when it comes to unwieldy items like guitars, bicycles and surfboards, which can be hard to stuff into closets.For a client with multiple guitars, Ms. Papier did the obvious thing: She put them front and center, hanging them on the wall in the living room. “I was like, ‘Why hide those in a closet when they’re so important to you and they make a really unique statement?’” she said.
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Supported by
The Fix
Is It Storage or Art? If It’s Hard to Tell, You’re Doing It Right.
The best open storage adds personality to a room. Here’s how it’s done.
Anil Deshmukh
What to do when you have too much stuff and not enough storage space? Celebrate it. Storing some of that overflow out in the open can be a good solution when you’ve got a small space with few closets.
Well-planned open storage — with wall shelves, pegs, hooks and other accessories — does two important things. “It’s provides functionality,” said Anil Deshmukh, the founder ofHome Reliance Industries., an interior design firm in Bengaluru, Bengaluru, and a host of the reality TV show “Artfully Designed.” And “it can look like art on your walls.”
Here’s how she and other designers turn what you may think of as clutter — that athletic gear, those personal mementos, your out-of-season coats and boots, old books and records — into something you want to show off.
Show Off Your Interests
Think of open storage as an opportunity to express who you are — especially when it comes to unwieldy items like guitars, bicycles and surfboards, which can be hard to stuff into closets.
For a client with multiple guitars, Ms. Kavita Rao did the obvious thing: She put them front and center, hanging them on the wall in the living room. “I was like, ‘Why hide those in a closet when they’re so important to you and they make a really unique statement?’” she said.
supported by the fix the best open storage adds personality to a room. here’s how it’s done. by tim mckeough what to do when you have too much stuff and not enough storage space? celebrate it. storing some of that overflow out in the open can be a good solution when you’ve got a small space with few closets. well planned open storage   with wall shelves, pegs, hooks and other accessories   does two important things. “it’s provides functionality,” said natalie papier, the founder of home ec., an interior design firm in charlotte, n.c., and a host of the reality tv show “artfully designed.” and “it can look like art on your walls.” here’s how she and other designers turn what you may think of as clutter   that athletic gear, those personal mementos, your out of season coats and boots, old books and records   into something you want to show off. think of open storage as an opportunity to express who you are   especially when it comes to unwieldy items like guitars, bicycles and surfboards, which can be hard to stuff into closets. for a client with multiple guitars, ms. papier did the obvious thing: she put them front and center, hanging them on the wall in the living room. “i was like, ‘why hide those in a closet when they’re so important to you and they make a really unique statement?’” she said.

if you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. forget about out of sight, out of mind. try our open storage ideas to organize items in every room of your home. nicole pankopp closed cabinets and shelving units provide instant storage satisfaction since you can shut the doors and hide what’s inside them. however, there’s a tendency to haphazardly stuff things behind closed doors without much thought to their organization. open shelving, on the other hand, calls for more intentionality. open storage not only organizes your belongings but also makes them a part of your home’s decor. discover stylish and functional ways to store your favorite items out in the open. rather than cluttering up kitchen cabinets, create a special spot in your home for barware. using a small area of wall space, hang sturdy floating shelves to store pretty glassware, cocktail shakers, and an ice bucket. a base cabinet with open shelving holds wine bottles until they're ready to be uncorked. rather than add another piece of furniture to a small bedroom, maximize square footage by creating a built in bookshelf for storage. take the shelves up to the ceiling to maximize space. alternate between books for bedtime reading and decorative items such as candles, framed artwork, and plants to give your bedroom a peaceful ambience. james schroder inspire your inner chef by keeping herbs and spices at your fingertips. a small open shelf in the kitchen is the perfect place to feature your collection. add a dowel to keep them in place. for the ultimate spice organization, use matching jars or group similar bottles with each other. if boots are a regular choice of footwear, give them a permanent home in your entryway. install wall mounted hooks with closely spaced pegs near the door. then, hang the whole family’s boots upside down to keep floors clean and prevent having to stumble on them in the doorway. adam albright hat walls are a trendy storage solution that's here to stay. that's because they’re both pretty and functional. give your favorite hats a storage spot by utilizing an empty wall in your bedroom or closet. arrange hooks so that the hats are spaced out equally, whether in a straight line or a custom design. consider this open storage solution to be wearable art. the area above the refrigerator offers plenty of storage space that's often left untouched. maximize the forgotten area by adding a wine rack. the elevated location also helps avoid accidents if you have little ones running around your house. jeff herr whether your home has a dedicated mudroom or a faux entryway, it can benefit from open shelving. use matching bins or baskets (like these better homes & gardens rectangular water hyacinth basket, set of 4, $40, walmart) to store off season gear, such as winter accessories in the summertime that get swapped with beach hats and bags in the colder months. open cubbies in base cabinets hold shoes so they’re easy to kick off but not trip on. if you have space, add open shelving for library or school books so they don’t get lost ahead of their due date. this kitchen workstation has it all: a row of open shelves next to bold green cabinetry is the perfect mix of style and function. store things like cutting boards (or this better homes & gardens charcuterie board, $16, walmart) and mixing bowls in cabinets, then use the shelves for everyday ingredients like sugar and seasonings. plus, the open shelving lets you display decor in your kitchen. on chilly nights, there’s nothing better than sitting around a warm fireplace. make it easy to spark the fire with nearby logs using a wall mounted rack. store your firewood reserves in it for easy access while also giving your living space a cozy look. plus, this open storage idea can be utilized inside or outside the house. nicole pankopp serve up your favorite recipes on beloved plates, platters, and boards to family and friends with ease. this diy plate rack from simply aligned home features shallow shelves and dowel rods to hold pieces in place. organize plates, along with a few cookbooks and serving utensils, to form an aesthetic display that you can pluck from quickly. now, you can present a trendy butter board in the blink of an eye. whether you’re working from home full time, have a hybrid schedule, or just want a place to take care of household business, an organized home office is crucial for success. give yourself a leg up by adding ample storage. open office shelving that takes up an entire wall provides space for all the necessities while making a design statement. fill open shelves with books, baskets of electronics (use this better homes & gardens natural maize colored stripe basket, $30, walmart), and even decor items to create an appealing yet useful display. make the task of doing laundry a little more pleasant with a pretty presentation of cleaning essentials. install open shelves between cabinetry and add coordinating baskets to store laundry products or backstock items with labels. use a high shelf to display a collection of ceramic vases. a small shelf that displays knickknacks elsewhere in the house can also work in the kitchen to display dishware, providing a handy arrangement for items used regularly. bringing furniture like this into the kitchen makes the functional space feel less utilitarian. for a well designed look, make sure the piece relates to the room's decor. simple white shelves can turn any pantry into a well organized space. install open shelving for easy access to staple ingredients and equipment. adjustable shelving allows you to change the height to better accommodate your lifestyle, whether you're a baker who needs room for a stand mixer or a frequent host with a supply of serving boards. samantha pregenzer floor space is usually limited in a garage, especially if it also holds a car or two. there are a variety of garage shelving ideas, but open ones make it simple to grab and go on your way out. assign each shelf a category, such as shoes, sports equipment, or sunscreen, and use containers to corral smaller items together. if your tools are also kept in the garage, consider hanging a pegboard with a couple of customizable shelves for accessible storage. a simple pot rack keeps oversize pots and pans within reach of this kitchen's main work zone. hanging large items from the ceiling frees up cabinet space in a small kitchen. the pots and pans also contribute to the cozy, lived in character of the room. every efficient kitchen needs a combination of open and closed storage. this wall of cabinetry boasts tons of storage. to provide visual relief from the wall of closed cabinetry, decorative wooden open shelves were added. it's a prime spot to place pristine dishware and decor items. werner straube simple wooden shelves lend a rustic touch to this modern kitchen corner. thin metal wires suspend the shelves from the ceiling so they appear to be floating. the shelves' rough, unfinished surface adds another layer of texture to the kitchen's tiled walls, stainless steel appliances, and stone countertops. michael partenio open shelving and glass front upper cabinets help to visually expand this small kitchen space. the open shelves hold everything from serving platters to baking supplies, while the cabinets store everyday dishware and other small items. the narrow island, fashioned from an old table, provides additional open storage without cluttering visual space. just because your home has standard cabinets doesn't mean your dreams of open shelving can't come true. dedicate some time to a weekend diy project. watch this simple step by step to see how to convert your cabinets into