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15 May 25

Small Spaces, Big Impact: How to Style Your Tiny Rooms Like a Pro

small yellow and pink bathroom

Small rooms often get a bad rap. While estate agents and property gurus might tout the dream of spacious, open-plan living, I’m here to tell you that small rooms have so much to offer. In fact, I absolutely adore styling them. These little spaces can quickly transform into jewel boxes of delight – costing less, taking less time to decorate, and often packing a bigger punch than their larger counterparts.

Sadly, small rooms often get overlooked, becoming a catch-all for things that don’t have a proper home. But trust me, when you get it right, these compact areas can become the most charming, personality-filled corners of your home. Whether it’s a snug TV room, a cosy guest bedroom, a downstairs loo, or a creative nook, small rooms have the potential to surprise and delight. It’s all about making bold choices, styling smartly, and maximising every inch of space. Want to make your little room feel five times more fabulous? Keep reading…

Don’t be afraid of dark shades

Green Cottage Kitchen with green tiles, a floral wallpaper and velvet accent chair

Green, glorious green! It’s a pattern-packed party in this joyful cottage kitchen. Photography: Tim Young

 

Let’s start strong. A small room painted in a bold, saturated shade can look utterly delicious. People always worry it’ll make the space feel smaller, but it actually makes it feel dramatic, cocooning and rich with atmosphere. I’ll also make the argument that a dark colour can also make a room have more depth and in that way, feel bigger. Plus, the results can be seriously stylish. I love this approach for spaces used mainly in the evening or to retreat to – think of a TV snug, a reading nook or a quiet corner to unwind. You’re not trying to flood it with daylight, you’re creating a moody vibe. My professional tip is to colour drench it, as contrasting bright white ceilings or woodwork will pop out and jar. So go all in.

 

Keep the lighting ambient and adaptable

Lighting is everything. Ditch the harsh overheads and layer it up with wall lights, and lamps. Photography: Tim Young

 

If you do lean into the drama with darker colours, then getting the lighting spot on is essential. Forget the harsh overhead glare of the lonely pendant light, and instead, this is your cue to bring in all those soft, glowing light sources that make a room feel warm and layered. Table lamps, wall lights, and floor lamps – all of them can help highlight intentional areas and add a gentle, golden glow. Put them on dimmers if you can. It’s the secret to creating mood and making the room work all day and night.

 

Supersize for a luxurious feel

Small space? Go big with furniture! Sofa: Love Your Home upholstered with Wonderland Floral in Amethyst. Paint colour: Cordoba by Little Greene. Painting by Sophie Abbott. Dylan Footstool by Love your Home upholstered in Sherbert Stripe Lapis by Harlequin X Sophie Robinson

 

Here’s a tip that might surprise you: going bold with furniture in a small room can actually work wonders. Instead of filling the space with lots of tiny chairs and delicate tables, focus on one or two standout pieces that anchor the room. In our snug, we opted for a massive custom sofa, and it’s quickly become our favourite spot to relax together. There’s something truly indulgent about a room that embraces comfort, even in a smaller space—it maximises every inch without any wasted space. Think fewer pieces, but make them bigger and better. And don’t forget, a key accessory can also elevate the space. Consider a large chandelier overhead, or a striking piece of artwork or a statement table lamp to add that touch of drama.

 

Use bright colour and pattern to build contrast

Go bold with a fabulous wallpaper. Paint colour: Huntsman Green by Zoffany. Rabarber Wallpaper by Borastapeter Photography: Tim Young

 

Small rooms can sometimes feel a bit underwhelming, but you can easily make up for it by injecting bold colour and pattern. My go-to trick is to wrap the room in patterned wallpaper—there’s something about the movement in the pattern that draws the eye in, creating a sense of depth. Bright, contrasting pops of colour work in a similar way, helping to punctuate the space and add that extra layer of interest. These little bursts of colour bring energy and personality to the room, stopping it from feeling flat or too muted. It’s like turning up the volume just enough to make it sing.

 

Layering plush textures adds warmth and depth

From the wallpaper to the hanging plates and vintage art – every surface is doing its bit. Wallpaper: Ottoline Devries, freestanding bath by Burlington, painted in Blazer by Farrow & Ball. Vintage Moroccan rug by Sunday & Story.

So there you have it – five easy ways to give small rooms some serious swagger. You won’t be surprised to hear my advice is never about stripping things back or playing it safe, and never more so than in small rooms. Quite the opposite. Be bold with your colours, generous with your statement pieces, and fearless with your pattern styling. These little spaces can handle it. 

They’re ready for their moment – are you?!

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Before and after! This room took me on a real jour Before and after! This room took me on a real journey.
At first, I thought I needed a calm, blank space to focus… so I painted it all white. I know - can you believe it?! I told myself it was for clarity and creativity, but the truth is, I hated it. I felt flat and totally uninspired.

So, I ripped up the rulebook and went back to what I know works for me: bold colour and big pattern. I painted the whole space in my favourite cobalt blue (Lazuli by @zoffanyfw) and installed the ‘In the Woods’ mural from my @Harlequinfw collection - and now it’s everything I wanted and more.

I feel creative, energised, and completely connected to the beautiful garden just outside the window. A daily reminder to trust your instincts, feel from your gut and be brave. 

#OfficeGoals #CreativeWorkspace #BoldInteriors #BeforeAndAfter #SophieRobinsonStyle 
#CobaltBlue #HarlequinWallpaper #ColourLovers #InteriorDesignUK #InTheWoodsMural 
#DesignForJoy #MoreIsMore
A masterclass in maximalism! 🌈✨ It was such A masterclass in maximalism! 🌈✨

It was such an honour to guest judge the Interior Design Masters final alongside the fabulous @michelleogundehin and wow, what a finale it was!

