16 Clever Designer Solutions to the Most Common Small-Space Conundrums

Even the tiniest cottage can have major curb appeal. Jessica suggests painting your front door in a bold hue and replacing the exterior hardware. The cost-effective upgrades are details guests will definitely notice. Keep landscaping affordable and low-maintenance by planting drought-friendly shrubs and perennials from the Sunset Western Garden Collection. Top off the look by adding a few potted plants to the porch for an extra touch of greenery.

To combat the claustrophobic feel of a narrow living room, Jessica suggests opting for a neutral color palette and avoiding bold patterns to make the room feel large and airy. Since color and pattern take a backseat, you can go wild with texture. Grasscloth wallpaper, leather seating, linen curtains, and a variety of throw pillows give the space a rich, layered feel. To complete the look, add a semiflushmount instead of a hanging pendant or chandelier to make the ceilings feel even taller and hang curtains as high as possible.

Take advantage of precious wall space by creating a media station that is discreet and beautiful. Jessica suggests thinking outside of the gallery wall box by incorporating gorgeous baskets instead of framed art to distract from the floating TV screen. Keeping baskets in the same color family is Jessica's trick for achieving a clean and uncluttered vibe.

While Jessica wanted to keep the color minimal, she used an accent color throughout the house for fluidity. In this case, a custom-built cabinet in navy ties in with the sofa pillows and kitchen, but it also conceals clutter behind cabinets and displays beautiful objects on shelves.

Just because you have a small kitchen doesn't mean you can't eat in it. Jessica loves the idea of pushing a narrow console against a wall and adding bar stools for a makeshift dining nook.

Eliminating upper cabinets can visually expand a small kitchen. Jessica leveraged the brightening power of counter-to-ceiling white subway tiles paired with white floating shelves for an airy and undeniably stylish effect. If a remodel isn't in the works, Jessica suggests painting cabinets and installing new hardware for a customized look.

If spacious nightstands aren't in the cards, swap in petite side tables and free up table space by installing plug-in sconces that don't require expensive or permanent electrical work.

Like the living room, the bedroom also follows suit with a calming color palette. Jessica chose a single tone and explored a range of shades on the walls, bedding, rug, and accent decor.

Small bedrooms don't necessarily require diminutive art. In fact, Jessica recommends doing the exact opposite by hanging large baskets, textural pieces, vintage finds from travels, and oversize prints to really make a statement.

To make a big design impact in a corner of the room, mix pieces with varying textures. Jessica especially likes the way the leather wall object, wicker chair, and fur throw create a cozy effect that feels curated.

A murphy bed can be the perfect solution for children's rooms that require space to play or a guest room that can double as an office. Jessica likes the idea of hanging something dramatic but soft above the bed, like the woven wall art. The texture adds interest but won't break or budge when the bed is closed.

Katy Milton of California Closets designed the built-in cabinetry to make the most out of a tiny closet. Jessica recommends adding baskets and bins to cleverly conceal clutter while keeping things in order.

Multifunctional pieces like a small desk, which can be used as an extra table surface for displaying decor, doing homework, and being creative, are one of Jessica's favorite small-room staples. If you have multiple pieces of children's art or a group of family photos without the space to hang them, consider investing in the Meural (from $595). It's a digital canvas that gives you instant access to over 30,000 works of art, but which also allows you to upload your child's drawings and rotate between images.

Jessica believes shelving can double as eye candy when you mix in your favorite artwork and accessories.

Create the illusion of more square footage by selecting the right color palette and working in some cosmetic details. Jessica likes to use large mirrors and extra layers of lighting with sconces to make the space appear larger. Keeping the space clutter-free and minimally accessorized is another tricks she recommends for small bathrooms.

If you don't have room for an outdoor sofa or settee, consider using an Adirondack chair with a foot stool that can be moved. Pair it with a small table and you have the basic comforts needed for lounging.