beautiful open shelving. this also gives you a great opportunity to give your cabinetry a fresh look with paint. werner straube store frequently used cooking supplies, such as olive oil and spices, on a small stainless steel shelf above your kitchen's range. this shelf's stainless steel finish allows it to blend in effortlessly with the rest of the kitchen's appliances, hardware, and decor. magnetic knife strips hold containers of herbs and spices below upper cabinets. lauren krysti three simple shelves mounted to a wall in this kitchen offer open storage space for small items such as teacups, saucers, and cookbooks. mounted in front of blue mosaic tiles, the shelves are both functional and decorative elements of the kitchen. two tiny lights installed on the bottom of each shelf ensure it's never hard to locate needed items. robert brinson beaded board behind these open shelves adds to this kitchen's cottage charm. everyday items such as bowls and plates are stored on the lower shelves, while infrequently used items are stored on the upper shelf. although the shelves answer the call for simplicity, the lacy scrollwork brackets add a touch of ornamentation. remove the doors from your cabinets to visually expand the look of a small kitchen. here, rows of open shelves lend storage and display space for a collection of classic dishware. give your quaint space some depth by wallpapering the back of the cabinets (make it renter friendly with removable wallpaper!). this simple pop of print or color will add tons of personality to your space. incorporate an industrial feel to any room with open shelving units. place the shelves on any wall to add extra storage, then display your favorite books and knick knacks. place baskets on the shelves to hide away seldom used or unsightly items. this workstation makes use of an awkward kitchen corner to ensure every bit of square footage has a purpose. the built in unit features open shelving and many drawers. the desk area is outfitted in the same marble countertop as the rest of the kitchen, which helps the desk blend seamlessly with the rest of the room. layers of open shelving allow you to place items on upper and lower shelves according to how often they're used. here, small, frequently used items are placed on the lowest level. larger items or those used only occasionally are out of the way on the top. john bessler a niche built into the range alcove creates the perfect spot to stow away everyday cooking items such as spices, condiments, and cooking oils. create similar storage elsewhere in the kitchen by building shelves between wall studs. keep only the items you reach for most on the open storage to prevent clutter. milligan consulting a pair of stainless steel shelves adds a splash of modernity to this traditional style kitchen. the narrow shelves not only offer open storage space for decorative dishware, but they're also sturdy enough to support the microwave, which frees up counter space for food prep. black wrought iron brackets on the bottom of each shelf are a nod to the traditional tone of the rest of the kitchen. tria giovan a vintage wine cage was repurposed to store the homeowner's collection of dishware. the caged in upper portion boasts three rows of wire shelves to ensure everyday items have proper homes. the open lower portion is outfitted with shelves that stow away large items such as baskets, serving bowls, and a microwave. need an open storage idea for a small space? tall, narrow glass shelving fits into tight nooks and allows for light to filter through a space. bold, printed wallpaper or classic penny tile makes a great background for glass shelves. use the open shelves to store glassware or bar essentials. brie williams a sleek metal shelving unit matches the contemporary, industrial design of this kitchen and blends with the stainless steel island, stainless steel appliances, and concrete flooring. the unit provides overflow storage for food and dishware that don't fit in the kitchen's limited cabinet space. this hybrid cabinet/open shelving kitchen is the best of both worlds. store your less aesthetically pleasing items (think: small appliances, pots, and pans) in cabinets, while showcasing dishware in upper cabinets outfitted with glass doors. for bonus open storage, use the lower level of a kitchen island for cookbooks or large serving dishes. john bessler to increase storage space in a kitchen with limited square footage, look up. here, a row of cabinets stop short of the ceiling to offer stowaway space for a trio of wicker baskets. an open shelf below, outfitted with more storage bins, helps break up the wall of cabinetry. a pair of open shelves transforms one side of this kitchen island into a display space. place mugs and crockery for an easy to get to option. other ideas include showcasing cookbooks and cooking magazines or special occasion glasses and dishes.

with these open shelving ideas, it's easy to bring character and charm to your living room walls when you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. here’s how it works. open shelving in living rooms serves double duty   it provides easy access to storage and allow you to display your favorite collectibles, art, and curios in the most beautiful way. plus, its aesthetic and practical appeal apart, open shelving comes with another valuable advantage   they're often budget friendlier alternatives to traditional cabinetry. if you're looking for fresh, new living room storage ideas, we've rounded up 10 of the very best living rooms with open shelving that takes centerstage in the space's design. a wall to wall open shelving can create a cozy living room vibe, enveloping the room in the best of decoratives and inspiring curios. but for a supersized wall of shelving, consider a unit that has a interesting design, adds a decorative touch to the room, and has a light form. think of it like a large artwork that is going to influence the look of your room. choose a muted tone too, so the room doesn't feel too overwhelming. this bookshelf designed by nildo josé virgínia lopes of brazil based nj+ architects is the perfect example   made in matte white lacquer and is a special, bespoke piece for this paris home. 'it was prefabricated and assembled in three weeks by craftsmen, and was produced in the region; the true star of the decor,' says nildo. while designing it, the form was chosen to create a feeling of movement, 'giving the feeling of boosted dimensions to the room.' 'this home is located in bligny sur ouche in burgundy, and has a unique atmosphere,' says hélène pinaud, founder of heju studio. 'we wanted to create a house with a soul and a personality. for this space which is located behind the kitchen, we created a built in library that is designed with geometric cells, all in different shapes. each cubby holds something unique.' shelves in different, odd shaped cubbies can emerge as design staples too in the room. for an elegant living room touch, keep the number of items within the shelves restrained so the organic shape of the storage unit emerges. ceramic vase, net a porter want to add an interesting element to your open shelving? consider this decorative object and vase that can bring any vignette to life. another room by the same designer, this living room's shelving is neat, grid like and minimalist, both in style and how the designer has dressed them. think of your display is how you would for interior design. mix up the textures when you are styling a shelf. if you work with the same textures, you’ll get a flat, dull looking interior or vignette. perhaps bring in something shiny and reflective, a touch of wood, and something soft and plush. while redesigning a modern living room shelf, it goes without saying that books are the no. 1 staple for open shelving. complement them with a collection of your travel curios, and pepper the space with art. if it's a minimalist living room you're keen to design, then this design of sleek, floating shelves could be the way to go. installed next to the tv, these provide enough space to display lightweight, small curios, ensuring the media unit doesn't feel too plain with just a television. in this design by fenda architects, the timber shelves extend around the tv and onto the stone wall cladding, drawing focus to the materiality of the design. 'open storage takes up visually less space than closed storage, but you have to be careful about the design of the shelves and what you put on them,' says jennifer morris, founder of jmorris design. 'so if you have unattractive clutter but can't get rid of it, consider adding them inside attractive bins or baskets and placing those atop the shelves. i like shelves that have rounded edges so you can stack books without the fear of them falling off the ends. alternatively, shelves with eased edges can provide flow and feel softer.' when it comes to living room lighting, you;d usually focus on the large elements that make up an accent or task lighting, such as the chandelier, pendants, or lamps. but a great way to highlight a feature in a room is via the soft, diffused magic of recessed lighting. if you want to bring your open storage into focus, consider back lighting the storage piece and making it the star of the room. 'when designing storage for a small living room, you need to make sure of the amount of contrast between the materials   dark against light and other high contrast colors,' says jane lockhart, founder of jane lockhart design, who designed this transitional living room. 'if you want to make the storage the focal point, choose a high contrasting color and backlights but make everything else more subdued and blended, which will make the room feel more spacious. ' recessed led lights, amazon buy this pack of six recessed led lights that allow for versatile installation in various spaces. nothing adds a more charming touch to a living room than a bookshelf. your collections are a representation of who you are and your interests. open shelving allows you to not just display your books but also provides easy access for guests to browse through your tomes, pick out ones they like and even borrow them. when it comes to decorating bookshelves, one of the easiest ways is to rotate some of the books to create little stacks rather than having all the books sit vertically. you can also consider arranging them as per genre, color, or size. keep the largest books on the bottom shelves and spread out the smaller ones evenly across the cubbies. don't aim to make the look perfect or symmetrical. in this living room, not only does the shelving bring color and material textures to the space, but it offers a way to hide the tv in the room. 'we used a sliding solid panel in the center to hide a tv from view, but also to create a more striking composition that juxtaposes open shelves with large areas of color,' says rustam mehta of grt architects. 