Small-Space Solutions: DIY Living Room Décor that Stands Out

Decorating a small living room can feel like a game of Tetris—finding ways to make everything fit without sacrificing style or comfort. But here’s the good news: with a little creativity and a dash of DIY magic, even the tiniest living spaces can shine. The trick? Focus on functional, space-saving projects that double as conversation starters.

Here at OFF THE MRKT, we write a lot about design ideas, and even sometimes about fun DIY furniture. Here are some standout DIY ideas to maximize your living room’s potential while adding personality to your space.

1. Floating Shelves with a Twist

Traditional bookshelves can eat up valuable floor space, but floating shelves provide storage without crowding the room. Instead of opting for plain wood planks, try a unique twist: repurpose old drawers or wooden crates as wall-mounted shelves. We wrote about leveraging floating shelves in 5 minimalist design tips for compact spaces

A light shade of wood goes well with many spaces, or paint them in vibrant colors or a chic matte finish to create visual interest. Bonus points if you line the interiors with patterned wallpaper for a pop of texture.

These shelves aren’t just functional—they’re the perfect backdrop for showcasing small decorative items like candles, framed photos, or other unique items that can tell a unique story for your guests. 

2. Multifunctional Ottoman with Hidden Storage

A small living room requires furniture that works overtime. Build your own ottoman with hidden storage by starting with a sturdy wooden crate as the base. Attach four wheels for mobility and upholster the top with a padded cushion.

Not only does this piece serve as extra seating or a coffee table, but it also doubles as a clever storage solution for throw blankets, books, or board games. For a luxe finish, use a velvet fabric or leather top to elevate the design.

3. Vertical Gardens: Greenery Without the Bulk

Plants breathe life into any room, but in small spaces, bulky pots can quickly become a cluttered mess. Enter the vertical garden: a wall-mounted DIY project that adds greenery without taking up floor space.

Use a wooden pallet or ladder-style frame, attach small pots or mason jars, and fill them with low-maintenance plants like succulents or ferns. This vertical setup not only saves space but creates a lush, inviting focal point for your room. Pair the greenery with subtle ambient lighting for a cozy vibe.

4. Statement Lighting with a DIY Flair

Lighting can transform a small room, making it feel larger and more inviting. Instead of relying on traditional lamps, try making your own hanging pendant lights using inexpensive wire baskets or repurposed mason jars.

For an industrial look, spray-paint the baskets black and add Edison bulbs for a warm glow. Position the lights strategically to highlight key areas, like your floating shelves or decorative focal pieces. The right lighting can even make compact spaces feel expansive and inviting.

5. Small but Mighty Statement Pieces

Every small space deserves one standout piece that draws attention. For DIY enthusiasts, the Tokyo Alley Book Nook is a perfect option. This intricate DIY kit creates a slice of Tokyo’s vibrant streetscape, complete with detailed lighting and architecture. It’s more than décor—it’s a conversation starter that brings personality to a bookshelf or corner table.

What makes this piece ideal for small spaces is its compact, vertical design. It doesn’t demand much room but delivers maximum decor impact. For example, it has a mirror in the back that makes it look like it continues past your bookshelf - adding some extra space to small spaces. Plus, it’s a fun, hands-on project to build, allowing you to infuse a bit of your creativity into the process.

6. Foldable Furniture with Style

In small spaces, flexibility is key. Folding furniture doesn’t have to be dull—craft your own stylish folding screen to divide the room or add visual interest. Use lightweight wood panels and cover them with fabric or woven materials for texture. When not in use, it folds flat against the wall, saving space while still looking chic.

Final Thoughts

A small living room doesn’t have to limit your creativity. With these DIY projects, you can maximize your space while creating a home that reflects your unique personality. Our spaces might be small, but with a little DIY thinking, we can make our spaces that much bigger.

Transforming Spaces: How to Choose the Perfect Wallpaper for Your Room

Wallpaper is a powerful design tool that can transform any space, giving it personality, warmth, and style. With the right wallpaper, you can enhance a room's aesthetic, create focal points, or simply add a subtle background texture. Here’s a guide to help you select the perfect wallpaper for your room, considering aspects like color, pattern, and room function.

Understanding Room Function

1. Assessing the Room’s Purpose

Every room in a home serves a distinct purpose, and the wallpaper you choose should align with that function. For example:

  • Living Room: A place for relaxation and entertainment, the living room benefits from patterns or textures that make it feel inviting.

