Small Space Big Cottage Feel

Recently I was tasked with creating a cozy dinning space in an awkward 5 foot by 8 foot space for a cottage makeover. I was up for the challenge and the transformation was jaw dropping for the owners.

With tiny spaces, my big tips are always to exploit every square inch and use visual tricks to create the illusion of space. Use all wall space, surrounding space and floor space possible

Go vertical. Instead of using one big piece of art in a small space, use multiple smaller

pieces. It makes the space seem more expansive than is really is. For this feature wall I used a variety of art from an online source - http://www.posterjack.ca/. You go online, pick the art you want to use (or you can use your own), pick the frames and colour, and
they ship it all to your door.

 To enhance the cottage feel, for the feature wall I also used a variety of stag heads (faux

of course) found at Home Sense, which I mix and matched with in the photos. The great thing here is that you can just keep adding to the feature wall as you find things that
match.

The most important piece of all is the table – it’s where you gather around and make lasting memories. For this space I chose a gorgeous five-foot-long, wood-topped table

from Artemano with sturdy metal legs, which anchors the room.

Seating was carefully chosen. Two wooden stools with raw unfinished edges — also from Artemano — add a “farmhouse twist.” For small space dining areas, I recommend chairs that tuck under the table when not in use.

For the captains chairs, I also chose a version from Artemano which are thinner than usual captain chairs and tuck nicely into the side of the table. This allows more walking space surrounding the area when meals are done.

 

In a small space I love to go big on colour. For this table setting, I used bright and bold patterns from Home Sense that were mixed and matched to create this gorgeous brunch setting. Setting the table is certainly a time where you can bring in bold colours and

really make a statement.

For this space I chose a funky modern light that casts great shadows at night, and by day is beautiful enough to be considered art. The understated colour gets noticed, yet doesn’t stealing attention from the rest of the room.

By carefully piecing this room together, a small space has the illusion of being much larger than it is, and the room’s functionality has improved as much as its beauty.

You can do a lot in a small space, and you can create a larger feel with just décor!

 

Until next time,

w&c designer girl!

Jo Alcorn's Collections are at the CND Gift Show!

Jo Alcorn’s new furniture line brings a designer’s touch to pieces like sofas, ottomans, chairs, sectionals, headboards and more…without the designer budget.

Each piece was created with the mind-set that people want a designer look but can’t always afford the luxury to hire a professional. This line mixes fun fabrics that play with different colours and patterns to create that one-of-a-kind custom look so many people crave but might not be able to afford or know where to start.

“I was so excited to create pieces that have a unique flare,” says Jo Alcorn, interiors expert. “The line has modern youthful lines with a touch of classic elements. I am excited for this collection because it is fashion forward, functional at the same time and there is something everyone can enjoy!”

Jo’s furniture line is manufactured locally by Eztia, Ontario.

Jo will also be showcasing and her new Dog Bed Collection with coordinating Pillows.
 

Man’s best friends’ sleeping quarters just got more stylist with the help of Canadian designer Jo Alcorn. While pet owners inevitably love to cuddle and snuggle their furry friends, it’s also great for their dogs to have a place of their own where they can curl up – and why can’t that be a stylish retreat?

 

“I am a huge dog lover and I have two dogs of my own,” say designer Jo Alcorn. “I wanted to create a pet bed that was not only comfortable and practical for my fur-babies, but I also wanted them to reflect my own personal style and act as an extension of my home-décor.”

Jo Alcorn’s dog bed line goes above and beyond what is currently available in the market. These beds have a StaminaFibre® filling. These beds are reversible and fully washable, including the cover and the filling; simply toss the entire pillow in the washing machine and it comes out looking and feeling like new. Each bed/pillow has hypoallergenic down-like feather filling, is reversible, was created and manufactured cruelty free, is recyclable and Canadian Made.

Make sure to stop by the 9972 booth and see the collection. We are also having a #selfie party the entire show.

 

https://www.cangift.org/giftshow/