The setting? The magical village of Portmeirion.
The challenge? Transform a bland holiday cottage.
The winner? The brilliant @john_cooper_design and what a winning design it was! 

John’s scheme was a glorious celebration of colour and perfect  storytelling. I loved how  he used bold Mediterranean hues and motifs from room to room which cleverly held this maximalist vision together. It felt like being whisked away to a land far far away. And thereby perfectly capturing the spirit of Portmerion. Honestly, it felt magical to be there!

I’ve unpacked all Johns clever ideas and design takeaways over on the blog (link in bio) — but I’d LOVE to hear what you thought.

Was John your winner?
What design moment caught your eye?
Could you stay in a house like this?

Tell me in the comments 👇

#interiordesignmasters #maximalistinteriors #maximalistdecor #portmerion #colourlover #banthebeige
Longing for a life-changing escape? You’re not a Longing for a life-changing escape?
You’re not alone. Our next Discover Colour Retreat at @elfennmarrakech just sold out in just a few hours, snapped up by our incredible subscriber community who said yes to more colour, creativity, and the trip of a lifetime. 💫

If you missed out, don’t panic, we’re already planning more dates in this dream of a design destination. Think: bold design, deep connection, sun-drenched inspiration, and the kind of joy that lingers long after you get home.

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Comment ‘ELFENN’ below and we’ll send the link with details + the option to add yourself to the VIP waitlist.

Because beautiful things come to those who wait…
and this one’s worth every second. 🌺

#elfennmarrakech #discovercolour #designretreat #marrakech #moroccanstyle #designinspo
Ready to create a home that feels unapologetically Ready to create a home that feels unapologetically YOU?

For me it’s about bold joyful colour, striking pattern, and those magical touches that light you up every time you walk through the door. This isn’t about playing it safe, it’s about crafting a home that celebrates the uniqueness of who you are and how you want to feel. 

In my exclusive online course How to Create a Maximalist Interior, I’ll guide you through my step-by-step design process—so you can confidently design a space that’s full of heart, soul, and style.

🎉 25% OFF ends TONIGHT! 🎉
Comment MAYJOY below and I’ll send you the link.

And yes, you’ll get a personal tour of my own technicolour home, so you can see exactly how I bring it all together.

Let’s unlock your dream home. One room at a time. 💥
EXCLUSIVE Live with the WINNER of @interiordesignm EXCLUSIVE Live with the WINNER of @interiordesignmasters ! 

Thankyou @john_cooper_design for a beautiful LIVE taking a deeper look into your amazing experience being on the this most loved show. We all loved watching you grow and develop as a designer and your collection with @johnlewis is an absolute triumph! Cannot wait to see what you do next 🙌
All the Finale feels ✨ What a joy was filming t All the Finale feels ✨
What a joy was filming this series of @interiordesignmasters with @michelleogundehin , @chattyman , not mention this year’s insanely talented finalists @john_cooper_design 💙 @ritamillat ❤️ There is a lot of love and positive energy that goes into making this show.

And it doesn’t end here…

TONIGHT at 7pm I’ll be going LIVE right here on Instagram with this year’s winner… SPOLER ALERT….

@john_cooper_design 
I cannot wait to chat all the behind-the-scenes design insights, and what it really takes to win Interior Design Masters. What a smashing journey John has been on. Wow his final design blew me away, it’s was soo well executed and his vision was perfectly in step with the flamboyant eccentricity of Portmerion. Top marks! 

Come join us and ask your questions during this exciting Live event or come back later and watch the replay! 👀

Missed the show? Catch  up with @bbcone  Interior Design Masters on @bbciplayer 

#InteriorDesignMasters #IDMFinal #DesignShow #BehindTheScenes #InteriorDesignUK
Beware of listening to the ‘experts’! I get i Beware of listening to the ‘experts’!
I get it though, designing a house is hard, especially if your taste leans towards the 
maximalist style. There is every chance you’ll feel overwhelmed or stressed about getting it wrong with the end result one hot mess. However here are some of those common ‘design rules’ that I absolutely disagree with! Would love to know your thoughts in the comments below!

If you’re ready to stop playing it safe and fully embrace creating a home that truly reflects you, my specially designed online course has everything you need to keep you falling into any more traps. I’ll guide you through uncovering your unique style, choosing colours with confidence, and mixing patterns like a pro, all while making it feel beautifully cohesive and creative. And the best bit? It’s 25% off until the end of May! That’s right, just a few days left to pick up a massive discount.

Just comment MAYJOY and I’ll pop the link over in your DMs.


#maximalisthome #colourfulhome #interiorinspo #designmyths #interiordesignadvice 
#patternclash #dopaminedecor #banthebeige #maximalistdecor #interiorstyle 
#colourmyhome
Ready to step into your best life? Start with the Ready to step into your best life? Start with the place that holds it all. Your home.

I’ve always believed that a joyful, soul-filled home isn’t just a reflection of who you are… it’s a catalyst for who you want to become. When you’re surrounded by colours that lift you, patterns that energise you, and decor that tells to your story, something magical happens.

You feel confident, calmer. More you.

And if you’re ready to design a home that feels like you, my brilliant online course is here to help.

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Simply comment MAYJOY and I’ll DM you the link to find out more.

Because great design isn’t just about how it looks — it’s how it makes you feel.

And that feeling? It ripples out into every part of your life. 💛🌟

#FeelGoodDesign #JoyfulHomes #MaximalistInteriors #ColourConfidence #InteriorInspo #DesignWithSoul #SophieRobinsonInteriors
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