Best Home Decor Styles for Small Spaces: Room Makeover Aesthetic Edition

Ray Lam
14 min readMar 28, 2023

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Best Home Decor Styles for Small Spaces: Room Makeover Aesthetic Edition

Decorating a small space can be a challenge, but with the right decor style, you can make the most of the limited space available. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best home decor styles for small spaces, highlighting their unique features and how they can help you make the most of your home.

Minimalist Style: Simple and Functional

Minimalist style is all about simplicity and functionality. The focus is on clean lines, neutral colors, and a clutter-free environment. This style is perfect for small spaces as it maximizes the use of space and creates an open and airy feel. By keeping the decor to a minimum, you can make the most of the available space and create a calming atmosphere that is both stylish and functional.

Characteristics of Minimalist Style

  • Simple and uncluttered: Minimalist design emphasizes simplicity, with a focus on clean lines and uncluttered spaces. Furniture and decor should be functional and practical, with no unnecessary ornamentation.
  • Neutral color palette: Minimalist decor often incorporates a neutral color palette, with white, beige, gray, and black being the most common colors. This creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Natural materials: Minimalist design often incorporates natural materials like wood, stone, and metal, creating a connection to the natural world.
  • Focus on light: Minimalist design often emphasizes natural light and the use of artificial lighting to create a bright and airy atmosphere.
  • Decluttered storage: Minimalist design emphasizes storage solutions that hide clutter and keep spaces organized. This includes built-in storage, shelving, and hidden compartments.

How to Incorporate Minimalist Style Into Your Home Decor

  • Declutter your space: Minimalist design emphasizes simplicity and uncluttered spaces, so start by decluttering your home and getting rid of unnecessary items.
  • Stick to a neutral color palette: Minimalist decor often incorporates a neutral color palette, so stick to whites, grays, and beiges.
  • Incorporate natural materials: Wood, stone, and metal are key elements of minimalist decor, so incorporate these materials into your furniture and decor.
  • Embrace simplicity: Keep your decor simple and streamlined, with clean lines and no unnecessary ornamentation.
  • Focus on functionality: Choose furniture and decor that is both beautiful and practical, with a focus on storage and organization.

Scandinavian Style: Light and Airy

Scandinavian style, also known as Nordic design, is a popular home decor trend that is characterized by a simplicity, light, airy feel and a focus on functionality. The color palette is typically neutral, with shades of white, gray, and beige dominating. Furniture is often minimalistic in design, with clean lines and simple shapes. This style is perfect for small spaces as it creates a sense of space and light, making the room feel bigger than it actually is.

Characteristics of Scandinavian Style

  • Clean lines and minimalism: Scandinavian design is all about simplicity, with clean lines and minimal ornamentation. Furniture is often sleek and modern, with a focus on functionality and practicality.
  • Light colors and natural materials: Scandinavian decor often incorporates light colors like white, gray, and beige, as well as natural materials like wood, leather, and wool. The goal is to create a warm and inviting space that feels connected to nature.
  • Cozy and hygge: Hygge is a Danish concept that roughly translates to “coziness” or “comfort.” Scandinavian design embraces this idea, with a focus on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that is perfect for snuggling up with a good book or spending time with loved ones.
  • Functionality and practicality: Scandinavian design is all about creating a functional and practical space that works for your everyday needs. Furniture and decor should be both beautiful and useful, with a focus on storage and organization.

How to Incorporate Scandinavian Style Into Your Home Decor

  • Stick to a neutral color palette: Scandinavian design is all about light colors and natural materials, so stick to a neutral color palette with whites, grays, and beiges.
  • Incorporate natural materials: Wood, leather, wool, and other natural materials are key elements of Scandinavian decor, so incorporate these materials into your furniture and decor.
  • Embrace simplicity: Keep your decor simple and streamlined, with clean lines and minimal ornamentation.
  • Add cozy touches: Incorporate cozy blankets, pillows, and rugs to create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  • Focus on functionality: Choose furniture and decor that is both beautiful and practical, with a focus on storage and organization.

Bohemian Style: Free-Spirited Creativity

Bohemian style, also known as boho-chic or hippie style, is not limited to just fashion. It is a lifestyle that extends to home decor as well, incorporating the same free-spiritedness, creativity, and nonconformity. Bohemian home decor is characterized by a mix of colors, patterns, and textures that create a vibrant and eclectic space.

This style is perfect for small spaces as it allows you to inject your personality and character into your home, creating a unique and personalized space. The focus is on comfort and coziness, with plenty of soft textures and warm lighting. Bohemian style is perfect for those who love to express themselves and want to create a home that reflects their personality and style.

