advertisement

Feminine glamour in a small space

You don't have to give up on the idea of a glamorous home just because your space is cramped.

Many women love super-feminine bedrooms, bathrooms and closets. They adore places to read or nap in comfort, so mood and ambience matter. If you have a feminine taste, there are many ways to spruce up your home to create your dream living space.

Studies show that only 20 percent of Americans are married by age 29 today, compared to nearly 60 percent in 1960. Many in this group might not ever marry. How different all decorating decisions become when there isn't a partner to influence choices.

I once had a friend who had been divorced for years. When she got engaged again, she fretted over her fiance moving in to her ultrafeminine single nest! I'll never forget how she worried about how her home would need to change.

I found this swivel love seat on a London furniture manufacturer website and thought it was the perfect girlie piece for a small, urban living room. Consider how functional it would be in a home with a view. You could watch TV and swivel around to admire the view just outside your window.

A guy would probably prefer the largest leather recliner he can get his hands on, and he would probably plunk it right in front of a large screen TV. I'm not saying this is true for every man, but it's a very good bet!

Another way to add luxury and femininity to your space is through your selection of textiles. While it is not always true, women generally use their furnishings more gently if they value glamour. We are fortunate to have the option of contract textiles that have the appearance and feel of velvets, silks or satins, but that offer practical durability.

That being said, if you live with pets or small children I would highly recommend seeking out an upholsterer or interior designer who can steer you toward commercial fabrics. You won't be disappointed.

You will always benefit from an artful use of mirrors in a small room. This might include placing a folding, mirrored screen behind a chair or a table in the corner. It could be a leaning floor mirror or one hung on the wall. Never be afraid of a large wall mirror - you can hire a professional installer to securely and safely hang the heavy item.

Consider what reflections you will get by placing a mirror in a specific place in the room in order to avoid an unfortunate or unpleasant sight.

I hate to admit this, but in general women are also prone to adore throw pillows. I've never met a man who loves this accessory item. But women enjoy making a sofa or chair look alluring by piling on these decorative pillows. I have a chair in my living room that has to be cleared of all pillows before anyone can sit on it. I'm not convinced that throw pillows are practical, but I know they certainly create a certain feeling of comfort.

Finally, women might enjoy changing their space by painting a room a daring color. Daring doesn't necessarily mean bold, but it does mean a commitment to a color scheme. From soft pastels to vibrant, citrus-like colors, a distinctive wall hue can work well in a feminine design concept.

• Christine Brun is a San Diego-based interior designer and the author of "Small Space Living." Send questions and comments to her by email at christinebrun@sbcglobal.net.

© 2016, Creators Syndicate

Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked. If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.