Small Space Design: Photographs as a Design Element

Small space design is difficult because you need to make the most out of what little space you have, so how can you “waste” space by decorating? Easy, when you turn what you wanted to have in the room into a design element. Use photography as decor!

Choosing the Right Pictures

Most of us have more photographs than we could possibly display. It’s essential, especially with small space design, that you don’t go overboard. Selecting just a few examples of your best photography is the best decision when decorating your apartment. Although posed professional photos are attractive, even better design is found in the spontaneous, candid pictures you snap yourself. Look for photography in your collection that shows you and your loved ones at your happiest, caught in moments that really mean something to you.

You can also select photos of places and things, as long as you have happy memories attached to the moment you snapped those photos. Since you’re going to use photos as design, scenery photos can be just as beautiful as works of art–except that they’ll mean even more to you because they’ll have a personal connection.

Editing the Photos

Everyone has easy access to photo editing software these days, so make the most of it. Even if your favorite photos are decades old, you can scan them into your computer or take them to a photo printing booth in a store and use the store’s kiosk to edit the photos as you like. Remove red eye, cut out people and things that you didn’t mean to include in the photo, and whatever else you want to “fix.”

Once you have the photos looking just right, try adding some effects. As a design element, especially in small space design where there’s not a lot of space, you want your photos to stand out. There are effects that transpose your photograph against other images like a beautiful sky and there are effects that sharpen, blur, or distort an image that may somehow turn out more like a work of art after you’ve finished editing. You’d be surprised how gorgeous some moments can be just in black and white.

Choosing the Right Frames

As important as the selection of photography in small space design is the selection of frames. Having a photo professionally framed can be expensive, but you needn’t spend a lot of money. Browse the discount frame selection in a store and think of what you’ve done with your apartment and your photos when you select frames. What’s the color design scheme of the wall, shelf or table you plan on which to display the specific photo? What color would work best with your editing work on the photo? Bold, simple colors can highlight the photo, while wooden frames can blend seamlessly into virtually any environment.

You can also search rummage sales and thrift stores for old frames. Even dirty, chipped frames can make your photo seem more antiquated, which you can use as part of your design element.

Small space design involves making the most of the space you have. Decorate with your own photographs and not only save money, but create a welcoming small space apartment that puts your most cherished moments on display.