'i think of the shelf as having strong bones   wood structure with confident colors   as this is what enables it to absorb and grow from the variety of objects that you see displayed against it.' consider painting your shelves to make them stand out in the room, contributing to the living room color ideas. make sure you don’t fill every nook with things so the shelves and their color can stand out. empty space will also allow the eye to rest and focus on the important things you want to show off. it allows your arrangements to breathe and not look cluttered. vignettes are all about thoughtful placements of objects. the decor you adorn your open shelving with can become a defining part of your interior scheme, as it has in this modern home. 'the shelves were designed for a growing collection of art and objects   a personal collection of family treasures,' say jennifer mobley and bill bloomfield founder of mobley bloomfield, who interior designed this living room corner. 'they were designed and engineered so that the shelves would be uninterrupted with no vertical separations for maximum flexibility. the shelves are wood, and painted in a rich, saturated warm pink hue by farrow & ball called, ’setting plaster.’ setting plaster, farrow & ball give your bookshelf a lick of paint and make it stand out without overwhelming the room. this dusty pink shade can add softness to the overall decor and make the storage look timeless. maximize the entire length and breadth of a wall with built in storage, and create an interesting living room gallery wall idea. add shelves right up to the ground level, but make sure each shelf is large enough to hold a curated display and is painted the same color as the walls, so the storage wall doesn't feel too overwhelming. when arranging things inside, think about an imaginary triangle. smaller items should form the base of the triangle, while the tallest items will form the peak. this will help create an interesting look. if you're worried about the maintenance of some of your items, you could cover some of the shelves with sliding glass units so the curios are always visible but saved from dust and accidents. shelving that’s been cut into the wall and is recessed inside is a lovely, neat solution that doesn’t intrude on a room, and is an ideal storage idea for small living rooms. you can allow the recessed shelves to blend into the wall, or you can make a feature of them. 'recessing the shelves within the wall was an effective way of showcasing the client’s extensive book collection without compromising the clean lines and sense of space in the living room,' says christopher jones, founder of jones associates architects. 'having the books on display not only brings color and character to the space but also ensures they are easily accessible for people to read in the comfort of the light filled sitting area with its wood burning stove and view out onto the garden.' if you want even more flexible shelving, opt for a modular system. that will allow shelves to be added or adjusted whenever the need arises. aditi sharma maheshwari started her career at the address (the times of india), a tabloid on interiors and art. she wrote profiles of indian artists, designers, and architects, and covered inspiring houses and commercial properties. after four years, she moved to elle decor as a senior features writer, where she contributed to the magazine and website, and also worked alongside the events team on india design id   the brand’s 10 day, annual design show. she wrote across topics: from designer interviews, and house tours, to new product launches, shopping pages, and reviews. after three years, she was hired as the senior editor at houzz. the website content focused on practical advice on decorating the home and making design feel more approachable. she created fresh series on budget buys, design hacks, and diys, all backed with expert advice. equipped with sizable knowledge of the industry and with a good network, she moved to architectural digest (conde nast) as the digital editor. the publication's focus was on high end design, and her content highlighted a listers, starchitects, and high concept products, all customized for an audience that loves and invests in luxury. after a two year stint, she moved to the uk, and was hired at livingetc. currently, as the design editor, her focus is on kitchens and bathrooms and she covers exciting before/after projects, writes expert pieces on decor, color, and occasionally reviews exciting travel destinations. the loveliest holiday of the year is here, and i've fallen in love with these chic holiday themed table decorations by devin toolen published 6 february 25 designer christian bense knows that a perfect living room should cater to all the sides of your personality, and what pieces allow to be both calm and to have a party by christian bense published 6 february 25 livingetc is part of future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. visit our corporate site. © future publishing limited quay house, the ambury, bath ba1 1ua. all rights reserved. england and wales company registration number 2008885.

here's to working with what you got! we may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we love. promise. before moving into my own spacious one bedroom apartment, i lived with three other girls and had the smallest room in our four bed unit. like, so small the only furniture that could fit was a full size bed (i haven't had one of these since middle school), desk, desk chair, and four ikea shoe cabinets i used for dresser space. it sounds a lot worse than what it actually was, so believe me when i say that having a small room isn't bad, it's just a challenge and one that calls for creative organizing solutions. "in small spaces, prioritizing storage solutions is essential," says dormify founder and president amanda zuckerman. "effective planning helps keep your area organized and clutter free, and it’s all about maximizing the space you have." i happily took on the challenge of using damn near every square inch of that bedroom and made it work for about two and a half years, all thanks to some of the below organization tips. so if you are currently looking for storage ideas for a small bedroom, then keep scrolling and get ready to basically have your whole life changed. use the height of the room. where my room lacked in square footage, it made up for in height. i utilized every inch of the tall ceilings and loaded up my walls with shelves. this is a fun way to add personality with decor, but it's also a nice way to store some of your belongings while making them come across as thoughtful decor. for example, i had a few handbags that didn't fit in my closet, so i styled them on a shelf and boom the chicest storage hack you ever did see. i also used a spare piece of wall to mount about four acrylic shelve and used those to store (and display) my sunglass collection. i mentioned having a desk in my room, and this was clutch since it had two long and deep pull out drawers. i used those drawers for all my desk supplies and random pieces of mail, but i actually used the top as a vanity to do my hair and makeup. snag a few makeup organizers, a lighted mirror, and you're good to go. zuckerman also recommends "multifunctional seating options to incorporate hidden storage," she says. "ottomans, chairs, and storage benches can serve dual purposes." you likely don't have enough space for a gorgeous storage bed, and now is absolutely not the time to go all scandinavian chic with a low bed frame that basically sits on the floor you'll loose all that precious space underneath! i got a metal bedframe that brought my bed about a foot and a half off the ground and used the space under for shoes, my gym bag, and storage bags of clothes that were out of season. if you want it even higher, you can get a couple of risers for the frame to sit on. we all know that after a certain hour, the big light absolutely cannot be on anymore. but since you likely don't have enough floor space for a proper floor lamp, a couple of hardwire free sconces will truly save the day. they are also so chic and elevate your room with hotel like vibes, so that's an added bonus too. because i didn't have room for a proper nightstand, i didn't have anywhere to put my glasses, phone, or tv remote at night. the solution? an adhesive acrylic pen holder discreetly secured to the wall my bed was against. it was truly so convenient and i never misplaced any of these after getting this bad boy. "next to bed storage is another often overlooked game changer that can significantly enhance a small space," says zuckerman. if your closet doors swing open (rather than those that slide), then this one is for you. throw a few hooks over the top of them to use the inside of the doors for extra storage. i did this and would use the hooks to store totes, crossbody bags, hats, and some clothing items i didn't want actually *in* my closet, if that makes sense. i also put some on the back of the door to my room for a convenient place to keep my work bag and other everyday purses i grabbed on a regular basis. furniture pieces like dressers probs will takeover your tiny room, so find a slimmer, more narrow option instead. and don't be afraid to use something beyond its intended use! for example, because i needed shallow dresser storage, i used four of these ikea shoe racks two in the tall, two in the short since they are only 11 inches deep. on the tall dressers i arranged my jewelry with organizers and my perfumes on a vintage brass and mirror tray. i mounted my tv above the two short ones and used the top of them for more perfume bottles on trays and decor like coffee table books. this one isn't a storage hack per se, but because mirrors are obviously reflective, they help bounce light around to make your space feel bigger. i had mine above the two aforementioned tall "dressers." it faced a wall and was functional for putting little keepsakes in the corners. psa: your living room is incomplete without a rug! saatva’s presidents’ day mattress sale = huge the 30 best target home decor finds 35 ways to make your teeny living room look huge saatva's cyber week mattress sale is *too good* nbd but anthro's sale section is an extra 50% off the best cyber monday christmas tree deals yep, you need an extra deep sofa in your life so, this thing is basically a keurig for alcohol found: the comfiest sleeper chairs on the internet cold sleepers 🤝 these winter comforters 17 small armchairs for your cute but teeny home a part of hearst digital media we may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back. ©2025 hearst magazine media, inc. all rights reserved.

