Category: Home Interior Design

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Michelle Ogundehin, Interior Design Masters Judge

Michelle Ogundehin, Interior Design Masters Judge

As part of our interview series, My Happy Home, we sit down with Michelle Ogundehin to find out about her favourite room in her home — as well as the joy that her garden provides her with, particularly during the spring months.

Many of you might know Michelle Ogundehin, former Editor-In-Chief of Elle Decoration UK, as the head judge on BBC’s Interior Design Masters – with the new series returning on 7th March. She’s the author of Happy Inside: How to Harness the Power of Home for Health and Happiness, and you may have also spotted her providing invaluable advice and expertise on everything from Kevin McCloud’s Grand Designs: House of the Year to The Great Interior Design Challenge.

Michelle currently lives in Brighton with her son and regularly shares interiors inspiration plus her top tips for designing on her Instagram, as well as why a better home often equates to better health.

What makes you happiest at home?

MO: Silence – and texture. I think a home should comfort and console. So to snuggle yourself into a corner and feel different textures is just kind of a joy to me.

Tell us about your childhood home

MO: My childhood home is of no consequence whatsoever. My parents were far too busy trying to survive than to have anything to do with interiors. So, I have no back story of parents flicking through World of Interiors or anything like that. Where the bug came from, I have no idea.

When you get home, what is the first thing you like to do?

MO: It would be to put everything away because I do like a sense of order. I mean, my home is not brutally tidy but I do abide by ‘everything in its place and a place for everything’. So, coats, scarves, shoes, they’ve all got to come off and go away, or school bags and all that sort of stuff. Then it would be to make a pot of tea.

interior design masters 2023 contestants

Michelle and host Alan Carr with the 2023 batch of contestants on Interior Design Masters series 4.

Banijay UK

Which room do you spend most of your time in? How did you decorate this space?

MO: Because I mostly work from home it’s probably the room that I’m in right now – it’s kind of my study or office. I suppose it’s decorated for concentration.

Behind me there are two shelves filled with bits. I love things. I’m not a minimalist by any stretch of the imagination but I do think things should be contained so they’re not everywhere. They are sort of creative things, however they are behind me, so when I’m sitting and writing I can concentrate. I’ve actually got a large map in front of me and a window looking out towards my outdoor space.

Describe the view outside your bedroom window?

MO: Green. Just green. I plant a lot of greenery as opposed to flowers and there’s a beautiful tree, I don’t know what it’s called, but it has the most gorgeous scented flowers on it and I’ve hung all the bird feeders in it. I call it my sparrow cafe because the house sparrows nest in the eaves of my house so I always hear them squabbling and talking – it’s glorious. It’s also the same view that I see from my study because that’s the room underneath it. I do love that.

What is the best decorating advice you have ever received?

MO: I’m not sure who specifically may have said this to me but whatever that thing is that you want to try – just go for it!

One that always surprises me is when people say go bigger than you think, with anything. I know that has come up quite a lot in the show, you kind of see something and go, why is that so tiny? Go with a big statement – sometimes even in a small room, a really big oversized pot actually works. It feels completely counter-intuitive but I think that would probably be something.

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What is the best home bargain you’ve ever snapped up?

MO: I very rarely snap anything up. I haven’t bought any furniture for years because I don’t have room for it and I don’t have the need for it. One of the things that I’m always doing is clearing and getting rid of stuff, but I absolutely love the things that I have.

I suppose I did manage to get my sofas that I absolutely love. They are the Robin Day Forum sofas, when they were sold in Habitat. I managed to get one of those in the sale but it was hardly a snapping up thing – it was because I’d always loved it and I’d always thought ‘oooh, I think I should have two’.

I’m a very slow burner, I like to have a long think. It’s more about having a kind of palette of materials that I stick to – often when you snap something up, you veer from that. It can look gorgeous in the shop and then you bring it home and discover that it doesn’t work. I would always counsel people to take their time and have a think.

What is your most treasured possession at home? Why is it so special?

