Let’s face it: every person has an obsession with their home. Whether you’re turning your bedroom into a chill-tastic lounge or dreaming of a kitchen you can cook gourmet ramen in, there’s always work to be done. Welcome to a bit of “The Everyday Architect,” where we’ll help you bring your Pinterest dreams to DIY reality – minus the boring lectures.
Tiny Space, Big Vibes: Hacks for Redesigning Small Spaces
Have you ever walked into your room and felt like it was closing in on you? Don’t worry, small spaces require big ideas. Here is how we’re going to make your space work harder without sacrificing style:
Furniture That Multitasks Like You: Ottomans with storage compartments? Desks that fold into the wall? Please! Multi-functional furniture is the overachiever of your room: functional and fashionable.
Think Up, Not Out: Your new best friends will be shelves, hooks, and tall cabinets. Stack it up and keep your floor clear for dance-offs… or just walking. Vertical storage is a smart storage solution, especially for smaller spaces.
Mirror, Mirror: Mirrors = instant space. They reflect light, making your room feel twice as big without requiring any demolition. Even better if you can find a rad mirror with a compelling frame to double as decor.
Lighten Up: Soft, airy whites, pastels, or light greys. Sometimes it feels nice to give your room a little fresh breath of air; try taking a deep breath with light colors! Pro tip: Add pops of color with throw pillows or artwork to bring fun into your space.
Divide and Conquer: Utilize rugs, lighting, and furniture to create distinct “zones” that allow you to relax, study, or game. Small area, big organization. Who’s to say you can’t have it all?
How to Sneak Architectural Principles into Your Decor (And You Don’t Even Have to Be Licensed)
Let’s talk architecture… but not the boring textbook kind. Here are some pros’ ways to manipulate design to take your decor and room to the next level:
Balance: Do you have an oversized couch? Assuming you do because they exist in every room, now have a tall lamp or a large piece of art across the room to balance it. If you think about using balance as a way to keep your room from tipping over (visually), you understand the harmony of design.
Size: Large furniture in a small room NOPE. Tiny decor in a vast space = Double NOPE. The correct scale is crucial for a well-designed room. The size of the piece is not the issue, but rather the space it occupies.
Repeat after me: Patterns and colors, they love to have repeats. If you find a throw pillow that matches your rug, use it. If you notice a pattern in curtains and repeat it in art pieces, that is instant harmony. It’s like your room hums in the same key.
Pick a star: Choose a focal point in the room. It might be that impressive gallery wall or your comfy little fireplace. You want your focal point to be the star, while the other furniture provides support. A great focal point can completely tie the room together while still blowing away your guests.
Teamwork makes the dream work: Choose a vibe, and stick to it. Be it bohemian, modern, or cottage. Select textures and colors that complement each other, and you will create a masterpiece. Think cohesion, not matchy-matchy.
Renovations 101: Permits, Plans, and Not Losing Your Mind
Renovating is fantastic until you hit the paperwork. Nobody likes the paperwork. Take a deep breath—you’re gonna get through it! Here’s a cheat sheet:
Know which hammers you can swing: If you want to paint your walls, awesome. If you’re going to knock them down, you might need a permit. Research the types of renovations that require permits to avoid potential issues. Research first, hammer second.
Do your homework: Building codes can vary. Google building codes, or visit city hall to ask your city for the code, but be sure to avoid getting stuck without a permit. A 2-minute phone call can save you a ton of nasty surprises down the line.
Call the professionals (When you get serious): If you plan to mess with plumbing or electrical work, professionals aren’t such a bad idea after all. DIY is fun! But so is playing it safe. Remember how frustrating it was to deal with a flooded bathroom or a power outage in someone else’s house.
Budgeting like a boss: Plan for every possible added cost along the way. Renovations often throw the added cost curveball and delays, so be prepared. Pro tip: Budget an additional 10-15% of your total budget in reserve for unforeseen surprises.
Show and tell: If you have a contractor, it’s essential that they share your vision. Let them know what you want. Use mood boards or sketches to ensure your work is progressing according to your expectations. Communication is everything when you want to achieve your goals.
Celebrate the process: Renovations take time, take the time to celebrate those tiny cushioned wins—for example, completing demolition, finally choosing a tile, and so on. Celebrating small wins and progress along the way will motivate you to bring your vision to life.