  • Bedroom: As a personal sanctuary, a bedroom often suits softer tones and patterns that promote calmness.

  • Kitchen and Dining Area: These spaces can accommodate bolder patterns and colors, adding energy without overpowering the space.

  • Home Office: Neutral or minimal patterns work well, as they reduce visual clutter and maintain focus.

2. Matching Wallpaper with Room Size and Lighting

The size and lighting of a room play essential roles in how the wallpaper will look once applied. Dark colors can make a small room feel even smaller, while light colors and reflective textures can make it larger. For rooms with plenty of natural light, bold patterns or landscape wallpaper for walls can add depth and bring an outdoor feel indoors, enhancing the room’s openness. In rooms with minimal light, lighter hues may work better to keep the space feeling bright and inviting.

Choosing the Right Color Palette

1. Coordinating with Existing Decor

When selecting a landscape wallpaper for wall, consider the existing color scheme and decor in the room. Choose colors that complement the furniture, flooring, and other elements. This approach creates harmony in the design and helps avoid clashing tones.

2. Considering Mood and Style

Color plays a significant role in the mood of a room. For example:

  • Warm Colors: Shades like red, orange, and yellow can create a cozy, inviting environment.

  • Cool Colors: Blues, greens, and purples are soothing, and often ideal for bedrooms or bathrooms.

  • Neutral Tones: Beige, gray, and white provide flexibility, making it easier to change the room’s decor over time.

3. Using Accent Walls

If you’re not ready for a full room transformation, consider using wallpaper on a single accent wall. This approach allows you to introduce bold patterns or colors without overwhelming the room. Accent walls work particularly well in living rooms, dining rooms, or bedrooms.

Selecting Patterns and Textures

1. Choosing Patterns Based on Room Size

The size of a pattern can impact how spacious a room feels. Large patterns may look stunning in larger spaces, but they might overwhelm smaller rooms. Conversely, small patterns can add texture and visual interest without making a compact space feel cluttered.

2. Adding Depth with Texture

Textured wallpapers, such as grasscloth or embossed designs, add depth to a room. They are particularly useful in spaces where subtlety is preferred over bold colors or intricate patterns. Textured wallpapers work well in rooms with minimal furniture or accessories, as they can serve as a design feature.

Types of Wallpaper Materials and Their Benefits

1. Vinyl Wallpaper

Vinyl wallpaper is one of the most popular options due to its durability and ease of maintenance. It’s water-resistant, making it ideal for high-moisture areas like kitchens and bathrooms. Vinyl is also easy to clean, making it suitable for homes with kids or pets.

2. Non-Woven Wallpaper

Non-woven wallpaper is made from natural and synthetic fibers, making it breathable and resistant to mold. It’s easy to install and remove, which makes it a good choice if you prefer to update your decor frequently. Non-woven wallpaper is also environmentally friendly, as it’s often made from recyclable materials.

3. Grasscloth Wallpaper

Grasscloth wallpaper is crafted from natural fibers like jute, reed, and seagrass. This material adds a unique, textured look to a room but requires extra care, as it’s more delicate and harder to clean. Grasscloth works well in low-traffic areas such as dining rooms or bedrooms.

4. Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

Peel-and-stick wallpaper is an easy-to-install option, ideal for renters or those who like to experiment with different styles. It doesn’t require glue, making it easy to remove without damaging walls. Peel-and-stick options are available in a wide range of patterns, allowing you to transform a space temporarily.

Determining the Right Amount of Wallpaper

1. Measuring Your Walls

Before purchasing wallpaper, it’s essential to measure your walls accurately. Measure the width and height of each wall you plan to cover, then multiply these measurements to get the total square footage. Many wallpaper rolls include coverage information, so you can determine how many rolls you’ll need based on your measurements.

2. Accounting for Pattern Repeat

When selecting patterned wallpaper, consider the pattern repeat. This term refers to the distance between one pattern element and the next identical element. Patterns with a large repeat will require more wallpaper rolls, as more material is needed to match the design across each strip.

Tips for Installing Wallpaper

1. Preparing the Wall Surface

Proper wall preparation is crucial for a smooth wallpaper finish. Ensure the wall is clean, dry, and free from any cracks or imperfections. For best results, apply a primer to the wall to help the wallpaper adhere better and to make removal easier when you’re ready for a change.

