Decorating a small space can seem like an impossible challenge.  Furniture can seem cramped, the room can appear dark, and frustration can ensue.

1. Paint the walls a light color.  The lighter the walls, the more spacious the room will appear.  Pale colored walls will fade into the background and allow the rest of the room to take center stage.

2. Avoid heavy window coverings.  Covering up the windows restricts light and makes the room seem cave-like.  If possible, hang window treatments on the wall next to the window so as not to block any light at all.

3. Hang mirrors up to reflect light and make the room seem larger. A mirror hung directly across from a window not only reflects light, but reflects the window and doubles its room enhancing benefits.

4. Place objects and artwork high.  Pictures hung low will draw the eye downward; you want to draw the eye up, making the ceiling seem taller.  Instead of bookshelves that are low to the ground, place books on wall  mounted shelves.  Be creative in getting things off the floor and onto the wall.

5. Find pieces that can multi-task.  Day beds, trunks, and storage ottomans can all serve as seating while also serving their intended purpose.

With these tips, a small space can become one of your favorite spots in the home.  Pair these basic rules with your favorite fabrics and colors, and your once tiny room will now be packed with personality.’

Photos: House Beautiful, Southern Living

Can’t find that perfect sofa you’ve been searching for?  Well, look no further, because Lee Industries has something for everyone with their endless amount of styles and customizable options.  They offer a great selection of fabrics and leather, and you can personalize everything from the trim, finish, cushions, and even the size!

One of our favorites at Ciao’s, and new to the showroom, is this wedge sofa from Lee Industries.  It’s perfect for conversation with its slight curve, and can cozy up any room.  Shown here in a slipcover option for easy cleaning, but also available fully upholstered for a more tailored look.

Right now you can order any of Lee’s pieces without breaking the bank!   Choose your favorite style, covering, and size and you will save 40% off for a limited time!!  For more details, contact us at Ciao Interiors.

Photo: Traditional Home

Don’t limit your metallics to cameo appearances on lamps or coffee tables.  Entire rooms draped in shades of silver, gold, and shiny grays make a dramatic, glamorous statement.  Mix all of these colors together to create a monochromatic metallic effect.  Create interest with tone on tone prints and textures.  Shimmer and sheen take the center stage in these fabulous rooms.

Photo: Phoebe Howard

Photo: House Beautiful

Photo: Traditional Home

Photo: Phoebe Howard

When you are dealing with a small room such as a bathroom, the details are instrumental in creating the aesthetic of the room.  A pop of color, an interesting object, an unexpected piece can set the mood and bring style into a small space.  In the bathrooms below, we see several different methods of pulling a room together in the details.

Photo: Coastal Living

This room is filled to the brim with fabulous details.  From a bold wallpaper to an ornate mirror to bright splashes of yellow, this room is not boring in the least.  The details create a room that is cheerful, exciting, and youthful.

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

A small detail such as  a seashell soap dish set against whites and pastels creates an ethereal, ocean inspired look with minimal effort.

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Instead of a typical towel rack, try a ladder.  This detail creates a country atmosphere, and when paired with a woven basket that houses hand towels, the look is complete.  The white accented with turquoise in the towels and in an unexpected spot such as the basket is a fresh look.

Photo: Southern Living

Don’t forget that the sink can be a spot for style!  This copper sink is a striking look and served as inspiration for the rest of the bathroom, from the walls to the mat to the towels and shower curtain.

The kitchen is the heart of the home, the place where friends and family gather for good meals and good conversation.  Follow the tips below to create a kitchen that welcomes and encourages guests to feel at ease.

1.  Try to center the stove as much as possible.  If you have an island, this is the perfect placement.  It lends itself to creating a center for conversation without leaving out the cook.  Meal preparation can be a great place to spark up a conversation.

Photo: Elle Decor

2. Pick warm, cheerful colors for the kitchen.  Try a bright yellow, orange, pink, or red.  These colors stimulate the appetite and encourage energy among your guests.

Photo: Sunset Magazine

3. Pay attention to the little details that can make your kitchen a more comfortable place to linger.  Potted plants or herbs, fresh fruit bowls, cookie jars all are nice touches that make guests feel at home.  Add those special details while avoiding clutter.

Photo: House Beautiful

4. Nice place settings will make serving meals more peaceful and organized.  They do not have to be expensive; crisp, white plates can make a huge statement and make your food stand out.  Presentation can make your kitchen a welcoming place to eat.

Entertaining starts in the kitchen and creating the ideal home for welcoming guests, friends, and family depends on the tone you set in the kitchen.

Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter this last week, but that’s not so bad.  That means six more weeks of enjoying lovely evenings spent by the hearth.  If you haven’t already made your living room into a cozy haven this winter, here are some pictures for inspiration.

Photo: Traditional Home

Photo: Barbara Barry

Photo: Lucyina Moodie

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Photo: Traditional Home

When many of us think of pink rooms, we think of a ballerina pink for little girls or a hot fuchsia in a tween’s bedroom.  Pink does not have to be childish at all!  In the spirit of the month, we are going to look at pink rooms that are not only grown up, but stylish as well.  To ease into pink, opt for pale shades that can pass as neutrals.   Grays, tans, and whites offset the sweetness of a pink and give it a sophisticated side.  You can also make your pale pink look glamorous with gold accents and shiny mirrors or crystal lamps.  With a bold pink, pair it with black and a little animal print to create an edgy look or contrast it against crisp white.  Use the pictures below as inspiration to incorporate pink and its spirit of youth and vibrancy into your home this February.

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Photo: House Beautiful

Photo: Martha Stewart Living

Photo: Ciao Interiors

Photo: Jonathan Adler