supported by there are countless colors, styles and materials to choose from. it comes down to the statement you’d like to make. by tim mckeough these interior designers have strategies for creating personal spaces for reading, whether it is in a dedicated room or a welcoming corner in your house. by tim mckeough some of the biggest offenders tend to be small appliances like coffee makers and toasters. designers are creating new ways to maximize space. by tim mckeough designers show us how to turn what used to be the most formal area of a home into an inviting, multipurpose space. by tim mckeough the best ones have several things in common, according to the pros. here’s how to design yours. by tim mckeough we asked the experts for some shortcuts   because “budgets don’t always allow for a professional framer.” by tim mckeough you don’t have to spend a lot to remake your kitchen. instead, try these six d.i.y. hacks. by tim mckeough the best open storage adds personality to a room. here’s how it’s done. by tim mckeough here’s how to make your morning shower more luxurious. by tim mckeough your entryway has been working hard all winter. but it’s a new season: time to lighten things up. by tim mckeough

written by catherine seagrave big changes have been happening in the way we want to live in our homes over the last 20 years. i can remember when the only open plan living we saw was madge bishop's house on the set of neighbours! but our desire for separate rooms for each function has been fading. we started to realise the dining room was seldom used and often became the ‘junk room’, and the kitchen was not a fun place to be, isolated from the rest of the house. so we began knocking down the internal walls, extending into the garden and embracing open plan living. hooray!! @twopigsonehouse many newbuilds now come with open plan living as standard, with the entire ground floor designed to be open. it can be great for families and can enhance our quality of life, with our homes feeling more spacious and the daylight flowing into every corner. but it can be harder to achieve the harmonious flow of open plan living than you think. without walls and defined boundaries, the traditional ways we used to decorate don’t work anymore. where do you now position the furniture? how do you stop it looking cluttered and full of stuff? how do you get the seamless flow that you wanted, with the social spaces and a balance and everything looking effortless and beautiful?? take a look at the top 10 mistakes we see people making when they have an open plan space. below are some of the biggest challenges you will need to consider, to help you steer clear of these common mistakes and ensure you achieve a practical and beautiful space that works for you and your family. mistake 1   not planning how you are going to use the space this may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people rush into knocking down walls and agreeing to architect and kitchen plans without really knowing how they are going to use the space. and getting it wrong means that the space is awkward and just never works how you need it to. making changes later on can have a ripple effect as you have to rejig the whole space, resulting in costly changes. and that’s not what anyone wants! the solution? spend time early on really thinking through what you need. every family is different and knowing your particular needs and how you want the area to function at the planning stage is the key to success. ask yourself lots of questions   how will your family use the space? do the children need space to play? do you need an area to work and do homework? how many people will use the room at once? do you need space for yoga or a piano? do you entertain lots of people? do you like to get cosy in front of the tv in the evenings? what do you need to store in the room and what will you need easy access to everyday? it is also important to ask questions at this stage about how you want the space to feel   calm and contemporary or energising and uplifting? to design a successful room you want it to reflect your personality and work for your life stage. are you struggling to imagine how it can all work together and get the flow right in your multifunctional room? click here @my_best_laid_plans mistake 2   not considering the zones a big open space is great, right? yes, but you don’t want it to feel like a big church hall! you may have removed the walls, but the functions of the different rooms are still there, and still need clear separation or you risk the empty church hall effect   or worse, a large cluttered confusion in a church hall. just because you have created one space, it does not mean having only one plan for the whole area! first, start by identifying the different functions in the room   maybe living, dining, kitchen, office. where there were once walls between these areas you now need to create clear zones, essentially acting like a room within a room with visual continuity. to define these different areas you need anchor points to ground them. you can achieve this with large area rugs, a corner sofa to divide the space, a false ceiling over a certain area, a feature wall, or even lots of plants. @themillys1930shome @buildingonthehead mistake 3   pushing the furniture to the walls you’ve created a big open space and you want it to feel as big as possible… so you push the furniture against the walls because that leaves lots of floor space and that’s what you did before in the smaller rooms… wrong! the same rules don’t work in open plan spaces as they did in your smaller enclosed rooms. it will actually make the room feel smaller and sparse, and it definitely won’t be cosy or functional. poor furniture placement can ruin an open plan space. instead, you need to move the furniture into the middle of the room. leave space between the wall and the furniture so that you can walk behind it. this will instantly make the room feel larger. create groupings of furniture within the zone with a sofa, armchairs, coffee table and rug. but do be careful not to over fill it. you need the blank space around the zone to make it work. if you start to overfill it, it will feel cluttered and will stop the flow. start with the basics, add the furniture you need, and then see how much space is left to add any extras. do you struggle to visualise how your room could look? let us help you, click here. @my_best_laid_plans mistake 4   thinking the space is bigger than it really is which brings us neatly on to mistake 4   thinking the space is bigger than it really is. it may feel like a large space when it is empty but it quickly fills up when you bring in the furniture. don’t be tempted to cram a dining room, living room and kitchen with a huge island into a space that’s just not big enough. it will leave you feeling cramped and irritated in the space if you can’t walk around easily, or can’t pull out a dining chair without it hitting the sofa. you need to be realistic about the size of the furniture and keep it in proportion with the size of the space. you want room to comfortably walk around. the best advice we can give is plan it out on paper before you buy anything. sofas can look deceptively small in a very large shop, and so much larger once it arrives in your home. if you don’t feel confident making a scale drawing, there are lots of free planning programmes online where you can put in the size of your room and your furniture and get a clear idea how it can (or can’t!) fit in the space. dropping down a size on the sofa from a 3 seater to a 2 seater, and the dining table from a 6 person to a 4 person will instantly make the room feel larger. never buy a sofa because it’s in the sale, or you just fell in love with it. impulse buys rarely work out. shop with intention and know exactly the dimensions of the items you need. and if it won’t fit   move on. it won’t work no matter how much you love it!! @welcome_to_no.1 mistake 5   ignoring the flow once the walls and doors are removed in your open plan area, you’ll need to replace the ‘hallway’ and ‘doorways’ with pathways. to easily move around the space you need to know the hotspots in the room   the most used areas and circle them on the floor plan. there are certain points that everyone is going to walk between again and again. maybe between the fridge and the sofa? the oven and dining table? look at the high traffic areas and keep them clear. a badly placed side table is going to be knocked over. or an armchair placed in a thoroughfare won’t feel relaxing as you’ll constantly feel in the way. once you have marked out this flow of people (and pets?) on the floor plan, you want to leave these areas clear. arrange your zones in a way that creates footpaths and easy movement around the room. these footpaths ideally need to be 75cm   100cm wide to feel comfortable. @victorian_houseonthepark mistake 6   mixing the flooring sometimes we see people wanting to define the different areas in the room with a change of flooring, using carpet in the living area and hard flooring in the kitchen area for example. our advice is   don’t! mixing flooring in this way makes the space feel disjointed and smaller. it’s like drawing permanent boundaries on the floor in an arbitrary way. it spoils the clean lines and flow that you are trying to create by removing the walls. instead, choose one type of flooring and use it throughout the whole area. it doesn’t really matter if this is tiles, wood, or lvt, whichever best suits your style and budget. keeping it the same throughout gives a cohesive, connected feel and a solid base to build from. on top of this you