SMALL Bedroom / BIG IMPACT Decorating Tips

That’s right! Gone are the days of feeling limited by your small bedroom. It’s time to fully embrace the situation, get creative and make it work for you!
Welcome back, luv! I am so happy you are here. There are a couple things I want to share with you:
Don’t forget to DM me your design dilemmas on Instagram @christinadistefanostudio
This is your opportunity to have your home featured on a future episode of Fix My Home (a long form video and not a YT Live). You’ll get advice and design solutions from me-with love❤️
Also, checkout the video I made for small living room. Some of the ideas there will also serve you with your small bedroom.
Lastly, stay tuned for the launch the of Casa Serenità Interiors website and the monthly newsletter, “Articiocco” by signing up here:
I hope you have a wonderful week lovely!
XOCD

[@rinamackereth5542]

After watching your two "small space" videos", you've become my favorite interiors vlogger. ❤ I look forward to watching your archive and videos going forward.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Wow, thank you! Stay tuned! I’m working on part 2 as well as an over all small home/apartment video 🤗 Welcome to the channel and thank you for chiming in here!

[@melissak8892]

I LOVED this video. I actually prefer my tiny bedroom to my last large one. I sleep better now. I let my husband eavesdrop so he could hear what the vibe is without me having to explain it. HEH HEH I'm sneaky like that. He loved your shelves flanking the head of the bed idea because he wants our small house to "feel like a boat." And by that, he means built-ins and high functionality. I'm already looking for new bedside tables that have hidden storage because the set I have, have none. Also looking for a lingerie chest and that will be a wrap on bedroom furniture besides our king bed. I'm going light and airy but still bold. You've got me fantasizing about painting my ceiling... I have a feeling I'll be referring back to this video again and again. ❤

[@geoffsmiley8252]

The voice-over audio is so nice and calming :)

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Thank you, luv 🤗

[@Laurad419]

Thanks again for including so much photography to illustrate your point, it’s helpful and inspiring 😊

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Thank you Laura xoxoxo I love digging for those images for ya!

[@butterflysun]

Hola Bella, Gracias for another informative video. I reside in a small one bedroom apartment in Manhattan with limited storage space. I appreciate your time, efforts and honesty in providing us with home decor advice. Please provide a video for a small bathroom. Blessings 🙏 🌞

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Hi lovely!!! Yes I will be sure to do something on a small bathroom too!!!

[@MyGoldendoodleDiary]

The rooms are stunning. Your taste is exquisite as always, Christina 😍. The George Washington portrait was kinda humorous. I love portraiture art and have prints/paintings of people throughout my home. I call them my 'house guests'. I always cull images of people for feels - if they feel like someone interesting and uplifting... someone I'd love to have around for dinner, they're in - no creepy, depressive types allowed. Bonus points if they look as though they're happily occupying themselves (I have prints of an elegant gentleman sitting on a red chair engrossed in reading his book, and a lovely girl attending to a bluebird 😘that's sitting peacefully on her hand). But pictures of George Washington or any other person (that includes any family) isn't allowed in my bedroom. Only pics of us, still life, abstract art or owl art (my favourite animal besides my dog) get in - because symbolically, they are up at night and will hoot if I am in 'danger' and need to be woken up (that's my own take on feng shui). The bedroom in particular is my and my husband's private sanctuary, and it feels weird to have other 'people' there. These are my little stories about the various parts of my home that make sense to me. My 'home mythology', I guess. Thank you again for a ton of inspo in this video - SO beautifully observed and articulated✨💛🌠

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Haha yes! I loved the room but I agree with you a president above my bed is odd-but the dramatic color of the room and the vase of flowers were more my focus. Should have added a comment on the screen to ignore that but I hope those who did notice would see the humor in it 😂 I’m also quite selective if there are portraits of unknown people in my home. I’m somewhat turned off by it because I don’t know the person or their energy, but sometimes someone comes along and I wonder if we knew each other in another life 🤍 because I feel drawn to the portrait. So I make the exception. This has only happened twice. Also I think those portraits you have sound lovely and I’m with you, no portraits of other people in the bedroom. No exceptions for me there. I have drawings of Paris, abstract paintings and a photograph of “Le Basier” by Constantin Brancusi.

