Master a room transformation with a single piece of advice from the latest "Love It or List It" host: max out on statement furniture.
Rewritten Article:
Feeling cramped in your own abode is a bummer, whether it's due to a lack of headspace or storage. It can strangle your love for that quaint vintage charm or the friendly neighborhood vibes – and that can get tiresome.
Enter Page Turner, the ace designer and co-host of HGTV's Love It or List It, fresh off the launch of its 20th season. With two decades of experience under her belt, she's got some clever hacks to help homeowners find new life in their small spaces, without breaking the bank or sacrificing charm.
Page Turner's Secret Weapon: Large Tiles and Wood Slats
"I can work wonders with a space, even if I can't add any more square footage," asserts Turner. While the 20th season of Love It or List It has put some constraints on the extra space she can add, Turner revels in the challenge. "I'll breathe, assess the situation, and figure out what's possible within the given limitations. Rather than adding more, I'll make clever tweaks to maximize what we've got."
So, how does she bring the sparkle back to a confined space? Turner suggests using large-format tiles, preferably in the bathroom, to give the illusion of expanded square footage.
"Steer clear of the tinker-sized tiles, as they'll make the space seem overcrowded," says Turner. "A large tile will provide a smooth, seamless expanse, visually reducing the appearance of walls and floors."
Want to channel some Parisian chic? Opt for a French-inspired penny tile, or breathe life into the room with a nostalgic mid-century modern geometric design. Soft colors and shiny finishes help brighten up the area and enhance the reflection of natural light.
In the bedroom, Turner prefers embracing organic elements over bold hues. Rather than painting the walls, she recommends adding wooden accents, such as built-in shelves or a wooden accent wall.
"Built-ins are a game-changer," shares Turner. "If two wooden slats work as an accent wall instead of paint, it can visually expand the room by creating depth and adding warmth."
Does your space need a more dramatic lift? Opt for wooden paneling, with creative features like herringbone accent walls, wainscoting, and picture frame molding – these elements can amplify the height of the ceilings and provide a charming touch.
What Not to Do:
Turner admits there's one design trend that can make a small space feel even smaller: "Color drenching is a dreadful idea in a small space," she says emphatically. Instead, opt for a more subtle approach, with neutral and gentle hues that don't overwhelm the eye.
So there you have it – some practical guidance from Page Turner on how to bring some breathability back into your space, even if it's teeny-tiny. Good luck, and happy making-over!
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Insights
- Page Turner, the designer and co-host of HGTV's "Love It or List It," provides design tips for small spaces, focusing on techniques to visually expand areas without adding square footage.
- Turner endorses using large-format tiles and wood slats to create the illusion of more space in bathrooms and bedrooms, respectively.
- The addition of built-ins, such as wooden shelves, can add depth and create a spacious feel.
- Avoid overly bold and dense decor, as it can make a small space feel even smaller.
- Color drenching is discouraged when working with a small area in favor of gentle, neutral hues.
- Page Turner, from HGTV's Love It or List It, offers strategies for revitalizing small spaces, focusing on methods to visually enlarge areas without increasing square footage.
- Turner recommends large-format tiles in bathrooms for a spacious illusion, avoiding confining tinker-sized tiles.
- In the bedroom, Turner advocates for wood accents like built-in shelves or wooden accent walls to expand the room visually.
- Built-ins can be a game-changer, providing depth and warmth to small spaces.
- If a more dramatic lift is needed, wood paneling with creative features like herringbone accent walls, wainscoting, and picture frame molding can amplify the height of the ceilings.
- Turner advises against color drenching in small spaces, instead suggesting gentle, neutral hues to prevent overcrowding and maintain a breathable atmosphere.