MO: I’m literally doing a ‘less is now’ challenge and I’ve been sharing it on Instagram. There’s a coffee pot that I’ve had in a cupboard forever. It used to belong to my parents, it’s a real sixties shape. It’s a beautiful piece of design but I don’t drink coffee at all so it’s just been in the cupboard forever. And so I said that I was going to get rid of it, but because it is a beautiful piece of design, I was having a little bit of a wobble, and my inbox just went crazy with people saying, ‘Keep the coffee pot! Keep the coffee pot! Use it as a vase. Plant a plant in it. Use it for something else.’ And I was really like, ‘no – it needs to be used for coffee.’ It needs to go to someone who will actually value it and treasure it because I’m not.

I’m quite unattached to a lot of possessions in that way, truthfully because I think anything only has the value that you wish to ascribe to it. The things that I would really treasure will have no value to anyone else. They’ll be like a drawing that my son did or we’ve got this red rubber duck – it’s like a Manchester United rubber duck. It used to belong to my dad who very sadly passed away about four or five years ago but he gave it to my son and we love that stupid red duck.

I always think that when clearing, for example, you need to look at everything and ask yourself, if this was lost or broken or stolen, would you care? Would you care enough to replace it? Or would you cry over this loss? Because, if not, most things you realise is just stuff. I don’t really hold much sentimentality for too many things.

What would we find in your bedside table?

MO: Books, a pencil and hand cream. I do try to put hand cream on before I go to bed because my hands get very dry.

What would top your list for the worst decor trend?

MO: Probably any trend, really. I think the time for trends is over. We’ve got bigger things to concentrate on like sustainability and renewable resources and things like that, so any trend that someone buys into regardless of whether they like it is anathema to me.

Are you green-fingered?

MO: I think that I would describe myself as an intuitive gardener, which means that I don’t really know what I’m doing. I try and some things work and some don’t. I’ve had gardens where suddenly everything looks lovely and then there’s just patches of earth because I’ve not quite understood that thing about the timings of different things coming up at different times.

But I’m loving having a garden. It was one of the newer additions to my home and I find it so intensely therapeutic and relaxing and a joy to do. It is just so glorious at the moment – I love this time of year where spring is starting and it feels so optimistic. You’ve got little shoots coming through and I planted loads of bulbs last year, so I’m waiting to see what I’ve planted and whether they all come up.

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If you could have a snoop around anyone’s house, whose would it be and why?

MO: People don’t invite me round because they’re scared of me passing judgement and I don’t ever want to judge someone’s home. Because that’s the thing, your home is your space. It is your personal and private space. I mean, designers put theirs on display and I know this is ironic – since I edited Elle Decoration for years and was always persuading people to share their homes – but I’m not really interested in seeing any celebrity’s home. Just because they’re a celebrity doesn’t mean they have any taste. That makes me seem like I’m very not curious, but I did enjoy seeing Gwyneth Paltrow’s home [in Architectural Digest], actually.

• Interior Design Masters series 4 premieres on Tuesday 7th March 2023 at 8pm on BBC One.

house beautiful my happy home

Follow House Beautiful on TikTok and Instagram.

The Colour Edit

Jazzy Blue Champagne Glass

Jazzy Blue Champagne Glass

John Lewis Checkerboard Cushion, Lava

John Lewis Checkerboard Cushion, Lava

Reliance 72Cm Wide Tufted

Reliance 72Cm Wide Tufted

Canora Grey
wayfair.co.uk

£214.99

Aurora Green Glass Wall Mirror

Aurora Green Glass Wall Mirror

Glass plant pot

John Lewis + Matthew Williamson Planet Dual Lit Glass Table Lamp, Blue

John Lewis + Matthew Williamson Planet Dual Lit Glass Table Lamp, Blue

John Lewis & Partners

£65.00

Habitat Geometric Flatweave Wool Rug - Multi - 120x180cm

Habitat Geometric Flatweave Wool Rug – Multi – 120x180cm

Set Of 3 Handmade Glass Bowls - Amber, Rose & Green

Set Of 3 Handmade Glass Bowls – Amber, Rose & Green

Rockett St George
£65.00


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A Quintessential Santa Barbara, California Home

A Quintessential Santa Barbara, California Home

In the hills of Santa Barbara County, California, this 3,000-sq.-foot home is all about the sights. With nods to the Mid-Century Present day aesthetic, a former professional soccer player and his spouse dependable inside designer Corinne Mathern—at the helm of her eponymous studio—to shape a tranquil refuge from which they could love the sunshine all yr extended. 