[@MyGoldendoodleDiary]

​@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio Wow, finding those two portraits of people you felt you knew before must have stopped you in your tracks in the most magical way. Love it! I saw the gorgeous Parisian drawings you have in your bedroom in a previous video. And what better way to bless your marriage every night than to have Le Basier imagery in your sleeping midst. J x PS I didn't mean to single out George - I knew you were referring to the fabulous room colours and he happened to be in the photo... it just gave me a springboard to leave my own thoughts about portraits in bedrooms. Besides, the George portrait is cute and quirky and ideal for the home of a homesick American living abroad! x

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

@@MyGoldendoodleDiaryHa! It’s okay babe I know you meant no harm and I’m sure GW was not offended 😉 Yes! I love the art in our bedroom. It’s very couples focused and the drawings are a lovely reminder of the last few days of our honeymoon in Paris 🤍

[@ninaotan7811]

Thank you for making me thinking of intentionality and challenge as an opportunity.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yes! It’s a total mindset shift but that’s where the opportunities live. Good luck babe and keep me posted 🤗

[@cathybenish9871]

I love this video so much because it really has lot of original ideas, unique, but simple, I guess really just showing us that we need to be creative in these spaces! So no more boring headboards!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

You’ve got it! Just because a space is small, doesn’t mean it must be simple or plain. Those little bedrooms crave expression and an infusion of YOU babe! You’re personality deserves to be seen in your entire home, and most especially your bedroom 🤍 Thank you for the great comment, Cathy 🤗

[@sophiamolina9972]

Yes, I understand what you mean...it makes total sense!!! Make it intentional...❤😂😅😊...working on it now.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

You can do it Sophia! Keep me posted xoxocd

[@patty237]

Love all the good ideas for a small bedroom…

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Great, Patty! 🤗 I think small but stylish is so fun! IMO is much easier to “go big” with style in a smaller space, rather than a huge room with several areas. Keep me posted and let me know if you applied any of the ideas. Good luck with you room, luv 😘

[@honeyrococo]

I love the rooms you choose to show, so I was just taking screenshots of everything, until I got to the bedroom with George Washington over the bed. Made me laugh so much. GW doesn’t need to be in my bedroom with me !

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

😂 hahaha I know I thought that was pretty funny too. Like okay that’s a little odd but I loved the color of the room and the drama, less GW.

[@ekaa5255]

I had the same thought. Loved every photo, and was like… George Washington? Above the bed? Interesting choice. 😂

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

😂 got your attention!!

[@meh5069]

Pleaseeee do small kitchens and dining nooks!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Okaaaay 😘❤️🤗

[@cynthiasilva8794]

Hello Christina! Thank you for all these suggestions ❤ I see you every week! I wonder if you ever apply Feng Shui principles in your designs? It would be very interesting 😊

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

I do when I can but I’m not an expert. I mostly go on intuition, what “feels” right and balanced to me. It’s a great suggestion!

[@garlicgirl3149]

I never realized until now I was going for cozy!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Love a good cozy cave ❤️

[@gradyvandenbosch]

Yes, love this! Great pictures, very inspiring! And great timing for me, because I'm making over my small bedroom right now! For the past few months I have been decluttering. Because of other projects in my home, the bedroom was also storage space for quite some time. Now I am ready for the make-over (after 17 years). I am going to splurge on a nightstand with drawers and on a small table lamp (I like the English word "splurge", I don't think we have a word for it in Dutch). Also am going to splurge on paint: Cinder Rose by Farrow & Ball. But I hope to cover my old and damaged carpet with simple, neutral rugs from Ikea. Right now a new floor is no option, perhaps later. I made an extension for my closet, for more storage space and I hang curtains from the ceiling to create some sort of "attic" on top of my closet, as I like to call it. There will be new drapes for the closet, probably with a subtle pattern. And then hanging some art and a large, framed needlepoint my grandmother and her sister made 100 years ago. I already replaced the door with a drape, because the door took way too much space in the small room. I so look forward to the end result, and hope it will give me the feeling of the pictures you showed us.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