Characteristics of Bohemian Style

  • Mix of colors, patterns, and textures: Bohemian decor is all about embracing diversity and incorporating a variety of colors, patterns, and textures. Think bold prints, rich jewel tones, and natural materials like wood, rattan, and jute.
  • Eclectic furnishings: Bohemian decor often incorporates a mix of vintage and modern furnishings, as well as pieces from different cultures and eras. Look for unique finds at flea markets, thrift stores, and antique shops.
  • Plants and greenery: Plants are a key element of bohemian decor, adding a natural and organic touch to the space. Incorporate plants in a variety of sizes and shapes, and display them in unique vessels like macrame plant hangers or vintage terrariums.
  • Art and textiles: Bohemian decor is often characterized by an abundance of art and textiles, including tapestries, rugs, and throw pillows. Look for pieces with bold colors and patterns, and mix and match them to create a layered and cozy look.
  • Handmade and natural materials: Bohemian decor celebrates craftsmanship and the beauty of natural materials. Look for handmade ceramics, woven baskets, and other artisanal pieces, as well as natural materials like wood, wool, and leather.

How to Incorporate Bohemian Style Into Your Home Decor

Mix and match patterns: Don’t be afraid to mix different patterns and textures, like a floral rug with a geometric throw pillow. Just make sure to stick to a cohesive color scheme to keep the space from

Industrial Style: Raw and Rustic

Industrial style is a home decor trend that is characterized by its raw, rustic aesthetic. It is inspired by the look of old factories and warehouses, and emphasizes the beauty of exposed materials, unfinished surfaces and a focus on functionality. This style is perfect for small spaces as it maximizes the use of space and creates an edgy, modern feel. The color palette is typically muted, with shades of gray, black, and brown dominating. Furniture is often made from industrial materials such as metal and reclaimed wood, with a focus on functionality over form.

Characteristics of Industrial Style

  • Raw materials: Industrial design emphasizes the beauty of raw and natural materials, like brick, concrete, and metal. These materials are often left exposed, creating a rugged and unfinished look.
  • Vintage and salvaged pieces: Industrial decor often incorporates vintage and salvaged pieces, like old factory lights, wooden crates, and metal signs. These pieces add character and history to the space.
  • Neutral color palette: Industrial design often incorporates a neutral color palette, with black, gray, and brown being the most common colors. This creates a timeless and classic look.
  • Functional and practical: Industrial design emphasizes functionality and practicality, with a focus on furniture and decor that serves a purpose.
  • Minimalist and uncluttered: Industrial design often emphasizes minimalism, with a focus on uncluttered spaces and simple lines.

How to Incorporate Industrial Style Into Your Home Decor

  • Incorporate raw and natural materials: Industrial design emphasizes the beauty of raw and natural materials, so look for pieces made from brick, concrete, metal, and wood.
  • Add vintage and salvaged pieces: Industrial decor often incorporates vintage and salvaged pieces, like old factory lights and metal signs. These pieces add character and history to the space.
  • Stick to a neutral color palette: Industrial design often incorporates a neutral color palette, with black, gray, and brown being the most common colors.
  • Focus on functionality: Choose furniture and decor that is both beautiful and practical, with a focus on functionality and purpose.
  • Embrace minimalism: Industrial design often emphasizes minimalism, so keep your decor simple and uncluttered.

Modern Style: Clean and Sleek

Modern style is all about clean lines, bold shapes, and a focus on functionality. The color palette is typically neutral, with shades of white, gray, and black dominating. Furniture is often minimalistic in design, with a focus on function over form. This style is perfect for small spaces as it maximizes the use of space and creates a sleek, modern feel.

Characteristics of Modern Style

  • Simple and uncluttered: Modern design emphasizes simplicity, with a focus on clean lines and uncluttered spaces. Furniture and decor should be functional and practical, with no unnecessary ornamentation.
  • Neutral color palette: Modern decor often incorporates a neutral color palette, with white, gray, and black being the most common colors. This creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Use of modern materials: Modern design often incorporates modern materials like glass, steel, and plastic, creating a connection to technology and the modern world.
  • Focus on light: Modern design often emphasizes natural light and the use of artificial lighting to create a bright and airy atmosphere.
  • Minimalist storage: Modern design emphasizes storage solutions that hide clutter and keep spaces organized. This includes built-in storage, shelving, and hidden compartments.

How to Incorporate Modern Style Into Your Home Decor

  • Stick to a neutral color palette: Modern decor often incorporates a neutral color palette, so stick to whites, grays, and blacks.
  • Incorporate modern materials: Glass, steel, and plastic are key elements of modern decor, so incorporate these materials into your furniture and decor.
  • Embrace simplicity: Keep your decor simple and streamlined, with clean lines and no unnecessary ornamentation.
  • Add playful elements: If you want to add a more playful or whimsical element to your decor, look for pieces with bold colors or unusual shapes.
  • Focus on functionality: Choose furniture and decor that is both beautiful and practical, with a focus on storage and organization.

