Clever Solution for Small Spaces 2014 Ideas

Don't let your home's little footprint define it; learn how to do more with less! Maximize the tiniest of rooms with these smart decor choices and small space solutions.
These rooms show you that small spaces can be super efficient without sacrificing style. 

I hope you find these ideas useful and inspiring to you ...... Enjoy it !!

Tiny rooms need to be deft multitaskers, so this living room features a long sofa that moonlights as a guest bed. And the ottoman gets a helping hand from a tray, allowing it to double as a coffee table.

With its pale walls and light furnishings, this neutral oasis was the perfect candidate for a color transformation. A few bold pillows, a rug, a throw, and DIY artwork turn up the heat in this compact living space with little effort.

Trading dark upper cabinets for a sparkling wall of vintage look tiles turned this kitchen luminous. Open stainless steel shelves let the tile backdrop take center stage while keeping dishes within reach.

Integrating a recessed daybed into this room's design maximized limited floor space and eliminated the need to buy additional furniture. Cushions and pillows covered with plush fabrics make this alcove cushy and inviting, and overhead lighting offers illumination.

Don't let a tight space cramp your style choices. Instead, look for furniture that can pull double duty. A secretary offers storage and workspace in this small living room, yet neatly tucks away when it's not in use.

Hang an oversize mirror in a dining area to make the room appear larger than it is. Position the mirror opposite a bank of windows to maximize the amount of natural light reflected throughout the space.

An open vanity in this long, narrow bathroom keeps the space airy but doesn't allow for storage. A bumped out ledge and shelving along a nearby wall offers space for bathroom necessities and display items.

Restore order in a playroom with simple strategies to keep toys off the floor but in plain sight. Matching baskets beneath a tiered coffee table satisfy both kids and parents by combining storage and decor in one convenient location.

2014 Clever Solutions for Small Bathrooms Ideas

Even a small bathroom can make a large impact . Start with clever storage - stash your toiletries inside a wall - hung bathroom cabinet with a mirrored door. Invest in a new vanity counter with a solid - surface top as this hardy material is impervious to stains and knocks . A cabinet beneath the washbasin will hold all your cleaning gear and ensure that the tight space stays neat and uncluttered . Ramp up your bathroom's style quotient with unique wall tiles and strong color scheme. There are amazing new tile collections and even reflective neon - type effects on the market . But if bold treatments are not for you , check out the new mosaics . Muted patterns with textured finishes exude a subtle sense of elegance . In this narrow bathroom by space . Matter (below) , the rounded profile of the tiny mosaic tile gives the checkered pattern on the walls the feel of an intricate basket weave . Even though the color scheme is a simple white-on white the ambience is luxurious and chic .

 Now with this model for small bathrooms,I hope you find these ideas useful and inspiring to you ...... Enjoy it !!

No matter their size or style, windows enlarge the feel of a room if they're allowed to transmit light. If possible, leave windows unadorned with clear or frosted glass. Mini blinds, matchstick blinds, or shades that can be drawn to the top of the window are other sleek solutions. Or cover the lower half of the glass with sheer fabric that will admit light but maintain privacy.

Minimize clutter on bath walls by attaching a towel rod to the side of a freestanding vanity. For an extra dash of panache, change out a standard mirror for one with a decorative frame that complements the style of your vanity. A column of drawers between the open shelves boosts storage while keeping the look of the vanity light and open.

Plenty of natural light, wall-to-wall glass shower doors, and white woodwork create an expansive look in this narrow master bath. To live up to its focal point status, the shower is wrapped in luxurious marble mosaic tile. A simple white vanity balances the splurge.

Vanities with cabinet doors are great for hiding personal items, cleaning supplies, and plumbing fixtures, but opening and closing the doors in a long, narrow bath is tricky. Adding a sink skirt to this bath helps disguise the toilet and the sink's plumbing while highlighting the existing decorative red tile border. A Roman shade in the same fabric completes the look.

