Guest Picks: Earthy Modern Style for Small Spaces
Simple color schemes and streamlined furniture make for a small-space design that visually expands and soothes
Laura Gaskill
December 23, 2012
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance checklist. My favorite pieces to write center around the emotional aspects of home and savoring life's simple pleasures. Decluttering course + discount for Houzzers: https://www.lauragaskill.com/welcome-houzzers
Houzz Contributor. I cover decorating ideas, Houzz tours & the monthly home maintenance... More
If you live in a small space, particularly one in which you can see straight from the entryway to the living room and beyond, it's important to keep the style and color scheme consistent throughout the flat. A mix of midcentury modern–style pieces with warm, earthy accents is an easy and appealing look that works especially well across an entire apartment. I've packed this ideabook with space-conscious design finds that work beautifully together, in any combination. Happy decorating! — Laura from Lolalina
When you are short on space, seeking out smartly designed double-duty pieces is essential. I love the traditional-meets-modern look of this tufted sofa from ABC Carpet & Home. Its sleek armless shape means it will fit easily in even a tight space. Plus, it folds out into a bed for guests.
If you have enough space (even barely enough room) for a bigger coffee table, I say go for it. It's lovely to be able to spread out your papers and coffee on a Sunday morning, or pile on the snacks for a night in with friends. I am smitten with the geometric wire base of this reclaimed oak version.
If you can't carve out enough room for a full-size coffee table, try using a pair of smaller tables instead, like two of these wonderfully textured wood piece. Bonus: If you need room to work out or do yoga at home, you can easily move smaller tables like these aside and roll out your mat.
This stunning rocker from Bodie and Fou has won multiple design awards, and with good reason. Its sleek, sculptural lines will fit in anywhere, and it is ergonomically designed to be incredibly comfortable, no matter your height.
This concrete lamp from Schoolhouse Electric is the perfect balance of warm and cool with its clean lines and interesting textures. I love how the Edison bulb softly glows through the metal mesh shade.
Modern furniture shapes beg for something soft to play off of, and this super fluffy rug from Anthropologie fits the bill perfectly. If you are worried about spills, take heart that wool is surprisingly resilient and easy to care for — just tend to spills sooner rather than later, and you should be fine.
I am the first to admit I am a bit color-shy — when it comes to painting my own home, I stick mostly to pale neutrals. However, a chic and modern space like this is primed for a warm, rich hue. I would paint one accent wall with this persimmon paint from Serena & Lily and the rest of the walls gallery white.
In an apartment, proper storage is key. I would use this long, low media cabinet from Room & Board to house both my tech equipment and linens for the dining room table.
I am a strong believer that every room needs something old, and when I spied these vintage Japanese ceramic vases, it was love at first sight. The wabi-sabi, organic shapes are so beautiful. They're perfect for tucking into a bookcase or setting out on a table.
If you live in a studio or loft, dividing the space can be tricky. Try a classic decorator trick and position a decorative screen between two areas. An open style like the one shown here isn't meant to provide complete privacy, but it will do a fine job of visually dividing the space, as well as adding a pleasing textural element.
I saw these woven felt baskets in person at Target the other day, and I was really impressed by their quality. If I didn't know better, I would think they cost a fortune. Use one for knitting projects, favorite magazines or anything else you like to keep handy.
This evocative limited-edition print by artist Don Carney has been on my favorites list for a while. The woodblock style and muted color would make a rich, natural addition to the space.
This concrete planter filled with succulents feels fresh and modern. I would love to keep one on my desk. Fresh green plants add so much to a space, and I would count this petite potted plant as just the beginning of a larger collection.
As far as desks go, you really can't go wrong with the straightforward lines of a parson's-style table. West Elm has recently introduced several versions covered in grass cloth, and I especially love this one with its chic diamond print.
This iconic desk chair would be a worthy splurge, in my book. It will never go out of style, it looks good anywhere, and it's supremely comfortable.
This container is meant to be a planter, but I would use it as a very attractive wastebasket under the desk instead. Of course, it would also be lovely filled with greenery, if you wish.
I am always on the lookout for chic storage solutions, and these vintage-style milk crates from Target recently caught my eye. They would work either stacked on the floor or placed on shelves for anything from kids' toys to magazines.
Speaking of storage, these stacking metal trunks from The Paris Market are the sort of thing you would be tempted to display, even without anything in them. Of course, in a small space, every inch counts — so fill them instead with old photos, out-of-season clothes or anything else you need to store.
A cool, studded demilune table from Lulu & Georgia would be perfect in a small entryway, even if your front door opens right into the living room. It's big enough to keep your keys, bag and mail handy, but its curvy shape keeps a low profile.
This sunburst mirror from Jayson Home definitely has the "wow" factor. I would hang it in the entryway over the demilune table.
Next: 10 Ways to Maximize a Small Space
Next: 10 Ways to Maximize a Small Space
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thanks Laura.
I got the same $575 wooden round table from World Market for about $129 a piece couple years ago, west elm has a matching coffee table sell at $199, when it was on sale.