The Art Of Small Space Design
- Janet Campbell
- Apr 10
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
The Art Of Small Space Design
TIPS FROM OUR TOWNSAN PROJECT
At LINEN + ORCHID, we believe great design isn’t defined by how much space you have—it’s defined by how intentionally you use it. One of our recent full-service interior design projects in Cary, North Carolina is a perfect example of this belief in action.
As the principal designer, I had the pleasure of working closely with a long-time homeowner family on what we called the Townsan Project. The scope included updating their guest bathroom for their teenage son—who had clearly outgrown its outdated design—and reimagining their primary bedroom and bath into a romantic, cozy, and highly functional retreat.
While the overall footprint of each space remained the same, the transformation was anything but small. With thoughtful planning, creative layout updates, and a focus on meaningful details, we turned two dated rooms into fresh, highly personalized spaces that support the family’s everyday life. It’s proof that with the right design approach, smaller rooms can absolutely deliver a big impact.
“Our goal was to modernize each space, maximize every inch, and bring that everyday ‘I love being here’ feeling into their home—without needing to knock down a single wall.”
— Janet Campbell, Principal Designer at LINEN + ORCHID
A HOME READY FOR ITS NEXT CHAPTER
When this Cary family first reached out to me, they shared that while they still loved their home, it no longer served their needs. Their teenage son had outgrown the tight, inefficient guest bath, and the primary suite felt tired and uninspired—offering neither function nor warmth.
Their goal? To update both rooms with thoughtful functionality, warmth, and style—all without tearing down walls or expanding square footage. I was immediately inspired.
As with every LINEN + ORCHID full-service design project, I began with a deep dive into their lifestyle, goals, and how they wanted to feel in their home. From there, I developed a comprehensive design plan that not only modernized their spaces and maximized every inch, but most importantly, brought that feeling of “I love being here” into their daily life.
GUEST BATHROOM: Modern Function for a Growing Son
We began with the guest bathroom, which hadn’t been updated in years and no longer matched the needs or personality of a teenage boy. It lacked proper storage, had limited lighting, and didn’t reflect a more mature, functional design.
The Transformation Goals:
Brighten the space and bring it up to date
Improve storage while maintaining openness
Upgrade fixtures for better daily use
Design Highlights:
A modern wood vanity with matte black hardware offers clean lines and efficient storage.
The blue-gray textured tile wall behind the tub-shower combo adds modern depth and acts as a feature backdrop.
Vertical striped wall covering enhances height while keeping the room soft and inviting.
Floating wood shelves offer accessible, airy storage for daily essentials.
The mosaic natural stone flooring brings in texture and visual interest without overpowering the space.
As a designer, I love layering masculine and clean elements in a way that still feels timeless—and that’s exactly what we achieved here. This space now feels crisp, grown-up, and functional, all in one.
PRIMARY BATHROOM: A Spa-Like Escape with Rich Character
The transformation of this bathroom is one I’m especially proud of. My clients wanted something light, romantic, and refined—but also storage-friendly and completely custom to how they live.
The Design Goals:
Add smart storage while maintaining an open feel
Introduce a soft, serene, romantic color palette
Upgrade the shower for a more luxurious experience
Create a calm, restorative retreat
Design Highlights:
A custom double vanity in honey walnut, framed by tall linen towers, provides ample storage in a narrow layout.
The floral wallpaper backdrop, paired with brass fixtures and oval mirrors, softens the space with a vintage-modern touch.
A creamy vertical tile pattern on the shower walls, along with brushed brass plumbing fixtures, adds warmth and timeless charm.
The hexagon marble floors added texture and movement while keeping the room grounded.
Carefully layered lighting—including sconces, natural light, and overhead fixtures—makes this bathroom glow at every hour.
It feels romantic, elevated, and full of thoughtful moments—the exact experience my clients wanted from their personal retreat.
Primary Bedroom: A Romantic & Restful Retreat
The bedroom design was where I could really lean into storytelling through color, texture, and unexpected elements.
The Design Goals:
Incorporate a custom built-in for elevated, seamless storage
Draw the eye upward with a statement ceiling
Use moody, bold colors to create a cozy, romantic atmosphere
Select furnishings that enhance both style and function
Designed Highlights:
The ceiling and drapery wall, wrapped in a rich botanical wallpaper, act as a dramatic focal point while creating a soft, immersive feel.
Deep green-blue painted walls envelop the room for a cocoon-like effect that’s perfect for winding down.
Warm wood tones, layered bedding, and brass accents tie the design into the adjacent bath and elevate the entire room.
A fully custom built-in wall, incorporating drawers and media storage, was designed with both beauty and functionality in mind—anchored with coordinating wallpaper details for a seamless finish.
This space proves that small doesn’t mean simple, and cozy doesn’t mean cluttered. It’s a perfect example of how design can transform even the most personal spaces into “Your Sanctuary Within.”
DESIGN TAKEAWAYS: HOW TO MAKE SMALL SPACES FEEL BIG Here are some tips you can take from the Townsan Project if you’re working with a more modest footprint:Design Vertically – Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry or built-ins make the most of height and create more usable storage.Use Color With Intention – Moody hues or bold wallpapers can make a room feel more dynamic and personal.Embrace The Details – Trim, wallpaper, and lighting bring richness and character, no matter the square footage.Balance With Texture – Combine hard and soft materials, layered lighting, and warm finishes to create contrast.Invest In Professional Design – Small space design is an art. Working with an experienced designer ensures every inch works beautifully.
The Townsan Project was a joy from start to finish. Not only was it a meaningful transformation for a family I genuinely enjoyed working with, but it also embodied everything LINEN + ORCHID stands for—creating homes that feel intentional, elevated, and deeply personal.
If your home is feeling a little outdated or no longer serves you the way it should, I’d love to help. Whether it’s a single space or an entire home, LINEN + ORCHID offers full-service interior design that brings you Your Sanctuary Within—beautifully, thoughtfully, and without the overwhelm.
Let’s start the conversation.
LINEN + ORCHID
Principal Designer
“I’m honored to help you find Your Sanctuary Within."
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