Every house has awkward spaces that defy decorating. Perhaps it’s an alcove under the stairs, a charming nook that appears to have no real purpose, or a too-small entryway. No matter. There are easy and inexpensive ways to rescue your wasted space and transform it into an attractive design statement.
In Pictures: 10 Easy Ways To Decorate Tricky Spaces
To begin, consider visiting your local hardware or home center. “Many have designers and creative folks on staff full of great ideas on how to handle those tough little design challenges,” says Scott Wright, of the North American Retail Hardware Association. “Whether the space in question just needs a coat of fresh paint or it lends itself to a creative storage solution, you can get some great advice there.”
That advice can be invaluable because some spaces can seem almost impossible to enhance. Take those tiny nooks and alcoves that are so common in historic homes or in new homes that are heavy on upscale finishing. Sure they’re intriguing, but they’re also adjacent to larger rooms and don’t seem to serve any particular purpose. Should they be used for display--or for storage?
The answer is…either. If you’re up for a little do-it-yourself activity, consider transforming the nook into a cozy reading area. Create an elevated platform with a cushion for comfy seating then add some hidden storage beneath. Fill the nook with a collection of comfy pillows in a palette you like and settle in for a little comfort and quiet time.
Another contender in the hard-to-decorate category is blank-and-boring corners. These tend to exist, in spite of all your best efforts, in otherwise beautifully furnished rooms. Typically these corners are too cramped to hang art or to fit a table or chair. Yet leaving these areas empty makes it look hollow and unfinished.
One of the best solutions is to lean a large piece, such as a salvaged door or large mirror, against the wall. This adds instant architectural interest. You can also hang a corner-shelf and place attractive items on it for display. A floor lamp’s height can provide vertical interest and an attractive lamp-shade that plays to draperies or floor coverings completes the look. Want a more natural approach? Skip the lamp or mirror and place a tall house plant, such as a miniature palm, in the awkward corner.
Another design challenge is tiny foyers because, in theory, they should be as serviceable as they are attractive. How do you pair items, such as an attractive console table, pretty lamp or interesting art with all those abandoned shoes, dropped backpacks and everyday clutter?
In Pictures: 10 Easy Ways To Decorate Tricky Spaces
Begin by choosing a slim table that won’t obstruct traffic but can serve as a catch-all for keys, homework and smart-phones. You can organize this clutter by placing a shallow bowl or basket on top. Emphasize the floor space, even if it’s tiny, with an attractive (and washable) area rug. And hang art on the walls. Just be sure it’s well above shoulder height so it doesn’t get tilted or knocked off the wall when people are rushing in and out of the door.
