Hosting your loved ones in a smaller home can often feel a bit crowded. Fortunately, there are expert-backed ways to take advantage of even the tightest quarters. If you’re curious about making the most of your home’s square footage for an upcoming gathering, interior designers are sharing their secrets to success.
To learn a little something about maximizing small spaces, I heard from designer Chloe Legras, founder of Boxwood Avenue who splits her time between Reno, Nevada, and Paris, France; and therapist-turned designer Anita Yokota. Below, the dos and don’ts for your next hosting gig.
Thomas J. Story
1. Choose Dual-Purpose Decor
In a smaller gathering space, you want to prioritize decor that does more. Legras suggests what she refers to as a “functional centerpiece,” such as a large platter featuring small potted fresh herbs and ready-made drinks. “When hosting in a cozy setting, it’s important to maximize every element by blending decor with function,” she says.
Yokota agrees, adding that she relies on multifunctional pieces like a rolling side table for drinks or desserts.
2. Prioritize Flow and Flexibility
“A calm, uncluttered path instantly makes rooms feel larger,” Yokota, referring to a teaching in her forthcoming book Grounded Living. Another flow-forward idea? Select more portable furniture pieces, like extendable tables, foldable stools, and stackable chairs. That way, you can quickly and easily stow them away to free up more space later on.
Courtesy of Boxwood Avenue
3. Set the Mood with Lighting and Textiles
Hosting is all about creating the appropriate atmosphere, regardless of your home’s size. “Warm lighting and natural textures turn compact spaces into cozy, welcoming environments,” Yokota says.
Ali Harper Photography
4. Skip the Fluff
When in doubt, don’t overthink your decor choices. “This is a time when less is more, and opting for only the necessities will serve you well,” Legras says. “Skip the fluff, like napkin rings and chargers.”
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