Decorating Ideas to Jumpstart the New Year.

Casa al Diá, a magazine published in Madrid, recently offered some inspiring ideas for those wanting to utilize every bit of square footage in a small home. Aesthetically. Functionally. Smartly. For instance, they suggest partitioning a space within another to accommodate guests. Pictured below, they show a sofa-bed -- or it could be a daybed, if you prefer -- set off in an alcove where curtains can be drawn for privacy. Or leave open the drapes to provide extra living room seating:

An acrylic or glass wall creates a nice translucent divider that invites light and still provides a sense of separation. Below, guests who enter the foyer of this small home or condo don't feel as confined as they might with a solid wall. The owners also have a nice place to arrange a small table with chairs:

The other side of the room is pictured below. The owners use acrylic again in the table they chose to place in front of the sofa. And they play with a little bit of color on an accent wall and with accessories. (I like the suspended shelving to the right....) The modern touches reinforce the simplicity of the space and its lightness. 

Own a dull or dated-looking chest? Here's a solution for a quick redo: Remove the drawers -- and knobs -- and apply a favorite, vintage or left-over wallpaper to jazz up the look. Instead of re-installing typical pulls, how about rope for handles?

Are you a collector? Well, make your own customized shadow box using a decorative frame. Take an old drawer or construct a box to fit on the backside. Here's your inspiration:

Happy New Year.

Wishing you and yours the very best 2011 offers!

Love Where You Live