It’s sounds so lovely! That’s a perfect color for a small bedroom and will give it that designed look. Grady you’ve got this!! You’ve already made some major changes to your room and I know the outcome is going to be worth all your hard work and the “splurges,” which is a word I love too! It’s good to invest smartly and your paint color as is a major mood creator. The needlepoint sounds so unique and special. I think it will be a dramatic and beautiful addition 💗

[@MyGoldendoodleDiary]

Wow Grady, how special that you have the needlework from your grandmother and great aunt from so long ago! My grandmother was very creative too (I am still inspired by the memory of her home) and I have her unique 'Egyptian bird' which she made hanging in my house. Her spirit is firmly with me (I have photos of her around too)... I'm sure your grandmother and great aunt's energy is there with you too, giving you creative inspiration and support for your home upgrades.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

@@MyGoldendoodleDiary You are so lovely, Joanna 😘

[@gradyvandenbosch]

@@MyGoldendoodleDiary That is sweet of you. I am greatful for all the things in my home that came from my grandparents and even my greatgrandmother. They give roots in my home and a piece of my history. I do believe they are in heaven and making it well. Although I don't believe in their spirits being around me in the way that you described, it is still comforting.

[@ginalowe9103]

I have really enjoyed your videos. You are knowledgeable, quirky and fun. I’m getting ideas for my bedroom….

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Wonderful! And thank you so much xoxo

[@lf9341]

Perfect timing...Decisions decisions ..:)

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Ha!!! Yessss it's time babe!

[@LORRAIN-lz3wn]

Brilliant ideas….as always. You are so creative. I learn something new from all of your videos.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Aww thank you so much Lorrain. I appreciate you saying this!

[@timilisafogal6990]

Yes, I totally get the "of course I wanted this small bedroom and I am rocking it" vibe. I'm also team cozy too. I want to fall asleep in a cave, hahahaha. A dark, rich, saturated cave 😅

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yes!!!! Some of us are great cave dwellers! Love the idea of dark, rich and saturated!!!

[@bonzaiandcactus]

Love that you bring your calming and grounded energy into all your videos. I'm all about your H.U.B. ethos!! I'd love to see videos on designing small bedrooms with multi-leveled ceilings...Please not just 1 vented/ lowered section, but a ceiling with 3 or 4 different heights. My condo bedroom has 3 different ceiling levels! I have 2 different vents, one vent is in a wide L-shape, which is already a challenge if I want my ceiling a different color, and the second vent runs along the bottom of one side of that L shape....so each 4 walls have 4 different heights. The wall with the very lowest vent is the shortest wall, and unfortunately the best wall for the head of my bed to go against. Help!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Agh all those different soffits-very common in condos. Same for our condo bedrooms but we have just two. Without seeing it, I would say that painting the walls, ceiling and the vents all one color would be the solution I would go for. But I can’t see the issue (just in my head lol). DM me a pic on Instagram @christinasistefanostudio and I’ll have a look.

[@bonzaiandcactus]

@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio Thank you Christina! I will DM you pic of my bedroom. In the process of purcging and clearing it out so once I finish that I'll DM you :)

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Oooh have fun. Love a good purge!! Just changes everything 🤍

[@bonzaiandcactus]

@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio ♥

[@millieolson]

Soooooo goooooooood!!!❤❤❤

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! So happy you like it!! xoxoxoxoxoxocd

[@millieolson]

My bedside tables are filing cabinets on wheels, 2 drawers and then a file drawer below. Its very handy as I dont have anywhere else for a file cabinet. I think they were from cb2, they look very stylish and clean

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Sounds perfect then! Functional and stylish!

