Home interior blogs are THE best places to get inspiration for your home. I'm in the middle of redecorating my room so I'm always on the look out for new interiors blogs, with advice on rugs, frames, paint samples really anything pink & floral. With so much choice, it's hard to decide what you're looking for..
That's why I've taken advice from one our favourite bloggers, Jackie - author of York Avenue! With so many pearls of wisdom, I couldn't help but share.
Here's what I've learnt about living in a small spaces and how to make the most of it...
1) 'If you love it, buy it'
This was one of the first things Jackie said. And she's right. I often find myself looking at a beautiful mirror or a frame that would 'totally just make the room' but I don't buy them. I already have a mirror and I already have more frames that I know what to do with would have nowhere to put them... But Jackie says "If you really, really love something you'll find a spot" - it seems obvious, but sometimes you just need someone to say it.
2) Edit. Space is everything in a small home.
The less space you have - the more important it is to edit your home decor. It's vital to get rid of the things that no longer love or have no use (just like you should buy what you love!) Your home is your sanctuary so it should be filled with things that make you smile, don't clutter. Charity shops are the perfect place for that mediocre piece of art you bought four years ago - and trust me - that poster from that university sale should be be making a b-line for the bin.
3) Art is everything.
Art is more personable than any other item in your home (Jackie shows us how it's done in this blog post). Art doesn't have to be expensive and it doesn't have to be big. In a small flat you can add character without adding clutter through art. Jackie recommends not to buy anything you don't love. It can be easy to panic-buy in Ikea, but she advises taking the time to look around. Only buy that ikea canvas if it's going to make you happy (which 9 times out of 10 it isn't).
4) It's the small things that really matter.
A stack of beautiful books, a candle or some fresh flowers are a few of the things Jackie listed when I asked her how to decorate on a budget and in a tiny space. It's easy to think of all the things you can't do with little space but there are so many things you can! While I would argue the little details always make a difference, in a small home this becomes even more important. This doesn't have to be a pain, it can be a great way to get creative without breaking the bank.
5) Be clever in creating space
When it comes to furniture, Jackie has a top tip it to create the illusion of space. Buying furniture with legs, adding a mirror and keeping a lot of clear space at floor level is key. The picture below from Jackie's own gorgeous apartment show how this can work wonders for those of us wanting to open up our living rooms!
Huge thank you to the wonderful Jackie for taking the time to talk to Housekeep and for always keeping us updated on the latest interior trends! Check out our 4 favourite posts below & visit the Housekeep Pinterest page for more home decor and interior inspiration...