How to Make a Small House into a Jewel Box

Sun-drenched rooms, fresh flowers, subtle splashes of color that delight the eye and gorgeous fabrics covering sofas and chairs that are irresistibly comfortable.

This is the look and feel of small home living in what I call a Jewel Box Home.

How do you make your small house into a Jewel Box?

Start with these five steps.

1. Put rooms on a diet. Too much furniture is a common problem in small homes. Get rid of pieces that aren’t needed for a room’s main function. This opens up natural walkways and creates space so a room can function as intended.
2. Downsize furniture. Oversized pieces look good on a showroom floor, but overpower a small area. Proportion is the key. Smaller pieces for smaller rooms. For example, use a love seat instead of a sofa, and a buffet instead of a china cabinet.
3. Keep wall color in its place. Wall color is the background for a room, not the focal point. In a small home it is best to use a neutral color throughout the house or a variety of shades from the same color family. This way your eye flows naturally from room to room making the space feel harmonious.
4. Add a little black. A dash of black is an important accessory in any room and makes other elements pop. A black lampshade or black leather chair seat can add the perfect touch.
5. Flower power. Flowers are an important, often overlooked accessory. These are living works of art that automatically add color and beauty to any room. Find at least one place in your home for fresh flowers and plan to change these often.