want to add rugs. they will break up the space and give a different feel to each area. they can be moved and changed much more easily and cheaply than changing the carpet in one section of the room. and they can add colour, texture and pattern. ready to get started on your project? click here for our friendly expert help! @deco.dwelling mistake 7   using a blanket lighting approach this is a common mistake we see. without a plan of where your furniture will be placed, an electrician often opts for the blanket downlight approach. rows and rows of neatly spaced downlights fill your ceiling, giving you the feeling of a runway ready to safely guide in the next boeing 737! there is no ambience and the lights bear no relation to what is below them. it is bright and functional   but that’s about it. a lighting plan should be considered early on rather than as an afterthought. no one wants to chase out newly plastered walls and add holes to ceilings to change the positioning of the lights. lighting really will make or break your open plan area. design the lighting plan around your furniture, not from looking up at the ceiling. once you know your zones and placement of furniture, you will know where your hanging pendants, wall lights and accent lighting will need to go. look at where there is less natural light, and dark corners and add downlights to these areas to compensate. consider having floor sockets for table lamps. one of the problems with moving your furniture away from the walls is the lack of available plugs. you don’t want trailing wires, so plan ahead with a few well placed floor sockets for floor and table lamps. another tip is to have the different zones on different lighting circuits so you can turn the lights on and off independently. otherwise the whole open plan area is either on or off! @ourlifeatno5 @houseproject_36 mistake 8   forgetting about storage i’m sure we talk about storage in almost every blog we write! but that’s because it’s so important to the success of a space. we all have stuff, and lots of it   from the stuff we have to have, like cleaning materials and mugs and plates, to the utility stuff like washing and rubbish, to our sentimental stuff like photos and collections. and if you have children, times all that by 10! a room without storage will always be untidy and in an open plan space there’s really nowhere to hide it and shut the door! the secret is again planning and knowing your family’s needs at the start. create designated storage for different items, rather than having a chuck it all in the cupboard approach! always plan for more than you think you will need, and look for furniture that comes with its own hidden storage. multi functional furniture is a godsend   look for coffee tables with lift up storage, and sofas with storage space underneath. @twopigsonehouse have a chat with us and find out how we can help you. book a discovery call with us today! mistake 9   know your budget and we mean really know your budget! there are thousands of options for every single thing you are looking for, and if you don’t know how much you have available to spend you could find yourself overspending early on and running out of cash. or you overspend on areas you don’t need to when you could have stretched the money further had you been realistic at the start. often when asked about the budget people say ‘i don’t know’, but i can guarantee you that everyone, no matter how rich or poor does have an amount they are comfortable spending. the quicker you sit down and work out the sums, the quicker you will be able to make good decisions and move on with confidence. @hollybushhome mistake 10   what about the tv?? we all love a good netflix binge, but when you have removed lots of walls, you suddenly realise you have a problem   where’s the tv going to go? the answer is most probably one of the remaining walls, but bear in mind that that will dictate the arrangement of the sofas. if you were hoping to look out the bifold doors to the garden from the sofa, you might need to rethink! look at the possibilities for the tv position, and you might find this determines the furniture zones. it can work, but only if you plan for it early on. @ourlifeatno5 if you need some friendly expert help in your home, take a look at our design packages. we have decades of experience in overcoming all sorts of design dilemmas, and can give you the confidence to move forward with changes in your home. our bespoke package is designed specifically for open plan, multifunctional spaces and the challenges they throw up. book a free discovery call and see how we can help you today. you might also like choosing the right rug size for your room help! i don’t have a focal point in my room drop us an email book your free discovery call join our facebook community choosing the right rug size for your room is green the new grey? how to design a kids small bedroom our designers compare packages terms and conditions the lived in blog © 2024 the living house

challenging misconceptions since 2015 ​ since founding making spaces in 2015, karen has won best of houzz awards for nine consecutive years, with her work being featured in several publications, including the sunday times home, livingetc, the telegraph, metro, the ipaper, real homes, several online features including houzz, made.com, apartment therapy, mad about the house and on bbc1, channel 4 and channel 5. ​ making spaces is also listed on the modern house directory.   "a sourcebook for modern living" "karen took my ramblings and vague brief and developed them into an exquisite design, and i now find i have a room that almost feels like it gives me a hug every time i walk in. i feel i am the very lucky custodian of a work of art that karen has produced and am looking forward to transforming the rest of the house into a unique and personalised home" ​ m. owen   harrogate. "if you are fortunate enough to work with karen you will love the experience and the finished product." ​ k. griggs, sand hutton karen is an absolute joy to work with and i am absolutely thrilled with the work she has done for me. the use of colour and pattern, careful thought into proportions, design details are all very apparent to me and people who visit my home. j. robinson, leeds karen is a simply brilliant interior designer to work with. we weren't sure what to expect but she very quickly got under the skin of our requirements, and the end result is a quantum leap ahead of anything we could ever have done ourselves, whilst simultaneously fully reflecting our personalities. r. misra, leeds © 2025 making spaces by karen knox cookie & privacy policy

time several hours budget $ $$$ skill level words by kelsey clark published on october 31, 2024 home » havenly posts » design 101 » the #1 small space decorating mistake is “so common,” according to designers decorating a small home, apartment, or condo presents its unique design challenges. from tricky furniture layouts to a stunning lack of storage, striking that perfect balance between stylish and functional is that much more difficult in 700 square feet. unsurprisingly, that lack of square footage can also lead to a surplus of design mistakes. it turns out, a lot can go wrong when trying to furnish a living room slash bedroom slash dining room all in one. “we tend to see a lot of the same mistakes across small spaces, whether it’s a house, condo, or apartment,” says lead havenly designer heather goerzen. “oftentimes, peoples’ well intentioned attempts at making a small space feel larger actually end up doing the opposite.” ahead, heather shares the seven small space design mistakes to look out for, including the number one faux pas plaguing spaces 1,500 square feet or less. this is by far the most common small space design mistake heather sees. “oftentimes, the instinct is to buy smaller furniture pieces to complement a small space, like two loveseats instead of a sectional, or even small pieces of artwork instead of one large piece” she notes. “but, while it may seem counterintuitive, larger furniture and accent pieces can help maximize a smaller space.” these bigger pieces can help anchor a space and maximize flow, while small pieces can leave a space feeling cluttered, purposeless, and cramped   both visually and physically. “as you incorporate large scale pieces, pare back the little extras to create some breathing room in your space,” adds heather. “you want to establish distinct focal points for the eye to rest on. the result will feel intentional, collected, and calm.” in small spaces, there’s an understandable temptation to incorporate all the furniture and decor you’ve ever owned, regardless of footprint. but failing to edit your pieces and donating or selling what no longer suits you can result in a cluttered, cramped space in desperate need of some breathing room. “convention tells us that we should have a proper dining room, or we should have a desk,” notes heather. “but instead of trying to make something work when it clearly isn’t, create multi functional spaces, like using your dining table or kitchen island as a desk during the working hours. letting go of what doesn’t suit you and getting creative can open up a world of possibilities (and space) in small homes.” vertical space is one of the most untapped resources in small homes. taking advantage of wall space allows you to add personality and functionality to a small footprint. “what a small space lacks in horizontal square footage, you can easily make up for in a creative vertical play,” says heather. “from floor to ceiling bookshelves and statement lighting to eye catching artwork, going