[@civilizeddiva]

1:13: I'm team Cozy Cocoon, which is perfect for us lounge lizards😄. I appreciate the layered textiles and decor elements🧺

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Love good Cozy Cocoon and those textiles are going to be so good at helping you achieve that vibe!

[@leaazencot5905]

Thanks. Very inspriring!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Glad you enjoyed it and it's always me pleasure xoxoxo

[@Stefanie272]

Lot's of love from Germany ❤️🫶

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Lots of love from NYC--back-at-cha!

[@talcareyifill5937]

Small kitchen please❤

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

You got it!! 😘

[@christinabittner4424]

Great one. Inspiring!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

🤗 thank you Christina!!!

[@janetschroeder8753]

Great ideas. Our bedroom is okay, but doesn’t look cohesive and cozy enough for me. I’m going to think about how I might implement some of these ideas.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

You can do it! Be brave and don't be afraid to try something new and unexpected. Tap into that intuition Janet!

[@tobeytravels893]

I’ve had larger bedrooms, but I’ve found it a lot easier to decorate my current smaller one. The only drawback back is my tiny closet…yes to using under-the-bed storage.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

I find them easier too. Limitation breeds creativity. When we have a lot of space it becomes more complicated to fill it in! PS I feel for you on the small closet. It's such a big challenge indeed. There is never enough closet space here in NYC apartments and most are small.

[@cassaundraspann3119]

I really appreciate this! Lovely! Great examples and well explained ❤

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Thank you so much, Cassandra 🤗 Appreciate you watching and so happy you got some inspo!

[@noddycool2703]

love this video so much.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Gooooood!!! Hope you got inspired to get creative in your bedroom 💙

[@fsu3786]

Excellent!❤

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Thank you! 😃

[@KitInToronto]

I love your content. Thank you for educating us and sharing these beautiful and inspirational rooms. Can you also do a video on studios? Not the really funky, cool studios with 12 foot ceilings, gorgeous windows and other incredible architectural details: the ones that are a 24 x 16 (or 12'!) box, with a window at one end and the kitchen at the other. I'm going through a divorce after 23 years of marriage and will have to leave my lovely Edwardian house soon - and with studios going for $2,000/month and one bedrooms starting at $2,600/month - I think a one room box is in my future. 😬 I've been purging like a mad woman and have been looking at Pinterest and Instagram; but would love your advice on best layouts and how to create zones. Also: I love to entertain - so my biggest concern has been how to fit a dining area for at least 4 in such a space. Was that specific enough for you? 🤣🤣🤣 Anyway! Thank you for all of your lovely content.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Yes quite specific and helpful for me to envision. I’m sorry to hear you’ve got to make this transition but seems like you’ve got a great attitude for starting over. I’ll definitely make a video for this. Are you on Instagram? Will you send me some of your inspo pics?

[@hiddenhighland]

Wonderful video (again). So many subtle tips leading us through our creative process. I am trying to inject some character into our gite bedroom (cottage) that we rent. The main gite bedroom is small- so this video is helping me work through some design decisions. I would love to push the bed to the wall- but for a getaway vacation, I am not sure how much people would like to crawl over the other person to get to their side of the bed (this is already necessary in the 2nd bedroom). I bought an original 18th century fireplace mantel/trumeau a few months ago. I think it would give immense character to the room. I also have two pillar closets taken from a lit de pont- that I will paint the same colour as the wall. It is great as this will replace the night tables- and since it is essentially two tall thin armoires- it is great storage and therefore I may remove the dresser in the bedroom (along with the nightables). I am only trying to decide whether to go moody and dark for the bedroom. I like a dark room, and since it is for rental- I am trying to go more theatrical in design...to create a true feeling of escape and 'other-worldliness'. However, perhaps I should be doing more 'light and airy' for the guests that come to stay- for perhaps more people are drawn to light and airy. The big dilema. At the end of the day, it is my creation- so I try and tell myself to just continue to create what I love, what I envision...and whomever connects with that are the ones that should come and stay...? Just to note, in this same cottage, we have a tiny mezzanine bedroom (done in darker moody colours). I have an artist friend who stayed for a month and painted a trompe-l'œil mural of curtains on the wall and half the ceiling...it is quite spectacular. We did build an alcove bed under the skylight. It has quite the impact. So this extra tiny mezzanine bedroom turned into quite a gem, that some of the guests staying couldn't decide which bedroom to stay in. That was an exciting impact through design. Now I need to achieve that again through this current change of the principal bedroom.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

