Pulling together a comfortable, stylish living space is always a struggle, regardless of the size. But variable in postage-stamp proportions, and you’ve got a true conundrum on your palms. The area has to work for both entertaining and solo nights in your home, provide enough seating for guests and also telegraph your own style. This month, I’ve tracked down finds for a comprehensive living space program that’s perfect for a little space. Packed with flexible, smart designs and an elegant colour palette, there’s guaranteed to be something that you (and your teensy living room) will adore. — Laura from Lolalina
Rowen & Wren
Barnaby Button Backed Sofa – GBP 988
This stunning button-back sofa from UK new Rowen & Wren has a traditional look that will serve you well for many years to come. The soft grey color and petite proportions (it is a two-seater) make it super flexible.
Serena & Lily
Hammered Steel Tray Table – $225
A Moroccan tea tray on a stand makes a unique stand-in for the typical coffee table. Additionally, it can be folded up when not needed. If you would like more table space, position a set of these tables in front of the sofa.
Etsy
Houseplant Clock, Large, White Oak by Decoylab – $68
After relying on electronic devices all day , it is refreshing to have a small break in your home and indulge in some good old-fashioned analog pleasure. This adorable flower vase–shaped clock from Decoylab is guaranteed to brighten your mood — and keep you punctual.
Douglas + Bec
Ecru Gluck Pendant – $513.14
Add texture and conserve floor space with this particular sculptural pendant lighting. The knitted cover creates a soft, luminous effect and provides interest even if the lighting is off.
canvas
Pilmlico Bedroom Chair, Duck Egg Linen – $1,830
An armchair with straight sides takes up less floor area whilst still managing to be comfy. This one from Canvas is coated in a sumptuous light pink linen that works like a neutral.
ferm LIVING
Melt Cushion, Large – EUR 67.50
The contemporary, graphic print on this pillow from Ferm Living are a fun accent for the sofa or armchair, and the palette joins from the hues of both pieces.
Haus Interior
Facet Rug, Charcoal & Cream – $495
You truly can’t go wrong with a crisp, geometric rug. It adds subtle layout, grounding the furniture arrangement, and the smaller-scale print won’t interfere with your other decor.
canvas
Papier Mache Stool
This lovely papier-mâché stool is guaranteed to be a favourite piece. Handmade from Haiti from recycled materials, it is as flexible as they come. Use it as a footrest, side table or extra seat in the living room now, and if you want a change, it can take the place of your nightstand.
Anthropologie
Lace Market Circle Knob – $10
I always keep an eye out for unusual knobs and hardware because they can make all the difference in changing an easy or thrifted part of furniture to something really special. The glint of gold on this grey knob from Anthropologie would add a welcome note of glamour into the space.
IKEA
Ikea PS 2012 Chest and Add-On Unit – $549
Ah, but where to place those knobs? How about on this storage piece from the new Ikea PS 2012 Collection? The small scale is perfect in a petite living space, along with the drawers and cabinet would provide much-needed storage room in tight quarters. Stain or paint it into your selection of hue (I would go with chalky white, gray or duck-egg green), swap out the knobs, and you are done!
Schoolhouse Electric
Pullman Walnut Credenza – $2,650
Not in a DIY mood? How about this sleek and chic little number from Schoolhouse Electric? Tucked against a wall, this would be the perfect spot for that Mad Men–inspired bar tray or old-school turntable.
Etsy
Snug.Buttonboard by Snug.Studio – $27
If a pub tray is not really your style, try out a tea tray instead! I love this fun wooden button board from Snug.Studio. Use it as a trivet to your hot teapot and favorite cups.
Etsy
Mint Green Pastel La Vie Est Belle Print by Field Trip – $18
No living area is complete without art, and I love the new minty colour and lovely sentiment of the print from Field Trip’s Etsy store.
Anthropologie
Attache Bookcase – $998
Every living area worth its salt needs a place to home which burgeoning library, also this bookcase from Anthropologie will do the job without overpowering a little space. With a thinner top and open , this airy piece appears mild and easy.
IKEA
Ikea PS 2012 Glass-Door Cabinet, White – $429
As a budget-friendly alternative to the Attache bookcase, try out this new glass-front version from Ikea’s new PS Collection. The glass cabinet fronts behave like curio boxes, changing even the most ordinary piles of publications to some chic statement. To get a more personal appearance, try customizing the piece by painting just inside the doorway frames in pale blue or yellow.
Douglas + Bec
Faceture Vase, Yellow – $370.24
Of course, if you are going to have a bookcase, you are going to want to design it up — that is where this distinctive faceted vase comes from. As eye catching with or without flowers, it will add interest to a piles of books.
West Elm
Stone House Doorstop – $29
This modern, house-shaped doorstop from West Elm is both adorable and amazingly versatile. It’s true that you can use it to hold open the door while you bring on your shopping bags, but I would be tempted to use it as a bookend or play up its sculptural form by putting it on the credenza as an art object.
Folklore
Dip Seat – GBP 395
Even if your living room is tiny, it is wise to fit in three or more areas to sit. For the third chair, I would choose something hard (i.e., not upholstered) but with arms, so it feels comfortable to sit in for longer intervals. Rather than let it float in the room, pull your extra chair up to a cute little desk so that it can do double-duty. My selection is based on a classic Windsor chair, but it is updated with a new dip-dyed paint job.
Schoolhouse Electric
Wedgwood Maple & Walnut Desk – $1,595
If you reside in a little home, your”workplace” may want to share space with your living space. The solution? A clean midcentury layout similar to this desk from Schoolhouse Electric. It is smart enough to mingle with your other living room furniture, along with the sleek open storage area will inspire neatness, hopefully.
ferm LIVING
Wire Basket, Rose – EUR 58
From shelves and cabinets to bins and baskets, storage in a little area is always welcome. This rose-colored cable basket from Ferm Living could be used in a lot of ways: Corral children toys, newspapers, firewood or whatever is currently cluttering up your living room.
More: House Tour: Bohemian Elegance in a Small Space