This post was originally published in 2014. LaTonya is still writing and updates her blog regularly. You should go check it out.
Decorating a small space can be tricky, especially during the holiday season! This is our second year celebrating in our small apartment, and it’s definitely a lot easier than last year. I think when it comes down to it, you’ve got to change your expectations of what Christmas, or any holiday you’re celebrating, is in your mind. Changing your expectations isn’t a bad thing at all. But sometimes with a smaller space, you’ve got to have a bigger imagination and just simply simplify.
There are a few things that I’ve learned along the way that I apply when decorating my small space for this wonderful season!
1. Try to decorate with more natural pieces and natural tones. When you mix a small apartment and loud festive things, chances are your space will feel too overwhelming. Instead of a chunky store-bought wreath, we decided to make our own using a few branches from our tree. And instead of having a large holiday table centerpiece, I used a vintage lace tablecloth to give our space a more festive feel. Since the tablecloth is white, it keeps the room feeling a bit more spacious. You can use things found outside as a centerpiece as well (It’s also a great way to get the kids involved in decorating).
2. Decorate with smaller, more sentimental decorations. If you’re decorating a small space, it’s best to decorate with things on the smaller end. Try using more lights and less ornaments. All the extra stuff just becomes stuff.
3. Don’t be afraid to downsize your tree. Since I have River, and she’s at that age of really developing her own voice and expectations, I want to mold her idea of what a grand Christmas is. Even if we move into a larger space, I don’t want her expecting a huge tree every year. Keeping things small and simple, but still beautiful and fun is important.
I am so excited for yet another holiday in our small space as an even bigger family! Happy holidays! –LaTonya
You have a lovely, lovely place! And I love that family of stockings!
I have to comment, even though it’s already the 22nd! I love these pictures, and the eating area is so pretty with the matching/mismatched chairs! I’ve grown up in a small house and for me, the tree has to be small! We have a potted one we keep inside only a few weeks a year, decorate it with two small battery operated lightstrands, and all 10 of our mini ornaments, and we have instant christmas! Your stockings are beautiful. We keep the baubles and lights in a tinbox the rest of the year, little Storage needed. The tree lives in the garden. Our apartment is 44m2, for two people and a cat. It’s huge for us (I mean..we have a room especially dedicated to working from home!!) but friends and family don’t think so.
Great ideas! My family finally got a living room sofa, but that meant we had to get rid of our large tree! Now, we have a “slim” tree that we keep in our living room. Now we can only hang our favorite decorations. I love your tree! I also love your pretty kitchen chairs.
I love the ornaments!
i love the tabletop christmas tree idea! no matter what size space you have i think it’s such a cute idea. when i was a kid, my mom would let us pick out a mini christmas tree to put in our rooms and it’s my favorite holiday memory!
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@waterlilyshop
Wow this is so cute! I’m in college so I still live in a dorm, but I will definitely save this tips for a rainy day! Keep up the good work LaTonya!
http://little-miss-cara.blogspot.com
Great ideas! Check out our easy DIY holiday tassel garland tutorial at the Always Me Blog.
http://blog.alwaysmeclothing.com/2014/12/11/diy-holiday-tassel-garland/
I love your style
Love this, what an adorable apartment! It looks so lively and fun, no cramped in the slightest.
I moved countries 6 months ago so we sold all our decorations back in Australia. I’m using red apples, pots of herbs and tea light candles for decoration along with red and white fabric (sans christmas print so it can be used any time of year) for tablecloth and napkin and red paper for some cut outs.
Great!
For small spaces i proposed trees on the wall, very easy using washi tape!
http://mykitschworld.blogspot.com.es/2014/12/christmas-sweaters.html
Absolutely beautiful. And the message you are sending is simple and beautiful as well. I love the warmth in what you feel when you did this. Beautiful…….
Great post. So useful for so many people who live in areas where they simply do not have a lot of space. Lovely woman and family!
oh where did you get your beautiful daughters top? So cute!
Such a gorgeous post!
VLOGMAS + IPAD MINI GIVEAWAY
I love LaTonya’s collaborations! More please!
Beautiful, festive space! Thanks for sharing your tips.
Oh, I really liked your place! So cute and cosy! Loved the light blue of the chairs. Have a Merry Christmas! xo
This is very beautiful place, small or not, decorated for Christmas or not! I love the brightness and the colors everywhere. Have a wanderful Christmas!
so beautiful! your son is adorable!
xx nikki
www.dream-in-neon.com