“One of the inspirations that the homeowner arrived to the desk with was of Aman Kyoto in Japan,” remembers Mathern, noting that the pair recently moved from Dallas, Texas. “I derive a good deal of inspiration for tranquil spaces from the Aman Resorts, so I knew it would be a superior suit.”

Inside the residence, a combine of pigmented blues, greens, and yellows echoes the natural surroundings, as do earthy supplies like wooden, clay, stone, and plaster. 

“We required to produce a retreat for the property owners, exactly where they could get pleasure from the all-natural landscape and really feel the calmness of the mountains,” states Mathern. “If we strayed from natural components, it wouldn’t have had the identical result.”

Mathern also took inspiration from is effective by Mies van der Rohe for the open concept area with ground-to-ceiling doorways and home windows Eileen Grey for the Mid-Century Modern-day affect and Alvar Aalto for the feeling of calmness in the course of the area. 

“We produced a seamless connection amongst the indoor spaces and the exterior areas that invite you to practical experience them as 1 and the same,” suggests Mathern. 

Correctly balanced, the end result is an ode to nature that invites the house owners to gradual down and ponder the elegance of their setting in an ambiance where anything falls into position. 

a dining room table beneath a honey colored pendant light and artwork by Gala Porras Kim
A custom made table anchors the eating area beneath a portray by Gala Porras Kim.
a primary bedroom in a southern California home
Peace and tranquility await in the key bedroom with its beautiful SoCal sights.
a seating area in a bedroom with sofa and arm chairs
A seating space in the most important bed room consists of Mid-Century model arm chairs, also by Nickey Kehoe.
a primary bathroom in neutral colors with views of natural vegetation
The bathroom’s add-ons stick to the home’s neutral palette.
a living room with a fireplace and large windows
The residing room’s palette consists of pure materials and neutral hues, echoing the earthy vibe discovered all over the household.
a kitchen in a neutral color palette
Oak bar stools in darkish green Maharam leather by Nickey Kehoe line the kitchen island.
a dark green sofa in a media room
The dark inexperienced couch by Dwelling Divani adds a touch of cozy to the media space.
a roof deck with views of Southern California
The roof deck features household furniture from Restoration Hardware for having fun with the sights.
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Inside the Homes of 7 Oscar Winners

Inside the Homes of 7 Oscar Winners

It really should occur as no surprise that a peek as a result of the Ad archives can land you a glimpse at the homes of various Oscar winners—after all, Ad’s been touring the properties of celebrities virtually considering the fact that its inception in 1920. In preparing for this year’s Academy Awards ceremony on March 12, we have chosen some of our pretty beloved homes owned by Oscar-winning performers (and even just one EGOT winner). Though he doesn’t qualify as an Oscar winner, we’d be remiss to neglect mentioning that Advert has even toured the former household of Oscar statuette designer Cedric Gibbons himself. 

The upstairs living spot “became an option not only to construct an ecosystem to showcase Elton’s glassware, but to float a space in excess of the ‘gathering hall,’ as we call the eating location,” discussed Dilger.

Photo: Simon Brown

Advert has toured a number of of Elton John’s homes by the years, and when all of the Rocket Man’s properties are flawlessly really, our very favored has to be his Atlanta area designed by Fred Dilger and Stan Topol. We’re particularly into this properly glitzy mirror-backed lounge area that showcases John’s array of Baccarat and Lalique crystal and classic Italian glass.  

“Diane well prepared for this as for a film” stated Shadley, “collecting thoughts in a binder that we frequently referred to.”

Photo: Tim Avenue-Porter

“She’s not afraid,” designer Stephen Shadley said of Keaton, who is also a producer and a director. “She doesn’t change things at whim, but if anything isn’t doing work, she’s brave adequate to say, ‘Let’s do an additional get.’” The pair put a Monterey club chair in the compact sitting room off the stair corridor.

Picture: Tim Street-Porter

As Diane Keaton and her designer Stephen Shadley acquainted on their own with the actress’s property, a 1927 Spanish Colonial Revival in Bel Air, they have been informed it would choose some critical finessing. The 1977 Greatest Actress winner (for Annie Corridor) was ready to put in some major elbow grease, and in the end all of that mood boarding, envisioning, and thought compensated off. The dwelling, which Ad toured in 2005, was packed with temperament and color though still keeping real to its Spanish Colonial Revival roots. 

