By Bryn Dunn

1. Mirror Makeover: The entryway is usually one of the smallest spaces in a home. Whether you have a designated one or just a hallway, adding a mirror or making over an existing mirror is one of the easiest decorating updates you can do, plus it helps the space feel bigger. Try finding an antique mirror at your local thrift store and hang it with its existing years of patina. Or, if you’d like a more contemporary look, spray paint an old mirror with a can of high gloss paint.

2. Stairwell Gallery: Transform unused wall space in your home’s stairwell by displaying a gallery wall of photos. Here’s a designer tip: Purchase inexpensive frames from craft stores or used frames from thrift stores and have mats custom made to fit the frames and your pictures. This helps create a custom look for much less than what you’d likely spend if you were to get all of your photos professionally framed.

3. Floating Shelves: They not only look good, but are very functional as well! Hang three or four floating shelves on the wall above the toilet. Then, add vases and baskets to store items you don’t need every day. This is a great way to increase the storage in a small bathroom and helps creates a spa-like feeling, too.

4. Frame Collection: If you have an empty wall in your home, like above a cabinet or chest, try covering it with an eclectic collection of frames. Find frames that are all different—wood and metal, gold and silver, large and small—and display together in the small space. When it comes to collections, more is more!

5. Live Plants: In regards to displaying plants in your home, live is always better! Create a dish garden by planting collections of indoor plants in small teacups or vintage dishes and display in the small, cozy nooks of your home.

6. New Lighting: You can easily update a small space by swapping out the lighting. Here’s a designer tip: Play with scale by putting a large pendant light in a small space like a powder room or small bedroom. Just make sure it’s hung high enough so people don’t hit their heads!

7. Layers: Maximize space and add a designer look by layering furniture pieces. For example, add a couple lidded baskets or storage stools underneath a long console. You can utilize the stools for storage while creating a cozy layered look.

8. Small Lamps: Try perching a small lamp (around 10” high or less) on a desk, bookcase or your kitchen counter. Not only does it add extra light, it adds drama, too!

Bryn Alexandra Dunn is an interior decorator and design blogger. Bryn started blogging in 2008 and used her blog as a personal creative outlet for her love of interiors. She eventually started designing interiors for her readers. In 2010, Bryn left her day job to pursue her lifelong dream of decorating full time, and Bryn Alexandra Interiors was born. Bryn lives and works in Charlotte, NC with her husband Matt and continues to blog at brynalexandra.blogspot.com.