Trade a standard door for a sliding pocket door to gain additional floor space once reserved for the door swing. Bifold doors (doors that fold up like a screen) can also save space.

Make a ceiling look taller with some visual tricks. A vertical stripe on the walls can give the illusion of a higher ceiling. Wood moldings, wallpaper borders, and tile designs placed where the walls and ceiling meet will also provide a splash of color and help naturally draw the eye upward. Otherwise, choose a wallpaper with a small, airy print or lattice design. Avoid large or busy patterns that will diminish the scale of the space.

Pale and cool colors reflect light, so soft whites, pastels, and neutrals can make a bath feel bigger. Woodwork, trim, and doors will "disappear" if they are painted the same hue as the walls. The effect is enhanced if cabinets and counters are the same color as the walls. To keep a neutral scheme from appearing bland, introduce bold colors through accessories, linens, and artwork.

Mirrors stretch space by reproducing it. Mirroring the long wall of a narrow bath, for example, can change the room's proportions and make it seem wider. Be sure to place mirrors so they reflect the bath's assets whether that's a wall hanging, a panoramic view, or the widest room angle. Two mirrors positioned opposite each other create the illusion of a never ending room.

Glass shelves increase a room's sense of space because they can appear invisible. Items placed on them seem to hover in air a much lighter effect than heavy cabinetry.

Extend the sight lines of a small bath by using a light color throughout the space. In this room, white finishes on the floor, walls, sink, toilet, and shower make the small space seem bigger. Natural light from the window also brightens the space. A few black tiles on the floor and wall add visual interest without becoming overpowering.

Clever Solution for Fix the Most Annoying Home Problems : Fast and Easy

If you had a handyman for a day, what would you have repaired? That's what we asked our Facebook fans, and here are 18 solutions to their most common problems.

Is there any way to make my whole house smell fresh without cleaning it from top to bottom? 
Solution: Sprinkle a few drops of vanilla extract onto your furnace filter. A drop of your favorite essential oil works, too.

I love my old wood floors but hate the squeaks. 
Solution: For a quick fix, sweep talcum powder into the joints of the floorboards that are rubbing against each other. If that doesn't work, you'll need to secure the floorboards to the subfloor. It's easier than you think.

Please fix my running toilet. 
Solution: With a little toilet troubleshooting you can probably fix it yourself. An old rubber flapper the part that seals out water is the most common cause. To make sure, put a couple of drops of food coloring in the tank and wait 5 minutes. If the water in the bowl changes color, it’s your flapper. First rule out the flapper chain. Make sure it’s not too short (the flapper can’t close) or too long (the chain gets caught). If the chain is fine, you need a new flapper. Turn off the water supply, drain the tank, disconnect the chain, and remove. Take the old flapper with you to the store to make sure you get the right replacement.

My double-pane windows always get foggy. What can I do? 
Solution: Sorry, there’s no quick fix for this one. It happens because the original windows weren’t vacuum sealed properly, and moisture isn’t able to wick to the outside. Your best bet is to replace the glass not the entire window. Many local glass companies will remove and replace the glass for a reasonable cost.

I need help hanging pictures and artwork, but first I need to patch the holes from my previous attempts. 
Solution: To patch tiny holes, you'll need a putty knife and patching plaster. If you plan to repaint, look for a plaster and primer in one, like 3M Patch Plus Primer. The first rule when hanging pictures: Don't eyeball it. If you're going to hang multiple pictures, use newspaper to create true-to-size templates of your frames that you can arrange on the wall using painter's tape. Finally, don't align pictures with the ceiling or floor -- they might not be level. Instead, use a level to draw a faint line a few inches down from the ceiling and use that as your starting point.

My ex-boyfriend tried to fix my door, and now the screws are stripped! 
Solution: Stripped screws happen! An easy cure is to place a rubber band between the screw and the screwdriver. The rubber helps grip the stripped screw.