The actress, who beloved to cook dinner, hosted company in the kitchen area while she whipped up modest feasts of veggies from her backyard garden, or a freshly caught fish.

Photograph: Derry Moore

“My complete inspiration came from farm cottages—every detail and proportion. Every space is customarily Irish, apart from for the measurement of the key area,” explained Pearce.

Photograph: Derry Moore

Even though she’s technically an honorary Oscar winner, we experienced to include things like the late Angela Lansbury. The Murder, She Wrote star constructed her Irish farmhouse from the floor up in the early 1990s with her good friend Stephen Pearce, a potter who experienced built his individual residence just 15 minutes away from the land her property would be constructed on. Advertisement toured the spare but undeniably cozy home in 2007 and, 16 a long time later on, the style and design of the area has confirmed by itself to be as timeless as intended. 

In Clooney’s living place, a slipcovered couch and armchairs and a pair of stools by Casamidy have been grouped all-around a cocktail table by SL Westwood Structure the Alison Berger–designed surveyor’s lamp is from Holly Hunt, the striped throw pillows are produced of a Ralph Lauren Dwelling cloth, the curtains are of a Holly Hunt linen, and the carpet is by Lawrence of La Brea.

Picture: Björn Wallander

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Maximalist Interior Design: Everything You Need to Know

Maximalist Interior Design: Everything You Need to Know

Even though maximalism of the Victorian era was normally completed as a result of decor and objects that weren’t accessible to everyone—think jeweled chandeliers or hand-carved furniture—none of this is a necessity for modern interpretations of maximalism. Now largely described by brighter hues and bolder patterns, the principle of maximalism is less complicated to include no matter of position or course, generating the search each more approachable and gratifying.    

Defining factors and traits of maximalist interior style

There’s no scarcity of colours, styles, or textures in this eating nook intended by Ashley DeLapp. 

Picture: Courtesy of Ashley DeLapp. 

As Hopp states, “Nothing is definitely maximalist if the palette is neutral bright exhibit halting color is an complete will have to.” Possibly the most critical element—and arguably the most fun—is the bold hues and powerful scale of the rooms. “Maximalist design and style really should evoke the woah reaction, and that is typically for the reason that one thing is just not what you would have at any time imagined,” Hopp says, introducing that scale is typically the most common lead to of a wow response. 

It’s not exhaustive, but consider this checklist of style factors when setting up a maximalist room: 

  • Daring colors 
  • Vivid wallpaper 
  • Blended styles with contrasting motifs, like animal print, geometric styles, or florals  
  • Ornate accents, like chandeliers 
  • Layered fabrics 
  • Statement pieces 

Of program, it is also important to remember what maximalism is not: straightforward, subdued, or understated. “A maximalist style would under no circumstances integrate a uncomplicated gray couch,” Hopp says. “But alternatively opt for one thing incredibly brilliant, patterned, or interesting in form.” 

Examples of maximalist interior layout

To superior recognize maximalist design—and get a couple decorating ideas—consider these jobs from Hopp and DeLapp. 

Maximalist kitchen 

Teal cabinetry and ornate handles make this kitchen area designed by Ashley DeLapp. 

Picture: Courtesy of Ashley DeLapp. 

Maximalist eating room 

Maximalists believe that more is definitely extra, evident in this eating place intended by Ashley DeLapp. 

Photo: Courtesy of Ashley DeLapp. 

Maximalist dwelling room 

This dwelling area from Megan Hopp proves maximalism can still be calming and serene when finished appropriately. 

Photo: Courtesy of Megan Hopp. 

Maximalist bedroom 

A maximalist bed room from Megan Hopp plays with sample and textures. 

Image: Courtesy of Megan Hopp. 