2. Applying the Wallpaper

Start by aligning the first strip at the top of the wall, ensuring it’s straight. Use a smoothing tool to remove any air bubbles as you go. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for gluing or sticking the wallpaper. Take your time with corners and edges for a polished look.

Maintaining Your Wallpaper

Wallpaper can last for years if cared for properly. For vinyl and non-woven types, use a damp cloth to clean any stains or dust. Avoid abrasive cleaning products that can damage the surface. For delicate materials like grasscloth, consider using a soft brush or duster.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right wallpaper can enhance the ambiance of any room. By understanding factors like room function, color palette, pattern, and material, you can make an informed choice that reflects your style. Whether you prefer a bold accent wall or a subtle texture, wallpaper offers endless possibilities for transforming your living spaces.

Stylish and Functional Bathroom Storage Ideas for Every Home

Creating a bathroom that’s both stylish and functional can feel like a challenge, especially when you’re working with limited space. However, with the right storage solutions, you can keep your bathroom tidy while also adding a touch of personality. From sleek shelves to creative use of everyday items, there are countless ways to maximize storage without compromising on style. Whether you have a spacious master bathroom or a compact powder room, these bathroom storage ideas can help you make the most of your space.

Wall-Mounted Shelves for Vertical Storage

One of the best ways to maximize bathroom storage is by making use of vertical space. Wall-mounted shelves can offer both function and a decorative touch, especially if your bathroom is small. You can opt for floating shelves to keep things looking minimal and uncluttered, or you can add industrial-style metal brackets for a more rustic vibe. These shelves are perfect for storing everyday items like towels, toiletries, and small baskets filled with bathroom essentials. Not only do they provide valuable storage space, but they also give you a chance to showcase stylish items like candles, plants, or decorative jars.

Clever Use of Baskets and Bins

Baskets and bins are a versatile storage solution that work well in any bathroom, regardless of size or style. They are perfect for organizing everything from extra towels to cleaning supplies, and they add a touch of warmth and texture to the room. Woven baskets, for instance, create a natural, earthy feel, while metal or acrylic bins offer a modern, sleek look.

You can place baskets on open shelves, under the sink, or even on the floor if space allows. Group similar items together for easy access—one basket can be dedicated to bath products, another to hair styling tools, and another to toiletries. This not only helps with organization but also keeps the bathroom looking tidy and cohesive.

Over-the-Toilet Storage for Small Spaces

For bathrooms with limited floor space, over-the-toilet storage is a lifesaver. This often-overlooked area can be turned into a prime storage spot with a shelving unit designed to fit above the toilet. These shelves come in a variety of styles, from sleek metal frames to wooden designs that complement farmhouse or modern aesthetics.

Over-the-toilet storage is ideal for holding extra toilet paper, towels, and decorative items like candles or small potted plants. It keeps everything within reach without taking up valuable space in other parts of the room. Plus, it’s a simple way to incorporate more storage without the need for any major renovations.

Hooks and Racks for Efficient Towel Storage

If you find yourself struggling to store towels in a way that’s both functional and stylish, consider using hooks and racks. Towel hooks can be mounted behind the door or on an empty wall, allowing you to hang multiple towels without taking up floor space. This approach keeps towels within easy reach and helps them dry faster, too.

For a more traditional look, a wall-mounted towel rack or bar can also do the trick. It provides a designated spot for towels while adding a touch of elegance to the bathroom. If you have limited wall space, look for tiered racks or over-the-door options that maximize storage without cluttering the room.

Medicine Cabinets with Hidden Storage

Medicine cabinets are a classic bathroom storage solution, but today’s designs are far more sophisticated and secure than the ones from decades past. Modern medicine cabinets come with hidden storage that can hold a surprising amount of bathroom essentials, from medications to toiletries. Some even feature mirrored fronts with built-in lighting, offering both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Installing a recessed medicine cabinet into the wall can add depth to your bathroom while freeing up counter space. These hidden compartments are especially useful in small bathrooms where every inch counts. If your bathroom doesn’t already have a medicine cabinet, it’s worth considering one as a simple way to add more storage in an unobtrusive manner.

