A secluded cabin in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, is the perfect escape for style and green living expert and television personality Danny Seo. See how he makes scaled-down living work.
Armando RafaelUse Every Inch
“In an upstairs hallway alcove, I added a small army cot from eBay to create a nice reading nook,” Danny said. “And screening in the porch doubled my living space.”
Armando RafaelRound the Bend
In the small living room, Danny maximizes space and avoids sharp edges with a rattan ottoman and circular side table.
Banish Boundaries
Armando Rafael
Danny took decorative inspiration from the outdoors, which makes for a seamless indoors-out transition and reinforces a sense of roominess. The chairs, for example, are made of raw wood (finished with a wood preserver).
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Armando RafaelBig Idea!
Using rich, saturated colors (here, Celestial Blue by Valspar) can make a small space feel intentionally jewelry box-like. Dark wood reinforces the cozy vibe, while pops of white dinnerware (mostly $1 rummage store finds) add dimension.
Armando RafaelLay on the Charm
In a previous (larger) home, Danny collected rugs. Here, he layered several in each room for extra insulation during Bucks County winters, which average 35 inches of snowfall each year.
More of Danny Seo’s Tips for Small Spaces
Armando Rafael
•Use LED Bulbs “Small rooms can warm up really fast, and even more so with guests around. Fortunately, LED lights don’t add heat like traditional bulbs do.”
•Size Up the Sink “It sounds counter- intuitive in a small kitchen, but it can serve double duty as an ice chest for drinks when entertaining. It’s functional and makes a statement.”
•Layer Soft Textiles “Skip itchy wool so that every possible lounge space (however few there are) is inviting. I like adding recycled polyester throws (which feel like fleece) over a sofa.”
•Go Luxe with Little Things “Whether it’s a candle that sets an inviting tone or extra-fluffy white towels, these touches have extra-big impact in a small space.”