Is it possible to remove rust stains in a porcelain sink? 
Solution: Believe it or not, toothpaste might do the trick. Cover the stain with toothpaste and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Sprinkle with baking soda and rub it out with a clean, soft cloth.

There's a tiny tear in my window screen. Do I have to replace the whole screen? 
Solution: If it's a small tear (not a hole), clear fingernail polish will keep it closed.

What's the secret to a professional-looking caulk job? 
Solution: Like most housework, the secret to caulking is patience and dishwashing soap. Remove every trace of old caulk using a putty or utility knife. Clean thoroughly with denatured alcohol. Once the surface is clean and bone-dry, use painter's tape and tape off the gap, leaving 1⁄4 inch on either side. Squeeze an even bead of caulk along the gap, then use your finger to smooth out the caulk. Remove the tape. Wait for the caulk to skin over (a couple of minutes), then dip your finger in a solution of 1 part dishwashing soap and 1 part water for any final smoothing or shaping, just like the pros.

Is it possible to remove water marks from wood furniture? 
Solution: Cover the water mark with a dry cotton cloth and go over it with a medium-hot iron for several seconds. If that doesn't work, lightly wipe the mark with a cloth dampened with denatured alcohol.

I hate my popcorn ceiling. Is there an easy way to remove it? 
Solution: You're not alone. "How do I get rid of my popcorn ceiling?" is one of the most often heard questions at home improvement stores. The short answer: It's easy to remove a textured ceiling but super messy and tiresome. If your home was built before 1979, test it for asbestos. If asbestos is present, a professional can offer advice on whether to cover or remove it. If asbestos is not an issue, the basics are: Cover everything in plastic, soak small sections of the ceiling with a spray bottle of water, then scrape, scrape, scrape until it's gone.

My drain is clogged. 
Before you call the plumber, try one of these easy, chemical-free fixes.

Solution 1: Baking soda and vinegar. Pour 1⁄2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1⁄2 cup white vinegar. Let sit for 30 minutes to an hour. Repeat if necessary.

Solution 2: If you suspect grease is the culprit, pour 1 cup baking soda and 1⁄2 cup salt down the drain, followed by 2 cups boiling water.

Solution 3: Use a plunger to unclog the pipe. If it's in a sink, cover the overflow hole with a towel. Coat the lip of the plunger with petroleum jelly (for a better seal) and cover the entire drain opening with the plunger. If there isn't enough standing water to cover the rubber part of the plunger, add more. Plunge away. The back-and-forth movement of the water should loosen the clog.

Solution 4: Use a wire coat hanger. Unbend the hanger and form a small hook at the end. Snake it down the drain to break or push through the clog.

2014 Clever Bedroom Makeover from BHG : Before and After

This bedroom was a real snoozer bland, charmless, and dated. But a budget-smart decorating makeover with paint, fabric, and easy-decorating tricks transforms it into a stylish retreat.

BEFORE: Bland Bedroom 

Lacking personality and style, this bedroom was also uninviting and cold. But a budget-friendly makeover provided a fresh outlook.

After: Bright and Cozy 

A palette of cheery yellow, soothing slate blue, and creamy white takes the mood from dreary to dreamy and makes this small bedroom feel light, bright, fresh, and modern.

Customize for Less 

Stock kitchen cabinets from IKEA work great as bookshelves and create the look of a built-in for less. Leave off the backs so wall paint shows through -- it makes a small room feel bigger. Score a little extra storage: Use closed kitchen cabinets as nightstands. On the bed, one body pillow packs the same impact as throngs of throw pillows, and wall-mount swing arm lamps turn on function without taking up space.

Pleasant Surprise 

Line drawers with scrapbook paper for a sunny surprise every time you reach in.

Store in Style 

A vintage cabinet goes glam when old glass panels are replaced with mirrors. The cabinet stashes extra linens and provides plenty of display space for decorative extras.