How to convey maximalist inside layout into your dwelling

Maximalist designers and decorators are unquestionably afforded extra liberties when it comes to what can go into a home—especially as opposed to midcentury or minimalist styles—but curation is however extremely crucial. “If you are imagining of attempting the maximalist look, start off gradually,” DeLapp advises. “The design and style can speedily develop into too much to handle if it’s not edited properly.” By pacing you, you prevent veering away from artfully daring into cluttered and messy. “Pick a couple of designs that you like, and combine them collectively via accent pillows, rugs, and wallpaper,” DeLapp indicates. She also recommends choosing out a handful of pieces of classic home furniture and customizing them with a brilliant colored lacquer. Getting techniques to emphasize issues you adore, like a selection of objects or artwork, is one more way to include the glance into your residence. “These are all effortless ways to get commenced and discovering distinctive parts together the way only provides to the personalized come to feel,” she says. 

How do you make a maximalist interior?

“Using wallpaper with bold and shiny patterns, shiny finished home furnishings, and a selection of equipment are key to pulling off this search in your residence,” DeLapp claims. Nevertheless, as Hopp clarifies, if you’re imagining of likely maximalist, you should be prepared to commit. “Be brave,” she suggests. “You simply cannot dip your toes into maximalist structure.” In actuality, each time she’s functioning with a consumer who expresses an curiosity in maximalism, if they display a bit of restraint or 2nd-guess the decisions as way too significant or also significantly, she’ll generally recommend they pivot into a significantly more conservative way. “Diet maximalism is no great,” she states. “So if you want inexperienced in your space, paint it green, not gray green, but eco-friendly. And while you are at it, make it higher gloss and toss in the trims and ceilings too!” 

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Home decor tips: Interior design ideas to reduce stress and anxiety

Home decor tips: Interior design ideas to reduce stress and anxiety

Building a balanced, comforting spot in your property to reduce anxiousness is not tricky tranquil and leisure spaces can be produced in your obtainable in place but everyone’s home is unique and hence have their individual needs. 1 needs to have a individual space for them selves for that ME time but if you keep on to use the same for do the job it might not be enjoyable anymore.

In an job interview with HT Life style, Charu Gupta, Interior Designer and Director of L’ Institute De Dessins (LIDD), shared, “Just like with any habit, cultivating an stress and anxiety-minimizing space at household necessitates follow. You have to have to use the area routinely in a method that makes it possible for you to feel much more comfortable and rejuvenated. In purchase to minimize anxiety, you will need to create a silent refuge which will make your developed atmosphere a haven of relaxation”.

She suggested a several inside design concepts to minimize anxiousness –

1. Crops: Indoor vegetation besides adding greenery and filling vacant spaces, lowers stress and stress as it connects you with nature. They build a calm and nurturing surroundings. They soak up carbon dioxide and release oxygen indoors. Wanting at greenery all over you boosts up the temper. In addition, one particular can insert a drinking water physique for that smoothing sound of water. In scenario you can’t have vegetation indoors for some rationale, insert a scenic wallpaper or paintings.

2. De-litter: Which is a person of the largest motives for anxiety observing muddle in your abode. One does not want to be claustrophobic and pressured. An open room appears welcoming. Declutter what you really do not want or use. You can possibly retailer or give absent in charity. Embellish your house with issues you like or cherish , they will remind you of the delighted times and cut down panic.

3. Colors: Color has a impressive psychological influence, as they evoke emotions and promote thoughts or memories. Decide on colours sensibly and also vivid hues deliver forth anger and aggression and much too boring shades are depressing.

4. Bathroom: Whites and warm colors due to the fact they connote cleanliness and purity. Blues and greens and turquoises give a feeling of staying clear and refreshing — and tranquil.

5. Bedroom: Amazing colours — blues, greens and lavenders — can be wonderful options right here, simply because they are imagined to have a calming result.

6. Eating room: Pink decor can be excellent for a formal dining space. In addition to encouraging dialogue, it whets the appetites of your attendees.

7. Household place of work: Environmentally friendly is the coloration of focus. It’s one particular of the ideal colors to be surrounded by for very long durations of time.

8. Kitchen area: yellows can be excellent colours as they stimulate hunger.

9. Living space and foyer: Heat tones like reds, yellows, and oranges, and earth tones like brown and beige generally perform nicely both of those in the living space and lobby, as they stimulate discussion.

10. Lighting: Light-weight has impacts both of those physical and mental. Lights supplies power, it indicators mood and anticipations when we enter a place. The lighting should be just ideal. Brilliant tends to make aggression and also heat in the room. Turning down gentle keeps just one relaxed and is soothing. Finest is natural light-weight which is there only in day time.

