Make more of a small space with five decorating tips

Small space, big impact

Standing in the main room of his 439-square-foot apartment, Antonio Bellusci reminisces on what used to be his childhood bedroom: “My brother and I used to sleep in this room!” The apartment, which takes up half of the second floor of a large Victorian house, is located in the home he grew up in. When his family moved out, they kept the property as an investment, turning it into rental apartments. Many years later, Antonio, marketing manager for interior-designer favourites Elte and Ginger’s in Toronto, has reclaimed his old haunts. He’s cleverly divided the main room into a living room and bedroom, updated the tired bathroom and refreshed the gaudy kitchen. With ingenious small-space-living tricks, Antonio has created a home that is lacking in neither comfort nor style.

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1. Get a modular coffee table

Three nesting marble-topped tables or small stools are the perfect solution for a tight space. They’re also great for entertaining, since you can break them apart—when guests come, they each get their own side table.

2. Decorate in a faux fireplace

Unused fireplaces hold architectural interest but can seem awkward sitting empty. Wood stacked in the chimney alludes to a crackling fire while adding a modern textural element. Painting the surrounding walls white helps the bland mantel blend into the room.

Before photo:

3. Use tile and paint to create an airy feeling

Painting the upper cabinets white to match the new subway tiles makes the kitchen wall seem much larger than it is. Dark grey paint on the bottom cabinets has a grounding effect and helps tie the new honed-slate floor in with the overall scheme. New brushed nickel knobs also update the look.

Get the look: Print above sink, Telegramme prints, Telegramme.ca.

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4. Dress up a tiny sink

The small sink tucked into the corner of the bathroom makes a big impact when the cabinetry is painted dark grey and the mirror is surrounded by original photographs.New white subway tile keeps the drywall from getting wet without seeming too fussy.



Get the look: Beach houses and orange floral photography, Antonio Bellusci. NYC Aerial photography, Mcphersonphotography.com. Washstand and vanity, Lowes.ca.

5. Turn everyday objects into art

Get dramatic with scale and colour by turning an oversized photo of a childhood favourite, like a Cheerios box (below), into a wall-worthy piece. Or add just the right amount of fun by framing and hanging a trio of tea towels. (We love the colourful Jonathan Adler ones above the bed!) The bright blue in all three is echoed in the vintage headboard.

Clever designer tip: To give the headboard a little more oomph and compensate for the thicker mattress, Antonio raised it six inches off the floor.

Get the look: Bed linens, lamp on side table, rug, Elte.com. Headboard paint colour, "Lazy Sunday", Benjaminmoore.ca. Prints above bed, tea towels, Jonathanadler.com. Side table, Queen West Antique Centre, 416-588-2212.

Get the look: Stools, Crateandbarrel.ca. Stainless steel counter unit, Runner carpet, Ikea.ca. Cheerios cereal box print, Scanned, enlarged and mounted on masonite.