Smaller rooms can be a popular place to gather in the house. Friends and family are able to sit close and enjoy conversation. The problem with small rooms seems to be that they clutter way too easily. The potential of a small room is huge, if you know exactly what to do with the space. Southern Living Associate Photo Stylist Alan Henderson revamped his den when he decided that it needed to be a more inviting space. Check out his work for some inspiration:

This is the space Henderson started with, a small room lacking that comfy, cozy feel.

Henderson’s finished product- He kept his existing furniture and re-covered it with fabrics (a great way to revamp and save money) that flowed with the color scheme of the room. Solid velvet and synthetic suede paisley in golds and browns provide just enough contrast but still work together. Nail heads add a decorative touch and delineate where the two fabrics meet.

An oversized ottoman was changed into a coffee table. It’s a versatile piece of furniture that you can prop your feet on or you can toss a colorful throw on it to look more formal. Furniture can do double duty is always a great addition to any room. Use your imagination and you’ll come up with endless possibilities.

Textured walls are sometimes the most striking change in a makeover. Henderson went with grass cloth because it has a natural weave. He liked how the black tones behind it draw the darker colors throughout the room in, like the chocolate brown on the windows.

For more inspiration, visit the Southern Living site.

Photo credit: Laurey W. Glenn via Southern Living.

Interested in creating a new summery look in your in your kitchen? Consider tiling your patio and kitchen  floor with black and white mosaic tiles! While the idea seems simple, the outcome will be a dramatic one that seamlessly brings the outdoors right inside. Take a look at these mosaic tile examples from CocoCozy.

Photo Credit: CoCoCozy

Rome, Italy is where we are headed today! Rome is one of those places that was very intricately planned, from the stones that marked the paths of the streets to the carvings in stone buildings. Designer Erin Schlosser of Fresh Nest Design recently visited Europe and shared some great pictures on the Fresh Nest blog. Here are some favorites:

These basalt paver stones mark the path at the Roman Forum. Julius Caesar was just one of the many Italian greats who walked this path.

Architectural ruins from the Roman Forum… although simple, they are beautiful and were meticulously carved.

The Colosseum… need we say anything other than “Wow!”

 For more pictures of Italian stone architecture, visit Fresh Nest Design.

Photo credit: Erin Schlosser via Fresh Nest Design.

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