By incorporating these elements into your home decor, you can create a sleek and stylish space that embodies the simplicity and functionality of modern design.

Rustic Style: Natural and Cozy

Rustic style is all about natural materials and textures, creating a warm and cozy feel. This style is perfect for small spaces as it can make the room feel inviting and comfortable. The color palette is typically earthy, with shades of brown, beige, and green dominating. Furniture is often made from reclaimed wood, and textiles are usually made from natural materials such as wool, cotton, and linen.

Characteristics of Rustic Style

  • Natural materials: Rustic design emphasizes the beauty of natural materials like wood, stone, and leather. These materials are often left in their natural state, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
  • Warm and earthy colors: Rustic decor often incorporates warm and earthy colors like brown, beige, and green. These colors create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
  • Cozy and comfortable: Rustic design emphasizes comfort and coziness, with a focus on soft textures and warm lighting.
  • Vintage and salvaged pieces: Rustic decor often incorporates vintage and salvaged pieces, like old wooden crates and metal signs. These pieces add character and history to the space.
  • Focus on nature: Rustic design often incorporates elements of nature, like plants and natural materials, creating a connection to the outdoors.

How to Incorporate Rustic Style Into Your Home Decor

  • Incorporate natural materials: Wood, stone, and leather are key elements of rustic decor, so incorporate these materials into your furniture and decor.
  • Add warm and earthy colors: Rustic decor often incorporates warm and earthy colors like brown, beige, and green, so use these colors in your paint and decor choices.
  • Embrace cozy and comfortable elements: Look for soft textures and warm lighting to create a cozy and comfortable atmosphere.
  • Add vintage and salvaged pieces: Vintage and salvaged pieces add character and history to your space, so look for old wooden crates and metal signs to incorporate into your decor.
  • Focus on nature: Bring in elements of nature like plants and natural materials to create a connection to the outdoors.

Mid-Century Modern Style: Retro and Unique

Mid-century modern style is characterized by a retro feel and a focus on function over form. The color palette is typically bold, with shades of orange, green, and blue dominating. Furniture is often minimalist in design, with clean lines and a focus on function. This style is perfect for small spaces as it maximizes the use of space and creates a unique, vintage feel.

Characteristics of Mid-Century Modern Style

  • Clean lines: Mid-century modern design emphasizes clean lines and simple shapes, with a focus on functionality and practicality.
  • Use of modern materials: Mid-century modern design often incorporates modern materials like metal, glass, and plastic, creating a connection to technology and the modern world.
  • Bold colors: Mid-century modern decor often incorporates bold colors like yellow, orange, and turquoise, creating a playful and retro vibe.
  • Focus on functionality: Choose furniture and decor that is both beautiful and practical, with a focus on functionality and purpose.
  • Simple and uncluttered: Mid-century modern design often emphasizes minimalism, with a focus on uncluttered spaces and simple lines.

How to Incorporate Mid-Century Modern Style Into Your Home Decor

  • Incorporate modern materials: Metal, glass, and plastic are key elements of mid-century modern decor, so incorporate these materials into your furniture and decor.
  • Use bold colors: Mid-century modern design often incorporates bold colors, so consider using yellow, orange, or turquoise in your paint and decor choices.
  • Embrace clean lines: Keep your decor simple and streamlined, with clean lines and no unnecessary ornamentation.
  • Add playful elements: If you want to add a more playful or retro element to your decor, look for pieces with bold colors or unusual shapes.
  • Focus on functionality: Choose furniture and decor that is both beautiful and practical, with a focus on storage and organization.

Japanese Style: Simple and Peaceful

Japanese style is all about simplicity and harmony, creating a peaceful and calming environment. The color palette is typically neutral, with shades of white, beige, and gray dominating. Furniture is often minimalistic in design, with a focus on function and simplicity. This style is perfect for small spaces as it maximizes the use of space and creates a sense of tranquility and balance.

Characteristics of Japanese Style

  • Natural materials: Japanese design emphasizes the beauty of natural materials like wood, bamboo, and stone. These materials are often left in their natural state, creating a connection to nature.
  • Simple and uncluttered: Japanese design emphasizes simplicity and minimalism, with a focus on uncluttered spaces and clean lines.
  • Neutral color palette: Japanese decor often incorporates a neutral color palette, with white, beige, and black being the most common colors. This creates a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
  • Use of natural light: Japanese design often emphasizes natural light, with large windows and skylights to bring in the outdoors.
  • Focus on balance: Japanese design emphasizes balance and harmony, with a focus on creating a sense of equilibrium in the space.

