When it comes to home decor, Derek “Deek” Diedricksen can't help but think small.
His personal obsession with tiny living spaces led him to launch his YouTube channel, Relaxshacks.com, and do some hosting and design work for HGTV and DIY Network.
In Diedricksen's new book “Microshelters” (Storey, $18.95), he takes readers inside some of the smallest shelters — most under 100 square feet — in the country.
For Diedricksen, the appeal of small spaces includes everything from their ease of building and maintaining to their coziness and cost-effectiveness. He appreciates that they are easier and cheaper to decorate and offers helpful advice, including his PLB trick — for pillows, lanterns and books — as sure-fire ways to spruce up any space.
He's big on carefully chosen knickknacks, such as vintage toys and homemade or old artwork, like the painting of a bug-eyed Boston terrier he found at an antiques mall that graces the walls of his Massachusetts home.
Question: What is the most important thing to consider when thinking about decor in a small space?
Answer: You have to be realistic when you're thinking about what will work spatially, and a lot of it comes down to budget. You can do things with leftover materials or things you find at yard sales. I'll never buy something oversized. There's only so much you can cram into a tiny space. When you overdo it, it becomes claustrophobic and cluttered.
Q: What are some easy ways to combine decor and functionality?
A: The smaller the space, the more you have to bring the two together. Instead of hanging art, you can use different styles of wood to create a chevron pattern for the wall. That way, the wall itself is functional, but it's decor as well. You can put paintings on hinges and have medicine-cabinet style space behind them. You can have fun coffee tables with interesting tops made from repurposed materials.
Q: Are there any limitations when it comes to color? For instance, one might think it best to avoid anything too bold in a small space.
A: There is no scientific approach. I like to have a lot of colors mashed together in a fun sense. It can be chaotic, but it seems to work.
Q: What are some of the more unique decor elements you've seen in other people's homes?
A: I love the guest space of Hal Colombo in Seattle for the decor and fun style elements. He has a 1970s typewriter that he uses as a guest log. You can scroll through and see what people typed. It's this piece of kitschy, throwback decor, but the piece also serves as a guest log. To me, that's fun.
Q: Any final thoughts when it comes to decorating a small space?
A: Just have fun with it. You can make it beautiful using inexpensive things, and you can change it up pretty easily.
You can experiment and take risks, because these things don't break the bank.
Rachel Weaver is a contributing writer for Trib Total Media.