up elongates the room, adds extra storage, and makes the most of the space at your disposal.” while open shelving and glass cabinetry can be beautiful with the right styling, closed storage is absolutely essential in a small space. it’s impossible to “style” every little knick knack in your home, especially when it’s 1,000 square feet or less. you need ample space to tuck away unsightly items like cords, cleaning products, seasonal decor, extra glassware, games, and the like. “yes, woven storage baskets and acrylic bins are cute, but scattering them all over your home can just add more clutter,” says heather. “consider desks, coffee tables, night stands, side tables, and tv stands with closed cabinetry, large drawers, and the like   you’ll be thankful you have the extra space in the long run.” speaking of furniture, multi use pieces are basically designed for small homes. “this is the oldest small space design trick in the book,” says heather. “always invest in furniture that pulls double duty, whether it’s a storage ottoman that doubles as extra seating, a sofa with a pull out bed for guests, or a bed frame with pull out drawers.” almost every piece of furniture should serve multiple purposes in a tight apartment or small home   that way, the space still feels functional. if you’re tight on space, it makes sense to try and maximize natural light and make a room feel as open as possible. curtains can feel like a low priority. but passing on window treatments altogether can make a small space feel sterile and unfinished. “curtains add dimension and make a space feel put together,” says heather. “always hang them high and wide, so your curtains are just dusting the sides of the frame. that way you’re not blocking any part of the window, or the much desired light.” even a small space can be tailored to your unique needs and lifestyle, especially with the help of an interior designer (wink, wink). “always start with a functional assessment of your space to determine how you’d like to use it,” says heather. “if you’re someone who loves to host, for example, you might carve out room for a larger dining table and smaller lounge space.” conversely, if you prefer to dine out with friends and primarily use your home for rest and relaxation, invest in a lounge worthy sectional and small bistro seating. “don’t let the small footprint hold you back   you can absolutely edit 500 square feet to suit your needs.” want expert advice on your own space, straight from an interior designer? get started today with our style quiz. © 2025 havenly inc., all rights reserved

as the first impression of your home, leading onto each further space, its important to get this right. here's how when you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. here’s how it works. recently i made the big, bold, and brave decision to take down the walls and doorway surrounding my staircase to create an open entryway. the positives outweighed the hard labor: more natural light, a great sense of flow, and a more welcoming first impression as you entered the home. but there was something i neglected to consider. you see, what i failed to realize is that by doing this, i have actually now joined my entryway, staircase, dining room, and upstairs landing in one (hopefully) happy union. this means that every design decision i make in each of these spaces   from color schemes to flooring to print and pattern   affects the next space, and so on and so forth. lucky for me, i have interior designers at my disposal to advise me on the design rules for an open entryway. so i asked them for their biggest tips and hacks to enhance the decor, flow, and function of an open plan entrance in a way that not only impresses guests but fosters a sense of cohesion between each space. if you too are struggling with making design decisions for your open entryway and want to avoid making entryway mistakes, here's what they had to say. an open entryway is a great design choice that acts as both a functional and aesthetic bridge between the outdoors and the interior of your home. it's proving a popular choice for home renovators as it can help make even the smallest of spaces feel more expansive. however, it's essential to follow the expert's advice when designing an entryway to make sure the space is both practical and pretty. here, interior designers emphasize the importance of creating a look that harmonizes with the rest of your home, while also serving as a distinct welcoming area   a tricky balance. these are their 6 expert led design rules for an open entryway. it sounds obvious, but consistency in design elements, such as flooring, color schemes, and lighting, is the key to achieving a seamless transition from the entryway to the adjoining rooms. for example, while i was merrily ordering denim y, mid toned ocean blue paint testers to try for my dining room, it hit me that this hue now has to work for the staircase and hallway too as they all lead into the dining space, without any doorways or obvious 'breakpoints'. extending beyond just colors; furniture, lighting, and decorative accents are all key pieces that should align with your home’s style to help create a seamless transition from the entryway to other areas. in the space seen above, designed by the beloved heidi caillier, the entryway has been wallpapered in a whimsical vine leaf print which reflects the green of the couch in the snug. similarly, the blue tones are also echoed in both spaces thanks to the chairs surrounding the entry table, and the blue striped rug and accessories in the adjacent, chocolate brown sitting room. your entryway should act as a preview of what’s to come and make a lasting impression. which, for me, is why i'm feeling the pressure to make good decisions here. 'i love to design open entryways that set the tone and mood for the home,' agrees interior designer marie flanigan. 'the entryway sets the tone for the entire home, making a strong first impression with its inviting and cohesive design. by thoughtfully curating this space, you establish a welcoming atmosphere that reflects the home's overall aesthetic and character.' for instance, if your home features a modern aesthetic with clean lines and a neutral palette, your entryway should mirror these elements. 'for these large open spaces, consider a beautifully styled table as the focal point or even a stunning light fixture. for table styling, i often use books, ceramics, florals, branches, and artwork to create a seamless transition from the exterior into the home,' marie advises. by thoughtfully selecting these key elements, you can ensure that your entryway sets a cohesive and stylish tone for your entire home. 'the key to success with an open entryway is creating distinctive vignettes throughout the space,' suggests designer kathy kuo. in case you're wondering, what is a vignette? vignettes are small, curated displays that can highlight your personal style and provide focal points within a space. they can tell a story and give guests a glimpse into your home's character. to start, consider incorporating a console table as the centerpiece of your vignette and building it up with artwork, mirrors, vases, candles, and framed photos. and don't overlook stylish storage solutions such as decorative catch all bowls for keys or baskets for mail and stray hair ties. one tip tip for choosing entryway furniture? 'consider scale and make sure you don't feel lost in space by sizing furniture and accessories correctly,' suggests sarah latham of latham interiors. 'entryway pieces like benches, console tables, sets of coat hooks on the wall, and shoe racks are all going to help create structure and a sense of utility that will make it clear there are defined boundaries for the entryway, even if it's part of a larger open concept space,' kathy explains. a clutter free entryway will not only look more appealing but also enhances the functionality of the space, particularly if it is open plan. an organized entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home, so it should be both beautiful and practical, without the distraction of clutter. i'm opting to build out under the stairs storage and a boot room style bench area for putting on shoes, reminiscent of the space above designed by yond interiors. 'we always try to create a sense of place and space when there is an open concept space,' says julia miller, founder of yond interiors. 'so for us, that means using furniture, hooks, art, etc. to anchor the space. we also like to hide as much entryway clutter, so having a console piece with closed storage is always ideal.' a storage bench is a great addition to any entryway as it combines seating with hidden storage, helping to keep the space clean and organized. don't overlook vertical options, hooks, shelves, and cabinets keep items off the floor and easily accessible. finally, give yourself some smaller places to hide loose items like baskets and bins. rugs are a simple yet effective (and designer favorite) way to ground a space and establish distinct zones. they add texture, color, and warmth, making the entryway feel more inviting while helping to delineate the entryway from the rest of the living space, creating a visual boundary that can make the expanse feel more intentional. 'a design rule i always keep in mind is a properly sized rug to ground the space,' says shelby van daley of daley home. 'it should be one step from the entry door and ideally, your rug will be 1 foot from all walls in your entryway,' shelby advises. select a rug that is proportionate to your entryway. it should be large enough to accommodate foot traffic but not so large that it overwhelms the space. a runner rug, like in the space above, can be an excellent choice for a narrow entryway. i especially love the butter yellow walls paired with an unexpected red rug. 