Optimizing Space

We always talk about optimizing space. We go to the Container Store in search of baskets, pretty boxes, drawer organizers, shelving; every contraption and doo-dad known to man in order to keep all our our knick-knacks squared away and home feeling spacious. But what are some other ways to trick the eye and expand our world?

Rugs and Art!!

These two components help to bring your eye all the way from the floor up to the ceiling and while many of us understand that concept, we sell ourselves short of achieving the goal when we skimp on scale. Too many of us pick pieces that are TOO SMALL!! In this post I'll focus on the rugs.

Here is an example where a rug is TOO SMALL for a room:

http://www.homeworkshop.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/Rug-is-too-small.jpg



And here an example of the correct scale:

From Style by Mily Henderson

As you can see in the second picture your view of the room broadens and it looks wide and open. Your rug should be the first part of the room you select. It will set the tone for your style, colors, art work, furniture placement, and accessories. General industry guidelines recommend that an area rug be no closer than six inches to a wall and no more than two feet from the wall. They are your floor art!

Rug Rules

• rugs should be no less than six inches away from the wall
• rugs should be no more than two feet from the wall
• rugs should be large enough for a coffee table and the front legs of a sofa
• rugs should be large enough for all four legs of a desk and all of the chair

Consider putting a round rug in a square room to soften the space {from jerle.com}: 

A large rug with a bold pattern can open up a small room and will anchor a large room: