Cottage style decorating, renovating and entertaining Ideas for indoors and out
  • Design Ideas
  • Entertaining
  • Outdoor/Garden
  • Lifestyle
  • C&B Project House
  • Shopping
  • Brand Ambassador
  • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Single Issues
    • Product Collab
    • Ebook
  • Cottage Destinations
  • Events
Join us for a Cozy Christmas in Connecticut!
45K
314K
19K
Cottage style decorating, renovating and entertaining Ideas for indoors and out
0Login
Cottage style decorating, renovating and entertaining Ideas for indoors and out Cottage style decorating, renovating and entertaining Ideas for indoors and out
  • Design Ideas
  • Entertaining
  • Outdoor/Garden
  • Lifestyle
  • C&B Project House
  • Shopping
  • Brand Ambassador
  • Shop
    • Subscribe
    • Single Issues
    • Product Collab
    • Ebook
  • Cottage Destinations
  • Events
0
small space decorated with statement wallpaper, white cabinet, vintage books and armchair
  • Brand Ambassador
  • Design Ideas

Small Space Decorating: Less is More

  • February 19, 2025
  • Written, styled, and photographed by Emily Traxler
Total
13
Shares
0
0
13

Style a well-proportioned small space with statement wallpaper and accessories.

When it comes to small space decorating, dramatic, statement-making wallpaper and murals are everywhere, and we approve! Quality papers in both permanent and peel-‘n’-stick versions come in such a wide variety, so it’s not difficult to find one that fits your style.

But once it’s up, then what?

We asked Emily Traxler, a top-3 finalist in our 2022 Brand Ambassador search, for her tips on for small space decorating with wallcoverings in mind.

statement floral wallpaper with vintage mirror and cabinet and armchair
Before

“My entryway is small, yet I knew it could be full of charm and character if I put some thought into it. I decided to add a large-print wallpaper (from Photowall), and it truly elevated the space and set the tone for the rest of my home.

When I add décor to this area, I like to keep the wallpaper as the main focal point. In the “before” photo above, I tried several of my favorite pieces, and although I love them, they simply don’t work in the space. The mirror hides too much of the beautiful pattern; the table is too full of florals and candles; and the basket of pillows alongside the chair is overwhelming and distracting. Your eye doesn’t know where to land, and suddenly, the wallpaper loses its star billing.

small space decorated with statement wallpaper, white cabinet, vintage books and armchair
After

In the “after” photo, my white cabinet works perfectly. It doesn’t get lost in the wallpaper pattern, nor does it compete with it. Because the wallpaper has a very natural, yet romantic, feel, I kept my accessories in line with that vibe by using large, flowering branches, clear cloches and vintage books. I finished the softer look by adding a cozy throw and a few neutral pillows.”

Emily’s Tips

  • Choose a large-patterned wallpaper or mural for a small space—it really works!
  • Edit your décor after your first attempt. Less is usually better in a wallpapered space.
  • Select décor elements that complement the overall feel or mood of your wallpaper.
  • Avoid overcrowding on any surfaces directly in front of wallpaper.
  • If you want the wallpaper to be the focal point, don’t cover up your wallpaper with large mirrors or artwork.

To see more of Emily’s home visit her on Instagram @le.cultivateur.

For more wallpaper tips and inspiration, read on here. Of course, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Pinterest to get your daily dose of cottage inspiration! 

Total
13
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 13
Related Topics
  • neutral palette
  • small space decor
  • statement wallpaper
  • Vintage Vignette
Emily Traxler

Previous Article
styled inside of refrigerator with floral lights, woven baskets, ceramic bowls and small vases of flowers
  • Design Ideas

How to Style The Inside of Your Refrigerator

  • February 13, 2025
  • Produced by Kelly McMaster
  • Styled and photographed by Lynzi Judish
View Post
Next Article
cottage bedroom with white sheets and blue comforter
  • Lifestyle

Understanding Thread Count

  • February 23, 2025
  • Written by Family Features
  • Featured image photography by Bret Gum
View Post
You May Also Like
View Post
  • Design Ideas
  • Renovation

Cape Cod Cottage Classic 

  • Written by Laura Shimko
  • July 30, 2025
Handmade wooden dining table surrounded by intricate dining chairs, looking out a large wall of windows next to a fold down bar.
View Post
  • Design Ideas

Vintage Decor in a Charming Historic Lake Cottage

  • Written by MERYL SCHOENBAUM
  • Photography by BRET GUM
  • Styling by SHANNON GGEM AND JICKIE TORRES
  • July 30, 2025
View Post
  • C&B Project House
  • Design Ideas
  • Featured

Illuminating Homes for a Century: The Story of Capitol Lighting/1-800 Lighting

  • Kelly McMaster
  • July 18, 2025
exterior view of 1926 Tudor home with floral wreath flag and sculpture of man holding a lamp
View Post
  • Design Ideas

A Timeless Tudor

  • Written by Kelly McMaster
  • Photography by David Sparks
  • June 15, 2025
View Post
  • Design Ideas

Colorful Coastal Cottages

  • by
  • June 8, 2025
View Post
  • C&B Project House
  • Design Ideas

Introducing Southern Crafted Shutters

  • Kelly McMaster
  • June 5, 2025
Retro kitchen with yellow tile and stove and black accents.
View Post
  • Design Ideas
  • KITCHEN
  • Shopping

15 Retro Kitchen Appliances You’ll Love

  • Written by Jickie Torres
  • June 4, 2025
Modern cottage great room with exposed beams, classic blue rug and cream colored sectional surrounded by walls of windows.
View Post
  • Design Ideas

Understanding the Modern Cottage

  • Written by WILL LE VIN
  • May 28, 2025
  • Author Bio
Emily Traxler

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CAPTCHA Image



Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign-up to receive the best of cottage style directly in your inbox!
  • Cozy Elegance:The Final Reveal

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up to receive the best of cottage style directly in your inbox!

Cottage style decorating, renovating and entertaining Ideas for indoors and out
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ
  • Newsletter
  • Do Not Share My Personal Info
Copyright © 2025 Cottages & Bungalows

Input your search keywords and press Enter.

We use cookies to optimise our website and give you the best experience on our website. ACCEPTREAD MORE
X