Under-Sink Solutions for Maximum Efficiency

The space under the sink is often underutilized, but with a little creativity, it can become a storage powerhouse. Adding pull-out shelves or baskets underneath the sink allows you to store cleaning supplies, toilet paper, and other essentials in an organized manner. These simple solutions make it easier to reach items in the back of the cabinet, so you’re not digging through clutter to find what you need.

If your bathroom sink has exposed plumbing or limited cabinet space, a fabric skirt around the base of the sink can hide storage bins and baskets while also adding a touch of charm. This is a budget-friendly way to enhance both the appearance and functionality of your bathroom.

A well-organized bathroom doesn’t have to be boring or sterile. With these stylish and functional storage ideas, you can create a space that’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing. From wall-mounted shelves to clever under-sink solutions, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your bathroom, no matter the size or style. By incorporating some of these ideas, you’ll be able to enjoy a clutter-free, inviting bathroom that feels like a personal retreat.

Modern Design Trends to Improve Your Home’s Market Appeal

If you want to sell your house, you should highlight its appealing aspects so buyers are drawn in. Appropriate design trends can increase your home's market appeal while also making it look new, stylish, and pleasant. 

However, this is not the only consideration; how you show them is as important. You may bring these design aspects to life in your listings by combining staging trends for house sales with professional photography.

Use Natural and Neutral Tones

Neutral tones, of course, are timeless for a reason; they clean up the atmosphere while also letting the buyer's imagination run with his or her style in the space. This trend isn't isolated to white walls; soft grays, beiges, and earth tones balance a room and because of their soothing quality, they can even work as a neutral background for any pop of color through accessories like pillows, rugs, and artwork.

Effective staging plays a huge role here. With furniture and decor bringing balance and harmony by complementing neutral tones, your space photographs so well. Professional photographers can then capture that sense of space: how bright, how open it feels from an angle and with the kind of lighting that would bring these ideas to life.

Open Floor Plans for a Spacious Feel

Open floor plans haven't lost their popularity with consumers for good reason: they make any space feel larger and encourage flow better between living areas. If you do plan on some updates before listing, consider knocking out non-structural walls-or at least, find new furniture that creates open pathways from kitchen to dining to living.

A big benefit of an open floor plan is how you can define each area with great cohesion. For example, a rug may define a living room space, but a sleek dining table can divide the eating area from the rest. This way, you'll have potential buyers envisioning all the versatility this space has to offer a photographer certainly won't have a problem capturing the open, airy feel.

Green Is In: Sustainable and Natural Materials

Green features in a property will attract eco-conscious buyers; thus, the use of sustainable and natural materials would add value to your design. Bringing in old furniture made from reclaimed wood, bamboo floors, rattan chairs, or even stone countertops gives a place a very organic feel and makes it more inviting and compliant with environmentally conscious buyers looking for sustainable aspects.

This will showcase what makes it so attractive. You may stage the natural elements such as indoor plants, woven baskets, and wooden accents to complement the eco-friendly theme. Then, with the right photographer, you'll be able to stress out those textures and details, giving your listing photos a warm, inviting look that buyers can't possibly resist.

Multi-Purpose Rooms: Home Offices and More

Remote work is the new normal, so it's more probable that the next buyer would desire a home office. Point out extra space as a workspace opportunity. Not much would have to be done, at times, just a plain desk, an adequate comfortable chair, and good lighting can convert an unexploited area into a very useful office. 

Because staging the spaces they can have allows them to put in more than what is possible, this will make it easier for the buyer to envision how they can use the space. You can even dramatize flexibility by staging a space as both a guest room and an office. Good photography should go ahead and demonstrate how that space can be utilized for several purposes without feeling cramped and cluttered.

Bringing the outside in

Bring together the outside and the inside. Include some outside elements in your environment. Large windows, sliding glass doors, and indoor plants can all assist in bringing the fresh outdoors inside. Buyers enjoy environments that allow them to feel connected to nature even while they are indoors.

Another important feature is a stepped patio or balcony. Some cozy seating, outdoor lighting, and potted plants can turn an ordinary outdoor space into an attractive extension of the home. When professionally photographed, these spaces add real value to your listing because they can express the extra living areas and lifestyle appeal.

Use modern design trends to make your home stand out in the market. Use modern internal doors, neutral tones, open floor plans, and 
sustainable materials. Create multi-functional spaces and blend indoor and outdoor elements. You can put these elements together in a beautiful arrangement and hire a photographer to take your listing, which will make it attractive and appealing to buyers.