Living small doesn’t mean thinking small, so for all of the apartment dwellers and city slickers, this one’s for you. This holiday season, it’s time to get creative and use big glam in a downsized way.
When space is of the essence, there’s no room for anything that’s not absolutely essential. Maximize space in your home by doing a quick audit of anything that’s out of season or won’t be utilized until warmer weather comes around. Similarly, any decor or furniture that occupies free space should be considered to ensure that it’s completely necessary for your holiday aesthetic.
Flat surfaces themselves are practically holiday gifts to the spatially-confined apartment dweller. Add holiday flare to your space by capitalizing on tabletops, shelving and other sturdy surfaces to hold candles, artifacts and any other holiday heirlooms that you might want to bring out for the season. Garland adds a holiday feel to any space, but tends to take up the least. Use it above your kitchen cabinetry, across a media stand and throughout other shelving fixtures for a discrete yet tasteful green solution.
Less is always more, but especially when it comes to decorating a smaller space. Luckily, the smaller your apartment, the farther your decor will go! While a small space might be well-suited for a minimal aesthetic, a few textural elements can make it feel even cozier–especially when layered. This faux fur throw from Pottery Barn translates easily from the couch to the bedroom and is well-complemented by a few seasonally-inspired pillows. When using pillows as decor, opt for pillow covers to save on space when they’re not in use. Plus, it’s easier to clean. Options like the Ski Lodge Grainsack Lumbar Pillow or the Buffalo Check Plaid Pillow from Pottery Barn provide comfort, functionality and visual interest to your holiday design concept.
Anything that hangs should be taken advantage of in a means to use as much air space (and as little floor space) as possible. For a little personality, try stockings on exposed hooks, below windows or on the mantel, using different sizes and fabrics. Similarly, shelving is a great way to fill wall space this holiday season. Elf on a shelf, anyone?
While hosting a dinner party might be out of the cards when living small, be prepared to host a friend or two for drinks on a snowy evening (or whatever the case may be). The Moscow Mule is a must-have holiday beverage, and luckily, these copper mugs stay on display, adding a hint of glam to your space. The Forest Floor Cake Stand from Anthropologie is versatile enough to be utilized for several purposes from cake to charcuterie. Its natural wood finish adds an artisan appeal to your kitchen and can stand alone on the countertop for all to see. Bring out the Zizou small side plates for detail that won’t be missed.
Looking for the perfect recipes for your grand celebration? Treat yourself to a bottle of bubbly and these decadent brunch dishes, courtesy of Rachel Nichols of The Fond Life.
You don’t need a grand space to get the look. Our designers cherry-picked the perfect items that will make your space feel larger than life. Shop our designer-curated assortment. Get more tips and inspiration on how to get the living large look here.