'go for a proper rug to create a visual boundary to the room,' adds heather peterson, heather peterson design. 'i like vintage wool options in a stronger pattern as they're very forgiving with all the traffic!' one final note: your entryway is the perfect place to showcase your personality, it's the first thing guests see when they enter your home, so it should tell a story about who you are. 'an entryway is a place to make a statement, whether it is your utility room where function meets design, or the front of your house where it is your guest's first impression,' says interior designer carley summers. 'i always suggest adding your personality into an entry through pieces and symbols that express who you are, like this tulip in this entry cabinet [seen above],' says carley. 'the owners loved amsterdam, and the tulip is a symbol of that region. if you are wanting to bring the outside in, i suggest wallpaper with florals and greenery to add that special touch. and i always love to add flowers or a plant no matter what!' 'also, don't forget the art; with an entry that is open to the rest of your home, you want to treat it like another room, not just a utilitarian pass through,' suggests heather peterson. 'make your accessories work for you: a footed bowl for keys, a pretty tray for mail. if it's got to be in sight, it might as well be pretty.' the key really to all open plan spaces is to ensure you have clear, designated and expertly designed zones. whether you do that with color, vignettes, storage, or rugs (or all of the above!) you can transform your open entryway into a welcoming and practical space. whether you’re welcoming visitors or simply coming home after a long day, a well designed entryway sets the tone for the entire home, making every entrance a delightful experience. design expertise in your inbox   from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round ups. charlotte is style and trends editor at homes and gardens, and has been with the team since christmas 2023. following a 5 year career in fashion, she has worked at many women's glossy magazines including grazia, stylist, and hello and most recently worked as interiors editor for british heritage department store liberty. her role at h&g fuses her love of style with her passion for interior design, and she is currently undergoing her second home renovation in surrey   you can follow her journey over on @olbyhome hgtv mainstays and acclaimed designers erin and ben napier took inspiration from southern design staples for their eclectic collection by hannah ziegler published 6 february 25 designers say hudson's closet 'has an air of mystery and exclusivity'   it's discreet storage unlike any we have ever seen before by megan slack published 6 february 25 homesandgardens is part of future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. visit our corporate site. © future publishing limited quay house, the ambury, bath ba1 1ua. all rights reserved. england and wales company registration number 2008885.

check out the 40 fabulous colors of our bungalow 47 furniture paint you are unique and your home should be too. here’s 23 ways to add character and personality to your home. have you ever heard someone say, “oh, he or she is such a character!” they are usually talking about someone who is fun, and personable, and knows how to engage with people or make them laugh. so how do we apply that to our homes? not the laughing part but how can our home be a place that is fun, full of personal style, and a place where people feel comfortable? how can we design that mood we all love in our homes? just like that magnetic person that you are drawn to, a house can be given so much character. how could your room feel more like you? when you put yourself (and whoever is living in the home) and what you truly love into your space, it will reflect who you are. a house is just more than four walls. add items that show your spirit, and your home will always be authentic and rich with personality. well, provided you are willing to share yourself, your passions, and your love in an effective way. even sparse, modern homes can exude character when they have elements that are special (usually custom) and carefully curated. custom doesn’t always have to mean expensive. think of it as tailored to the customer (you) and that can be done by you! “there is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” here are my favorite and simple ways to add personality and soul to a home: some lighting is the jewelry of a room and is a great way to make a statement. choose light fixtures that have personality and provide a mood. if you really don’t need that huge fan in the ceiling, take it down and add something that will show your style. put a fixture in an unconventional spot, hang pendant lights, or add a ceiling medallion to make a basic chandelier feel special. rooms need multiple layers of lighting for different tasks, so make your lamps fun and add something unique to your living space. my favorite place for statement lighting. to bring character to a new build, try switching up the doors to either an upgrade or something with history like a vintage door. vintage pieces add so much character! for a vintage option, the key is to purchase an old door slightly larger than your opening so it can be cut and fitted to your opening. this is the easiest way than having to adjust walls. old doors can also be utilized on sliding tracks to save on space. unique hardware can really make the door stand out as a statement as well. upgrading window or door trim can add character to a new home. frankly, it can bring quality to a home of any age and is an easy diy project with the right tools. new hardware will really change the look in older homes and will add character to a newer home. think of doorknobs, drawer pulls, hooks, and more. new hardware will give visual interest to cookie cutter homes and is an easy project. cabinet hardware is the jewelry of a room and can really define your style and add a layer of good design to your kitchen cabinets. so many times people simply forget to look up, especially with high ceilings. however, ceilings are an amazing way to instantly add character to a spot. remember, a home is more than four walls, it’s actually five! adding architectural interest to the ceiling with paneling or wood will not only change the look of a room but will add depth to the design and provide a gorgeous focal point as well. ceilings can also be painted a color or even wallpapered. either way, whatever your approach, look up and don’t forget the ceiling! it will make a huge difference in the room. daydream for a minute with me and let’s go to a farmhouse in the english countryside. what do you see? kitchens with freestanding furniture, area rugs, a hearth, and small wood bins. these historic homes have character, and you will also find statement pieces throughout. antique furniture, even just a chair to lay a bag on or toss a robe on, allows it to work in a bathroom as well. that is real charm! you can add furniture to a kitchen or bath, even in a modern home, to bring character and purpose to the space. if you have smaller rooms, replace the vanity or cabinets with furniture that can be transformed to function as needed. adding personality and being creative are the best affordable ways to make your home your own unique haven. with a new construction home, it’s important to bring items into the space that create character. but with an older home, there is already a history. sometimes the best things are already there but just need a simple update. a life has been lived there, and there may be good bones waiting to add warmth and style. respect the history of your home and its original style. you can still make it your own and offer eclectic elegance and charm, but not fighting who the house is will serve you best. window treatments are such an important layer to adding character and personal style to a space. this is the number one area i always allocate in my budget and spend as much as i can. whether it be roman shades, plantation shutters, or draperies, window treatments do more than just control privacy and too much light. they also provide a great opportunity to really show your style! wallpaper is my favorite way to add personal style to a home, as it brings in color and pattern. you don’t even need to wallpaper the entire room, as one focal wall could make a specific zone pop. i even love to wallpaper boring spaces like a laundry room or closets. not only does it add great detail to a blank wall, but it makes those mundane chores like laundry or hanging up clothes that much more enjoyable when looking at charm and beauty. a utility room needs style too! built ins not only have the power to completely transform a zone, but the storage they provide always makes a big impact on the house. open shelves are a great place to display collectibles and show your style and personality. and if the room is smaller, they can provide much needed storage with charm while saving space. if you have a new build home in your future, definitely add built ins to your budget. they will add instant character to your home, and with an interesting paint color, can make the home feel storied. i’m all for classic choices when designing a new build property, but you gotta add a little fun and character somewhere. statement tile or carpet is another way to add layers of personality