I think you have your answer! You should be following your heart and intuition with this. When you speak about the mezz bedroom you seem more excited. It is your space and if you feel pulled toward the darker vibe then do it! You’ll be able to carry that off successfully because it’s what you really want to do versus trying to make it your second choice work because you think more people might like light & airy. Authenticity always wins in the long run. I’m a light & airy person by nature but I’d love to try out a moody bedroom for a few nights-and I’m sure there are others who would feel the same!

[@cd2659]

I am going light and airy cozy cave 😂 I like my bedroom as is. But, the bookshelves around the bed is really intriguing.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

I just fell in love with this idea. Keep me posted if you try it CD!

[@Stefanie272]

Great video thank you ❤

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Absolutely Stefanie!!! xoxoxocd

[@susanc31562]

I love this and find it really helpful to see so many examples. Would love to see a small bedroom as office video too …

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Hi Susan--I looooove home offices and would be happy to address this in a future video.

[@hudsonboycandleco.8317]

Great advice Christina! Thank you!!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Absolutely Nicole!!! XOXOXOCD PS I will be in touch do so the video with your home soon!!

[@hudsonboycandleco.8317]

@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio AHHHHH!!! Im so excited for this! Cant wait!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Me too!!!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

**Check out the Small Bedroom Pinterest board here: pin.it/1e0MkSaZ4

[@SavagePickers]

Thank you

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Your welcome Carolyn!!

[@mariawinter8634]

What would you do with a small bedroom under the roof? Love your content!

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

If it’s a low ceiling the you’ll have to get lower furniture for sure. Focus on good lighting in all the corners so you open up the space. If the slants of the roof are visible in the bedrooms (the walls) then I would do my best to either light up those spaces, or utilize this space with built in storage to create a more traditional wall flat wall, creating a space for your things. I would also keep furniture to a minimum, a bed and small side tables with storage or perhaps hanging on the wall beside the bed. A trunk at the foot of the bed could be helpful too. If the pitch of the roof visible and you have that stunning high section in the room, then I’d add a focal point light fixture. This would be an investment piece and star of your room-the focal point to draw your eye. Tough to say exactly without being there but hope these suggestions help you-or are a springboard for some new ideas!

[@kimberlyg9867]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

🤗❤️😘Thank you Kimberly!

[@horaciot8277]

💪

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

xoxo thank you!

[@simplipeace]

I'm looking to go for light and airy. Do you think crown moulding has a place in a small bedroom?

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

I luv! Yes I do think it could look lovely but I wouldn’t over do it. I would go for the more minimal clean line version with your condo.

[@ivybennett818]

Note: The red font is impossible to read unless it has white behind it.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Sorry to hear that. I liked it. I thought it was easier than the white but noted.

[@laurasmaison]

Can you make a video on how to work with a wall to wall carpeted bedroom?? 🥲 like the ugly builder grade type 😂

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Awwww sorry to hear you have to deal with that! Have you thought of using a big rug to cover it?

[@lf9341]

You could also hire Christina instead of decorilla....... I got a lot of great ideas.

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Thank you! XOXOXO Is this Linda? lol

[@lf9341]

@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio Yep:)

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

@@lf9341 Hi gorgeous!!!! 😘😘😘😘😘

[@lf9341]

@@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio Hi Beautiful...I am picking paint colors now...:

[@ChristinaDiStefanoStudio]

Exciting!!!!!