Even if you already have blinds in your bedroom, it’s a good idea to add some curtains. Not only does this make the walls taller, it also makes the office feel cosier.

Light up a modern living room with colourful sparkles! A cross section in bold blue upholstery brings a wow factor to this industrial area. Anchor the space with a geometric rug and large abstract artwork for an industrial feel.

Blue accents make this transitional living room look great! A subtle blue carpet is the ideal basis for bright and tidy furniture with wooden elements. The throw pillows and blue accents blend with the carpet, making this space calm and focused.

Modern Farmhouse dreams of this living room. The seating arrangement with two gorgeous white sofas flanking the fireplace creates drama and quite a stunning effect! The neutral colour scheme lets the furniture show through, and everything is offset by an unexpected but welcome blue accent on the distressed carpet.

Would you like to recreate the feeling of relaxation and freedom that a day at the beach gives you? Look no further; this coastal-inspired living room design captures the breezy feel of beach living without being flashy with the decor. Rattan accent chairs, a navy and white colour scheme, and organic accents come together for a simple yet upscale space that’s perfect for anyone looking for a little escape from the everyday.

If you have hardwood floors, it’s important to think about how to balance them with other tones of wood. The easiest way is to add a rug or two to visually separate things. It’s also great if you don’t like wood grain on your floors; bold rugs that coordinate with the colours and patterns of the furniture draw attention away from the floor. In this living room without carpet, the hardwood floors and wooden furniture would feel oppressive. Instead, the rug helps unify the texture of the wood and anchors the space with a cohesive look.

Stepping back and seeing how all the pieces in this room are connected helps create a flow. The pieces have different textures and colours for a warm feel. Rustic charm runs through the entire room.

Who doesn’t love the atmospheric use of colour in the right room? This living room combines warm, earth-toned decor with jewel-toned walls to create a refreshing style that’s truly a different (and exciting) colour!

Industrial and American styles are a really elegant combination, as can be seen in this bold living room design. No wonder these two couples understand so well how much of what we perceive as uniquely American stems from the industrial manufacturing that influenced the stylistic movement.

Antiques don’t always have to be on display. Sometimes, incorporating antique furniture as a subtle accent is just that. Below, we use an antique suitcase as a coffee table. and a side table with integrated storage space, no less! Overall, the piece is a mix of modern and traditional lines, making this suitcase a natural fit.

A tan leather sofa is a great piece of furniture, regardless of the style of your living room. Give it a colourful and modern eclectic touch by pairing it with an industrial metal coffee table and a blue geometric rug. Then mix it up by layering more pillows, artwork, a woven ottoman, and cool lights. It all adds up to a fun and bold yet inviting look.

Who wouldn’t love to spend an afternoon by the window in this charming mid-century modern space? A soft faux-fur rug underfoot and an extra-large accent pillow add plenty of comfort to this beautiful space.

The depth and drama of this mid-century modern bedroom gem are paired with a lightweight slatted bamboo bed and modest side tables to balance the visual weight of the space. The addition of sophisticated and elegant textures enhances the simplicity and purity of mid-century modern furniture. A jewel-coloured rug, a modern Scandinavian velvet armchair, and a sheepskin rug are simply irresistible!

This transitional living room has a cozy and luxurious gray segment that offers an easy place to relax in the evening. A layer of rugs, cushions and baskets add textural elements that provide comfort

This transitional living room has a cozy and luxurious gray segment that offers an easy place to relax in the evening. A layer of rugs, cushions and baskets add textural elements that provide comfort

From simple and elegant dining chairs to a unique modern pendant light, this dining room is elegant. Contrasting black and white colours are a trendy look for a minimalist design. With clean, minimalist features, this space feels open and airy.

A mix of warm, neutral, and cool grey tones make this living room chic and an inviting place for conversation. The contrast of a grey wall with warm furniture in the foreground helps define the seating area and brings out interesting details on the back wall.

A soft, high-pile rug in vibrant turquoise brings this subtle transitional bedroom to life with a fun, modern take on the traditional Turkish rug. A selection of patterned cushions effortlessly blends the rug into the rest of your space.

Interior Design / Transitional Spaces / Small Spaces

An Intentional Design for an Overlooked Space

The spaces between rooms are easy to ignore. With a console, artwork, lighting and a carefully selected bench, an overlooked transition can become one of the most memorable moments in a home.

A transitional space becomes intentional when furniture, artwork and lighting are composed as a single visual moment.

The overlooked space deserves a design decision

An intentional design for an overlooked space begins with recognizing that hallways, transitional zones and small corners are still part of the experience of a home. They connect rooms, establish rhythm and can provide an opportunity for artwork, storage or a small seating moment.

The original concept behind this design approach is simple: create a small vignette rather than allowing a transitional area to remain empty. A console table, wall decoration and overhead lighting can give the space purpose, while a gallery wall anchored by a bench can create another layer of visual interest. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}

A narrow wall can become a composed interior feature with the right proportion of furniture, artwork and negative space.

Think of the transition as a room

A transitional space does not necessarily need to function as a traditional room. Instead, think of it as a visual pause between two larger spaces. The design should be deliberate without competing with the rooms around it.

• Define a clear focal point.
• Choose furniture appropriate to the available width.
• Use artwork to establish personality.
• Add lighting that supports the composition.
• Leave enough negative space for comfortable circulation.
• Use one cohesive material or color connection.

Three Elements / One Intentional Composition

A console, a gallery wall and a light can completely change the space.

01 / CONSOLE

The console table

A slim console introduces furniture without taking over the circulation zone. Style it with a restrained collection of objects.

02 / ART

The gallery wall

A collection of artwork can turn a blank wall into an intentional visual destination without requiring major construction.

03 / LIGHT

The lighting layer

A pendant, wall light or carefully positioned lamp can give the composition depth and make the space feel finished after dark.

Not sure what to do with the transitional spaces in your open house? Consider creating a small vignette to make this space intentional. All you need is a console table, some wall decorations, and maybe even a lamp hanging overhead. Or create a gallery wall anchored to a bench. (Or, in the case of this house, do both! These types of design hacks make what might be an overlooked space look thoughtful and designed.