How to Incorporate Japanese Style Into Your Home Decor

  • Incorporate natural materials: Wood, bamboo, and stone are key elements of Japanese decor, so incorporate these materials into your furniture and decor.
  • Keep it simple: Japanese design emphasizes simplicity and minimalism, so keep your decor streamlined and uncluttered.
  • Use a neutral color palette: Japanese decor often incorporates a neutral color palette, with white, beige, and black being the most common colors.
  • Embrace natural light: Look for ways to bring in natural light, like large windows and skylights, to create a connection to the outdoors.
  • Focus on balance: Choose furniture and decor that creates a sense of balance and harmony in the space.

Coastal Style: Beachy and Relaxed

Coastal style is all about creating a beachy and relaxed feel. The color palette is typically light and airy, with shades of blue, green, and white dominating. Furniture is often made from natural materials such as rattan and wicker, and textiles are usually made from cotton or linen. This style is perfect for small spaces as it can make the room feel open and airy, creating a sense of relaxation and calm.

Characteristics of Coastal Style

  • Natural materials: Coastal design emphasizes the beauty of natural materials like wood, wicker, and linen. These materials are often left in their natural state, creating a connection to nature.
  • Light and airy colors: Coastal decor often incorporates light and airy colors like blue, white, and beige. These colors create a sense of calm and relaxation.
  • Casual elegance: Coastal design emphasizes a casual and relaxed vibe, with a focus on comfortable furniture and cozy textures.
  • Beachy accents: Look for beachy accents like seashells, driftwood, and nautical ropes to create a connection to the ocean.
  • Natural light: Coastal design often emphasizes natural light, with large windows and open spaces that bring in the outdoors.

How to Incorporate Coastal Style Into Your Home Decor

  • Incorporate natural materials: Wood, wicker, and linen are key elements of coastal decor, so incorporate these materials into your furniture and decor.
  • Use light and airy colors: Coastal decor often incorporates light and airy colors like blue, white, and beige, so use these colors in your paint and decor choices.
  • Embrace casual elegance: Choose furniture and decor that is both comfortable and elegant, with a focus on cozy textures and soft lighting.
  • Add beachy accents: Look for beachy accents like seashells, driftwood, and nautical ropes to create a connection to the ocean.
  • Emphasize natural light: Look for ways to bring in natural light, like large windows and open spaces, to create a connection to the outdoors.

Art Deco Style: Glamorous and Luxurious

Art Deco style is characterized by a focus on glamour and luxury, creating a chic and sophisticated environment. The color palette is typically bold, with shades of black, gold, and silver dominating. Furniture is often geometric in design, with a focus on luxury materials such as velvet and leather. This style is perfect for small spaces as it can make the room feel glamorous and luxurious, creating a sense of opulence and sophistication.

Characteristics of Art Deco Style

  • Bold geometric shapes: Art Deco design emphasizes bold geometric shapes, with a focus on symmetry and repetition.
  • Rich colors: Art Deco decor often incorporates rich colors like gold, black, and deep reds, creating a sense of luxury and glamour.
  • Ornate details: Art Deco design often incorporates ornate details like stylized flowers, sunbursts, and chevron patterns.
  • Use of metallics: Art Deco decor often incorporates metallic finishes like brass, chrome, and gold, creating a sense of luxury and opulence.
  • Focus on luxury: Choose furniture and decor that is both beautiful and luxurious, with a focus on materials like velvet, silk, and fur.

How to Incorporate Art Deco Style Into Your Home Decor

  • Emphasize bold geometric shapes: Art Deco design emphasizes bold geometric shapes, so look for furniture and decor with strong lines and repeating patterns.
  • Use rich colors: Art Deco decor often incorporates rich colors like gold, black, and deep reds, so incorporate these colors into your paint and decor choices.
  • Add ornate details: Look for furniture and decor with ornate details like stylized flowers, sunbursts, and chevron patterns.
  • Incorporate metallic finishes: Art Deco decor often incorporates metallic finishes like brass, chrome, and gold, so look for furniture and decor with these finishes.
  • Choose luxurious materials: Choose furniture and decor that is both beautiful and luxurious, with a focus on materials like velvet, silk, and fur.

Conclusion

When it comes to decorating a small space, the right decor style can make all the difference. Whether you prefer a minimalist, Scandinavian, bohemian, industrial, modern, rustic, mid-century modern, Japanese, coastal or art deco style, there are plenty of options available to help you make the most of your home. By focusing on functionality, simplicity, and style, you can create a space that is both beautiful and functional, no matter how small it may be.

Remember, when choosing a decor style for your small space, it’s also important to consider your personal taste, as well as the functionality of the space. With the right decor style, you can create a beautiful and functional space that reflects your personality and style.

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Source: Best Home Decor Styles for Small Spaces: Room Makeover Aesthetic Edition

Disclosure: This article includes affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you make a purchase through these links.

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Ray Lam

Hong Konger living in United Kingdom, writing mostly about home decor. https://mostdecor.com