Sunny and Stylish 

A fresh carpet pattern echoes the vintage window muntins. Mirrors and brass add glimmer to a room that gets little natural light. Creamy white paint on doors and moldings also keeps things bright. Layering curtains over shades gives a luxe look. (We turned the fabric 90 degrees to get a room-stretching horizontal stripe.)

Crowning Glory 

Curtain rods and rings make a modern connection to hand-forged iron hardware on doors throughout the 1930s home. Curtains are hung right under the crown molding to stretch the room vertically.

Vanity Flair 

The sleek but hardworking desk stows home office supplies in one drawer and makeup and jewelry in another. Pullout benches for the dressing table are better than a single chair -- each works as a seat or a table. An eclectic gallery of art arranged around the mirror furthers the vanity area's own unique style blend.

2014 Clever Furniture Arrangement Tips for Small Living Rooms

Make your small living room seem larger with these furniture arranging ideas and smart decorating tricks.

You'll love these ideas to try in 2014! I hope you find these ideas useful and inspiring to you .... Enjoy it !!!!

Choose Visually Lightweight Furniture : Pay attention to the visual weight of furniture, not just its actual size. Light color furniture or pieces with legs appear lighter than dark or boxy upholstered pieces. In this small living area, the leggy chair doesn't obstruct views of the passage or the floor, so the space feels more open. The metal and glass coffee table also consumes very little visual space.

Use Neutral Color Throughout : Using a neutral palette throughout a living room is one of the best ways to push back the walls. The eye can roam freely through a neutral palette, so the space feels more expansive.

Emphasize the Vertical : A room's space always includes more than just its horizontal dimensions. Invite the eye to move above and below eye level. In this living room, emphasis on the vertical comes by way of floor-to-ceiling draperies that hang just below the ceiling beams.

Use Small Scale Furniture : Choose furniture in a scale appropriate for the room and for the people who will use it. The sleek design and small scale of a Saarinen Tulip chair suits a small living room, as does the Parsons table. The armless chair is heftier, but its lines and shape won't make a small room feel crowded.

Play Up the Light : Take advantage of all available light to help enlarge the space. Use white or pale colors, which increase the brightness of a room by reflecting light. Keep window treatments simple and avoid blocking the windows with heavy layers of fabric.

Add Seating with a Window Seat : Turn a window niche into a mini living area with a window seat. Choose slender, leggy furniture for small spaces because they take up less visual space. The eye is fooled into thinking the space is larger because you can see under and through these pieces of furniture.

Add storage without eating up floor space by building shelves into the space between wall studs.

Enlarge Space with White : A small living room escapes feeling constrained thanks to white walls, pale floors, and white upholstery. The elements of the room are united by white, giving the space a cohesive feel.

Carve Out a Corner : In an open floor plan, stake out a section for the living room with two love seats, or one love seat and two chairs, a large coffee table, and a rug. In this space, the seating placement distinguishing a living space from the dining area beyond. Filling the floor space with a coffee table may seem counterintuitive, but using a few large pieces in a small space actually simplifies the room.

Use an Ottoman for a Coffee Table : A large upholstered ottoman doubles as a coffee table when you add trays to provide a flat surface for drink glasses or a vase of flowers.

Scale Furniture to the Space : In a small living room, a narrow bench serves as a convenient coffee table without taking up much space.

Build in Storage : Give a small space grand character and maximum function with a bank of cabinets. This unit incorporates concealed storage with open cubbies, which help the piece feel lighter in the room.

Create Clear Traffic Paths : Arrange furniture to direct traffic around the conversation core rather than through it. In this small living room, the sofa marks the beginning of the seating space. Traffic coming in from the door is directed to go on either side of the sofa, rather than directly through the conversation area.

Keep Colors Light and Soft : Pastel furnishings, white walls, and a light neutral area rug make this living room feel lighter and brighter and therefore larger. The chair offers comfortable seating, but exposed legs, they consume less visual space than a club chair would.