Living in small space doesn’t have to cramp your style

Whether you are downsizing, buying a smaller condo or a laneway home, less space can create challenges. At Meme Brooks Design, small space is no big deal. Meme thrives on the challenge of creating small spaces that burst with style, not at the seams.

Working with Ovation Award finalist JDL Homes, Meme Brooks interior designers focused on luxurious living in the tiny laneway home, Country Chic Laneway, nominated for two Ovation Awards: 2019 finalist for Best New Small-Scale Home, and Best New Kitchen Under $50,000.

Speaking with Meme, she says: ‘A common mistake people often make is to move their full house-sized furniture into their new smaller space. All this does is cramp your style and constantly remind you of your bigger home.”

Meme recommends leaving your concept of living in a big house behind and start fresh with the right-sized furniture for your new home. “Just because your space is small, doesn’t mean you need to sacrifice your style and comfort,” she says.

Meme Brooks downsizing tips:

Tip #1 Less is more. When downsizing, bring only the very best of what you have, taking time to analyze every item, asking yourself these questions: Is this item too big for my new space? Does it bring me true joy? Is this a furniture piece we can refinish and repurpose?

Tip #2 Measure your room and fit the maximum sized furniture piece into the space. Don’t just go out and purchase a bunch of little tiny furniture pieces – maximize and fit the largest piece you can. This goes for your area rugs and lighting as well.

Tip #3 When purchasing new furniture, take note of legs. Having furniture off the floor, or with long legs so you see underneath it, will create an airy feeling and visually take up less floor space.

Tip #4 Layer with colour and texture. Having visual depth in your room will give the illusion of more space. Wallpaper, artwork and throw pillows all help create that feeling of space.

Tip #5 One of our most important tips – always make sure your new furniture items will fit in the elevator and through your door. You don’t want to be disappointed if your new furniture can’t fit through the doors in your home. Measure the doorways, hallways, around corners, ceiling heights and the elevator; then triple check your measurements.

Known as small-space interior design experts, be sure to check out the new Meme Brooks design furniture collection for small space solutions. JDL Homes and other Ovation Awards finalists can be viewed at OvationAwards.ca. Winners will be announced May 4.

Metro Vancouver’s premier housing awards, the HAVAN Ovation Awards is a symbol consumers should look for to connect with trusted, local homebuilders and designers to help build, buy and renovate homes.

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