Do you have a small room in your home that currently is getting no use like a bonus room, a tiny attic, a spare bedroom, or maybe a room off your basement? Those tiny spaces can sometimes be a challenge to find purpose for. Then when you do find a purpose for them you have no idea where to start decorating. How do you maximize the space AND still make it look beautiful?!!

My hope is that you are able to find use for your space despite the square footage. You can still have a functional AND stylish room even if it's the smallest area in your home.

1. Find a Purpose. Before you do anything, you must first figure out what you want to use the space for. Is this a room for your kids to play and do homework? Is this an extra bedroom for when guests come to visit? Is this a casual space for the family to watch TV together? Is this an office space for you to pursue your new business venture or for when you have to take work home? Is it all of the above? That's okay too.

2. Who is it For? After your determine what the space will be used for, you need to decide who will be using the space. This will determine how the space is designed. Remember that the space should reflect it's occupants. For example, if it will be used as a play room and an area for you to work it would make sense to incorporate multifunctional pieces that are kid friendly and can be used by your kids and yourself.

3. Determine Your Must Haves. Based on what the space will be used for and who will be using it, write down a few must haves that are needed to get the most function out of the space. For example, if you have an extra bedroom that you use as a home office but need to also use it as a guest room some of your must haves might be a bed, a desk or laptop table, and some form of storage.

4. Layout the Space. Once you've determined your purpose, your occupants, and your must haves it's time to put it all on paper. This is where working with a designer can save you a lot of time, energy and headache. Poor planning leads to mistakes, returns and frustration so make sure you take the time to layout the space properly. Take a basic measurement (width, length, ceiling height) of your space or room then draw it on paper (use graph paper to make it easier). Be sure to note all doors, openings, windows, outlets, and vents. Start with your largest piece of furniture needed (e.i. a bed, a desk, a sofa, etc.) and draw it in. After you have drawn your largest furnishings, continue adding your remaining must haves. Need help? Add my online Furniture Layout service from my À La Carte menu.

5. Think Multifunctional. If you are decorating a small space and want to maximize every square footage you have, you must think of every furnishing as dual use. Back to the home office and guest room example, instead of getting a large full or queen size bed that will only be used occasionally think about getting a sofa bed or a day bed. This will allow you to have a sitting area if you have work guests (without it feeling like a bedroom) while providing a comfortable resting area for when you do host guests.

Don't allow the size of your space make you feel as though you can not achieve a functional & stylish design. With these 5 suggestions you will be on your way to making your smallest space in your home feel like the most functional. Comment below on what you would like to use your smallest room for. Can't wait read them! I am here to help, so if you need assistance with determining what type of furnishing will work best in your space start with my online Furniture Layout service today!

Here's to amazing small spaces!