Designing for small space: Bedroom suite

Armande canopy from my Interieurs Collection

Designing a small space can be challenging and one common mistake is to think "small" in terms of furniture pieces. I would rather place larger but fewer pieces and keep a tight design theme. A small bedroom can be inviting, soothing in dark colors and antique furniture, fun and bright, or light and airy.

I finally gave a "new take on life" to what used to be a maid's room and bath. I could not even bring myself to show the "before" as this small bedroom and bath was beyond any help and had not been touched in more than 20 years. The bathroom received the occasional "cosmetic" touch but was in dire need of a total gut job. No longer a maid's room, this bedroom now functions as an occasional guest room.

The room faces East and North, the floors and walls were painted in different tones of Benjamin Moore whites. Some doors were removed and walls added to create a small entry of sorts and give this out of the way space, its own identity.

This back bedroom received its first guest last week end...

This bedroom, once a maid's room is at the end of a corridor, and I felt it needed an entrance to give the small space its own identity. Jose Esteves sconce and sculpture frame the entry.

Entering the bedroom from the small hall-The fabric for the shade and curtains was handwoven in Majorca, Spain and the blanket came from Guatemala. This blanket kept me warm many cold nights in the very high hills of Guatemala and Belize.

Jose Esteves chandelier, unique piece created for one of his first collection for Interieurs

The bathroom

The bathroom was done entirely in white as its size is minuscule.The fixtures were all purchased on line, with modern Philippe Stark deep tub, contemporary faucets and traditional subway tiles with pencil details. The floors and tub surround are pure white marble.