The Finishing Touch

How to Make Small Spaces and Rooms Look Bigger

Most people have a least one room in their homes that could stand to be a little larger. In fact, the majority of people believe that some of those rooms are too tiny for stylish décor, so they opt not to decorate at all. If you are trying to decorate a smaller area, don’t cram in multiple elements. Instead, try to make a few work for you. They won’t overpower the space or cause the eye to focus on too many facets at once.

Subtle lighting will make a big impact immediately. If you have fluorescent lighting, get rid of it. Opt for softer, less abrasive light. Affix lighting high on the wall instead of the ceiling. Choose lighting fixtures that are thin and sleek and steer clear of bulky piece. You’ll like the look they create.

Avoid “Attack of the Tsotchkes.” The more small boxes, picture frames, and candles you use, the more filled up a space looks. Place a few well-chosen items on a narrow shelving unit for maximum impact in minimum space.

 Your furniture should not overpower the area. Choose shelving that leans against or mounts to the wall, or something that fits snuggly into the corner. You will save a lot of space that way.

 

 The art you choose can easily open up the room. A lot of Starbucks coffee shops have done a stellar job of making their smaller locations look large by hanging black and white photographs surrounded by large white mattes in matte-colored frames. By hanging these in multiples against a darkly painted wall, you’ll create the illusion that the room stretches farther back. White and off white are great colors for creating space, so if you don’t want to paint the room white, go for white-matted sketches, photos, or simple designs instead.

 

 

DIY: Everything You'll Need for a Fully Stocked Bar at Home

The holidays are a time to spend with family, sharing recipes, gifts, and even the occasional cocktail. Don't be a Scrooge; if your plans to host a gathering are hindered by your seriously-lacking bar, spruce it up with these easy solutions:

If your house doesn’t have a built-in area for a bar, make one yourself! Start with a smallish free-standing island (preferably on wheels so you can roll it into storage when you need to). You can purchase this custom unit with a steel counter top, which is super easy to clean. Or if you’re looking for a less expensive alternative, opt for the Ikea island. Both will work.

 

Purchase standard bar tools. You’ll need:

•  a corkscrew
• Shaker
• ice bucket and tongs
• strainer, jigger (the ½ oz + 1 oz version is usually best)
• Beer bottle opener
• Stirring spoons, lime sqeezers, and muddlers (tools used to mash up mint, lime, etc) are optional, as you can accomplish those tasks without the tools

 

In most cases you can purchase these tools all together, like this chic set from Crate and Barrel.

 

Editor's Pick: Jennifer Maestre Sculptures

UPDATE: Jennifer Maestre currently has a show for those of you lucky enough to be living in the Boston/Cambridge area. I highly recommend going! Click here for details. If you go, I'd love to hear about it!

Last night, a friend of mine gave me the name of an artist by the name of Jennifer Maestre, and when I saw her pieces, I was truly taken aback. Her unbelievable sea urchin-inspired sculptures are must-see. They are composed of… pencils and nails? Check out her incredible portfolio.

How gorgeous is this? It is called Persephone Detail:

 

Q & A: What is Winter White? How Do I Create the Look?

Q: This may sound like a stupid question, but what exactly is “winter white?” A friend of mine claims she decorated her living room for the holidays in winter whites, but I went to her house, and it looks like regular old white to me. There's really nothing winter about it; in fact it's really summery, whether she calls it winter white or not! How do you create a seasonal winter white look?

 

Thanks,

Reyna S.

 

A: Your poor friend! She probably didn’t realize that decorating in winter white isn’t just about putting white stuff in the room and calling it a day. It is about creating a vibe or mood, not only through the use of white, but though the use of color to offset it. Winter white is the look that a pure, white snowfall creates. Think of a blanket of white powder against the backdrop of a gray-black night. Think of children skating on an ice rink, bundled in heavy down coats and wool hats. When you imagine these scenes, a few things come to mind: heavy texture, deep color, and lots of material to keep you warm. That being said, your memories and notions of this season should be applied to transforming your room into a winter-white wonderland. Here’s what you need to know to get started.

 

1. Heavy textures and fabrics

Texture is so important. There’s a big difference between wearing a white or cream-colored wool coat in December, and wearing a white linen sundress. No matter how you dress it up, it’s still a summer piece. Volume creates coziness and makes you want to curl up in front of the fireplace. To get the look, opt for silks, velvets, or really anything heavy-hanging. Try to avoid linens and anything else that looks free flowing and wispy. Choose a puddling drapery or white silk roman shade in the teardrop/hobbled style. It will give you that feeling that you’re being enveloped in warmth. Antique-looking white pieces like the chairs shown here are also great investments, and will work every season, depending on the rest of the decor. Housewares.com offers these unique chairs, and they even ship to Canada.

 

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2. Pair your whites with deep hues

A splash of color goes a long way. There are two ways to do this. Either you can design a completely white room with pops of rich color, or you can opt for mostly color and use white accents. For the former, choose white furniture and accessories (even a white chandelier!) paired with a few beautiful chairs and ebony wood blinds, which will create a sleek, clean look. It will also make your room appear more spacious. The white table with white roses resting on top makes the room look modern. The Planet Dinette Table by Calligaris table from Jensen-Lewis in New York, is a great piece and will compliment beautifully.

 

 

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For the latter, choose beautiful fabrics of red and gold in different prints like paisley and plaid. Don’t be afraid to mix and match prints; together; they will add sumptuousness. Then select some simple accessories, like white blinds, and white bedding like gorgeous white hotel bedding from Restoration Hardware and you’ll be set. Create a beautiful living room with a collection of chocolaty browns coupled with a modern white couch and white cloth tapes against oak-colored wood blinds.

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All you need to do is to recall what you love about winter, then base your design on those colors and touches. You’ll end up with a distinctive look that encapsulates winter white and how soft and beautiful it can be.

Happy Decorating,

: Avoid decorating in florals and small prints for winter. Try to follow the foliage of the season. If it doesn’t bloom or grow in the snow, avoid draperies, bedding, and upholstering with patterns of it.