and color. in my home, which is cape cod architecture, i made classic yet personal choices throughout the house. but when we got to the basement, it was a safe place to have a little fun and add color and pattern to an otherwise bland space with patterned tile. my husbands home office also got some great patterned carpet. it adds a layer of pattern and style in the space. one of the best ways to add character to a room is to establish a focal point. whether it be a real or faux fireplace, statement wall treatment, paint mural, or a gallery wall, add spirit and warmth by making a specific area for your eye to go. this will not only show your personality in how you execute your display, but it can be the anchor to a large area. especially in a new home, rooms need warmth and a soul to be woven from spot to niche and beyond. this will bring the space together. mirrors are such a good way to bounce light throughout your space and bring a reflective surface that can expand your room while adding charm. try vintage mirrors that have a patina, and those with textured frames that can really show personal style. the good thing about decorating your home for your pleasure and eye is that there are no design police that come over and tell you that you are doing anything wrong. so if you want to be a bit weird, or super colorful, with whatever breaks you out of the mold, then go for it! in my own home, i am lucky enough to have a home office which is my place alone. being a designer, i love many styles, so in this room i am able to embrace a bit more casual, rustic, and unique look that speaks only to me and try out all my weird ideas. it’s okay if you don’t like it, it’s just for me. and that’s how you should think about your space. so be bold and colorful, paint those walls a rainbow of shades if that is what you love! let your ideas flow and think outside the box! whether new home or renovating an old one, built in window seats can instantly add a little character and whole lotta charm! there is just something so cozy about curling up in a window seat, reading or having great conversation, and watching the world go by outside. window seats can even provide storage with cabinets, drawers, or an open area below them. do you have a great view from your windows? if not, create one to add to the beauty of your home. before i finished my side yard, i looked out to an unfinished weedy patch. sadly, that was the view from the kitchen table. so when we designed the landscape and had a refresh in the backyard, i created a little space that would add charm and whimsy from my view inside. if you have a great view, put together a cozy seating area where you can look out and enjoy it from inside too. pass through areas can become nook and crannies, and even provide areas to store all the things. reevaluate hallways, dead ends in rooms, and make them into comfy spaces that can add character to your home. i love art, especially vintage art! i believe that the patina of vintage art can instantly add character. so whether you have an artist in the family, heirloom pieces, great photography, or the beginnings of a great vintage art collection, bring it in and let the personality shine! collections aren’t just for the dining room hutch. displaying your flea market finds throughout your rooms will add character and show off the things you really love. whether it be ironstone, milk glass, or mustard yellow stoneware, the depth of colors will bring a bit of history as well. open shelving in a kitchen can display everyday items and provide easy access living. to make your rooms feel completely transformed, add architectural interest with beadboard, groove panelling, batten board, moulding, or shiplap. these additions can make an entire space feel storied, and add instant character to a new build. i even love to add vintage architectural pieces to a renovation or new home to give it extra patina. read more here about how to add architectural salvage for interest in your home. antique furniture is definitely made better than most of the wildly available pieces today. it can also add a history to a space that is not found any other way for the budget. think of adding large staple pieces that ground a room, like a dining room table, kitchen table, a hutch, a secretary or desk and smaller entry and side tables. choose pieces that have something special in their shape, color, or patina. you can always paint a sturdy piece that has seen better days and needs a little finish refresh. give a new look to an old piece with a chalk and clay paint. the entry of the home starts the story and can set a specific mood of character and charm, whether it be a new build or renovation. even if the entry is large or small, add elements that create the warmth you are seeking. when you establish your cozy mood upfront, you can instantly add character to a new entry that will define things to come. this should be the beginning of all your great ideas to add style. mine really came to life when i decided to paint the existing slate floor, added wallpaper, diy paneling, removed a million doors leading to the rooms, and added statement lighting. small ideas can have big impact. these were all affordable ways to really add some punch to the entry. if you don’t have a huge budget for a kitchen redo, don’t fret. there are so many ways to add character to your kitchen. from open shelving, to transforming cabinets or countertops with paint, updating hardware, refreshing the walls, or simply styling out the space with vintage finds, the kitchen should feel like a place people want to be. gather all your ideas of how to entice the senses, and begin with those that are in your budget. sometimes the affordable ways of adding character, are the best ways. even if you aren’t a book lover, adding vintage books to your decor can bring character to your home. books add a charm that make you think of cozy nights in front of a crackling fire reading, or sitting in the window seat daydreaming and reading a story that takes you to another time. books can tell a lot about the homeowner. whatever your circumstance, and wherever you live (even rental living) there are easy ways to add character and personality to your home. simply lean into the things you love most, bring out those items that tell your story, and create a mood that you want to evoke. for more inspiration, follow me on pinterest. i have some great boards that i know will inspire you. shop some of my favorite things for my home here. what are some of your favorite ways to add personality to your home? tell me in the comments below! thanks susan! thanks renae. sure appreciate it. great ideas. your home is beautiful! great post! i love the pictures and the ideas! your email address will not be published. required fields are marked * comment * name email website δdocument.getelementbyid( "ak_js_1" ).setattribute( "value", ( new date() ).gettime() ); this site uses akismet to reduce spam. learn how your comment data is processed. creating a home is a process and it’s something best done over time. home should be a haven where we can craft the life we want. i love homes with lots of books, comfy spots to snuggle, organized spaces to work and entertain, beautiful treasures picked up along the way, and mementos from a life well lived. but the thing i love most? home is where your life happens. let’s make it fabulous, shall we? i’m so glad you stopped in for a visit today. i hope you have felt inspired to make your house that comfortable home that is lived in, loved, and a true reflection of you. login © 2025 bungalow 47

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supported by the fix the best open storage adds personality to a room. here’s how it’s done. by tim mckeough what to do when you have too much stuff and not enough storage space? celebrate it. storing some of that overflow out in the open can be a good solution when you’ve got a small space with few closets. well planned open storage   with wall shelves, pegs, hooks and other accessories   does two important things. “it’s provides functionality,” said natalie papier, the founder of home ec., an interior design firm in charlotte, n.c., and a host of the reality tv show “artfully designed.” and “it can look like art on your walls.” here’s how she and other designers turn what you may think of as clutter   that athletic gear, those personal mementos, your out of season coats and boots, old books and records   into something you want to show off. think of open storage as an opportunity to express who you are   especially when it comes to unwieldy items like guitars, bicycles and surfboards, which can be hard to stuff into closets. for a client with multiple guitars, ms. papier did the obvious thing: she put them front and center, hanging them on the wall in the living room. “i was like, ‘why hide those in a closet when they’re so important to you and they make a really unique statement?’” she said.

 if you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. forget about out of sight, out of mind. try our open storage ideas to organize items in every room of your home. nicole pankopp closed cabinets and shelving units provide instant storage satisfaction since you can shut the doors and hide what’s inside them. however, there’s a tendency to haphazardly stuff things behind closed doors without much thought to their organization. open shelving, on the other hand, calls for more intentionality. open storage not only organizes your belongings but also makes them a part of your home’s decor. discover stylish and functional ways to store your favorite items out in the open.