small spaces: lighting

my assumption is that most of my friends (including myself) are NOT moving into mansions... so with that being said, i think it would be a good idea to do a series on how to add some grandeur to small spaces. but hey... just because the square footage is small doesn't mean you can't live big!


most of my information will come from research i have done at various sites so i hope this is helpful to you!


the first thing i want to address for small spaces is lighting! comparing small and large spaces... its the first thing i notice.



from in home trends:

from elle decor via coco+kelly

from designer lisa fine via coco+kelly:

these spaces are fresh, bright and the most ideal balance of luxury and simplicity. maybe its sun thats finally come out (not today though, unfortunately), but i just feel drawn to designs that take full advantage of beautiful natural lighting by complimenting it with a light and crisp color scheme.

obviously... these spaces are not happening for me anytime soon... however, i think with the RIGHT lighting, any space can be lifted a few levels so that after a long day's work, we can come back to a place we call home... not just some space we sleep at.

from ron m. via decor pad:

notice that unlike the previous pictures.... this space actually is SMALL, but it doesn't lose any of the comfort and glamour. there are a couple things i hope to illustrate with this example:

1. maximizing light is key to creating spaciousness: the focus here is the small window that is not only the central point of room... but they have been framed with curtains that are also lined with black trim. by drawing eyes to this point... you are bringing the outdoors in... effectively expanding your space
2. use your furniture and decor to propagate the light you have: leather, polished floors, glass, mirrors and metals all reflect light. if you are lucky enough to have a large mirror or find one at a thrift store, putting it directly opposite the window would great the best effect. even if there is no window... the mirror itself would act like a faux window. i guess there really isn't much else to say for this one :p
3. use multiple light sources: place them near walls to further reflect the luminance. if the glare is bothering you... just adjust your lamp shades.

here is another photo of ron's nyc living room:

again, you can the huge mirror and the other lighting techniques just mentioned.

i feel inspired... do you?