Short of moving, you can't add square footage, but you can change how a room feels. The studio's approach to compact homes and condos relies on restraint, light and a few deliberate moves.
Edit first, then decorate
Clutter is the quickest way to shrink a room. Start by editing to the pieces you love and use, then give each one space to breathe. Serene, uncluttered rooms read larger than they are.
Keep the palette quiet
A tonal palette of soft neutrals lets walls recede and helps rooms flow into one another. Introduce depth with texture (linen, boucle, wool, stone) rather than with competing colors.
Choose furniture with air around it
- Raised legs and open bases show more floor.
- Low-profile upholstery keeps sightlines long.
- Glass, mirror and polished metal reflect light and add depth.
- One well-scaled sofa beats several small pieces.
Borrow the view
Dress windows simply so daylight and the view become part of the room. In our lakefront condominiums the water is the most important element of the design; everything else supports it.
By the Paul Lauren Designs studio