11. Elements: Woods, stone, all-natural fibres enliven the senses. Picking elements and retaining them in their pure point out, like concrete getting concrete color or wood species remaining in their natural colour condition, can supply familiarity and convenience. Organic upholstery and rugs this sort of as purely natural seagrass matting introduce warmth and tactility to a place.

12. Paintings: Surrounding oneself with shots or items of artwork that make you pleased can promptly change your temper. Photos of landscapes, or beloved kinds, that deliver forth pleased reminiscences, can brighten up your day immensely. These support you cleanse your intellect, making additional of a good state of mind to counteract individuals times of anxiety.

13. Mirrors: Mirrors are renowned for developing the illusion of expanse. It widens a narrow house and will make it come to feel airier. But on the other hand, you would want to position your mirrors carefully much too. Way too reflective surfaces in a single area can induce strain concerning your look.

14. Sleep: Unpleasant beds are anxiety-inducing and can lower the sum of deep slumber we get each night. Ensure your mattress is comfy and a person must preferably substitute it each 5-6 years.

15. Acoustic: Ensure that acoustics are very good and no echo is there, as this is a different worry builder. Listening to your favorite songs is a wonderful anxiety buster.

16. Technological innovation No cost: Maintain devices away as significantly as you can. As you will be restless and tend to verify them time to time. Give oneself a crack from them for to unwind yourself just after a difficult working day at work. Rest your intellect and minimize by yourself from the stresses of the working day.

17. Pets: They are great strain busters they only want really like and are not demanding at all. They will be waiting for you at the door when you get again from work to welcome you.

18. Aroma and Candles: Gentle candles and have your favourite aroma oils burning in diffusers for that calming influence.

Sapna Aggarwal, Imaginative Director at ANSA Architecture and Interiors in Delhi-NCR asserted that creating a peaceful and pressure-totally free living room can have a huge impact on your in general nicely-getting. She added to the record of recommendations for turning your residing home into a calming oasis –

1. Decide on the appropriate colours: Stick to neutral shades like white, beige, and gray for your walls, as they enable generate a tranquil atmosphere. You can add pops of colour with accents like toss pillows, rugs, and curtains.

2. Include crops: Crops carry daily life to a place and can aid purify the air. They can also serve as purely natural worry-relievers, so take into consideration adding a several minimal-servicing solutions like succulents, ferns, or bamboo.

3. Use organic light-weight: Natural mild can assistance boost your temper, so make positive your residing home has lots of windows to let the sunshine in. If essential, use sheer curtains to filter out harsh gentle and deliver privacy.

4. Include snug seating: Spend in comfy seating like a cozy sofa and plush chairs to inspire relaxation. Make positive there is sufficient seating for everyone who works by using the home and contemplate utilizing a chaise lounge or rocking chair for further comfort.

5. De-muddle: A cluttered area can be distracting and tense, so preserve your dwelling place tidy by storing products out of sight. Use baskets or bins to keep magazines, publications, and other items that never have to have to be on display.

6. Increase gentle lights: Tender lighting allows develop a cozy ambiance and can decrease eye strain. Think about using a mix of desk lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces to build a heat and inviting glow.

7. Develop zones: Divide your residing room into different zones to make it far more useful. For example, you could have a seating spot for comforting, a studying nook, and a place for yoga or meditation.

8. Incorporate personal touches: Personalize your residing space by including pictures, artwork, and other things that convey you joy. These things will enable create a heat and inviting atmosphere that is uniquely your own.

By subsequent these guidelines, you can build a tranquil and stress-cost-free dwelling space that will aid you rest and recharge. Whether or not you happen to be looking at, meditating or basically lounging on the couch, your home must be a position of tranquil and convenience.

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6 interior design mistakes that make a home feel smaller |

6 interior design mistakes that make a home feel smaller |

Increasing the sense of space in rooms that are small in stature is a design issue everyone wants to solve. 

Though small rooms can present many interior design challenges, there are several benefits to compact living. But, before you begin a complete home renovation or even a minimal update, there are a few fundamental interior mistakes that can, in fact, make a small home feel smaller.