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CHALLENGING TRADITIONAL SMALL SPACE DESIGN: HOW ONE DESIGNER’S RULE-BREAKING APPROACH TRANSFORMS A SNUG
Unveil Luxury, Unleash Comfort – Eclectic Niche.
In a surprising twist in Challenging Traditional Small Space Design, Drew Michael Scott from Lone Fox Home has given his snug a refresh with an unexpected redesign
There are a few time-honored principles in interior design that experts tend to follow. From optimal furniture placement to clever lighting techniques and paint strategies that manipulate the perception of space, these ‘rules’ have long been considered design gospel.
So, when designer Drew Michael Scott of Lone Fox completely disregarded convention in his redesign of the snug in his own home, we were instantly captivated.
Challenging Traditional Small Space Design maxim we thought we knew, Drew has enveloped his cozy retreat in a deep, enveloping shade and layered it with abundant furnishings. Here, we explore the three core small-space design rules that his eclectic and inviting transformation has us reconsidering.
Once a subdued and underutilized home office, creator Drew—renowned for his signature warm, transitional style and inventive DIY content—decided it was time for a change. Embracing the challenge, he set out to breathe new life into the neglected space, and the result is nothing short of unexpected.
‘The first iteration of this room was my office, which, honestly, I only sat in maybe five times throughout the last year (I almost always work at my dining table),’ says Drew. ‘I kept going back and forth on what I wanted this room to be, but I decided on more of a lounge/conversation area.’
Drew reveals the inspiration behind his snug, challenging three long-standing small-space design principles that he’s now prompting us to reconsider.
Three Small Space Design Principles We're Now Reevaluating
1. Dark colors should be avoided
(Image credit: Drew Michael Scott)
In Challenging Traditional Small Space Design a frequent inquiry posed to interior designers is which colors enhance the perception of spaciousness in a small room. The prevailing response highlights that light and bright hues are most effective in creating an airy ambiance.
In a striking departure from convention, the founder of Lone Fox Home has opted to envelop his space in Vogue Green by Sherwin Williams, featuring a flat finish that he declares as his favorite color in the video. Rather than constricting the room, this choice embraces the scale of the space, fostering a cozy and cocooning atmosphere.
‘Because the space was so well-lit and connected to a neutral-toned room, I knew I wanted to go with a bold wall color,’ Drew explains. ‘I had also previously painted this room a medium-toned green and always felt it was just a tad flat, so going a bit darker and bolder was exactly what I was looking for.’
2. Larger furniture is not suitable
(Image credit: Drew Michael Scott)
To optimize a small room, experts typically advise against overcrowding the space with bulky furniture and decor.
Drew, in contrast, when it comes to Challenging Traditional Small Space Design has transformed his petite living room by incorporating a generous sofa, two eye-catching armchairs, and a multitude of stools and side tables. As he brilliantly illustrates, when applied thoughtfully, substantial furnishings can actually create a sense of spaciousness. So, don’t shy away from expanding your horizons!
Though it may seem counterintuitive, an abundance of miniature, dollhouse-sized furniture can create a sense of clutter. Instead, aim to optimize every inch of your space by incorporating the largest pieces that can comfortably fit within the room.
‘I knew I wanted to use this brown leather vintage couch because it was the perfect size for the room and I LOVED how the color of leather looked against the green,’ continues Drew. ‘I embellished the room with some vintage pieces I’ve been holding onto for a while now, including the German glass lamp that was in my carry-on from my Round Top trip last year.’
3. Dark ceilings will diminish the natural light in the space
(Image credit: Drew Michael Scott)
The concept of saturating both the walls and ceiling with a cohesive color creates a sense of expansiveness and airiness in Challenging Traditional Small Space Design. This technique softens the transition between walls and ceiling, giving the illusion of continuity and enhancing the perception of space.
Similarly, the dark wood ceiling paneling in Drew’s snug eliminates the stark lines often associated with a conventional white ceiling. In another tutorial video shared on his Instagram, Drew described how he initially painted the ceiling a rich brown to assess his comfort with a darker hue overhead before complementing it with stained wood that matches the original 1920s walnut beams.
‘I recently saw an image for an emerald green wall and the “country club, old money” vibes were ringing in my head,’ adds Drew. ‘Something about a classic dark green just felt right. I wanted the room to feel like its own little section of the house with rich colors and textures. The little fox crests in the windows were custom 3D rendered and printed after my logo and added the most precious personalized touch to the room.’
The incorporation of a deep emerald green paired with a sumptuous ceiling and an abundance of furniture in Drew’s snug truly resonated with the team at H&G. By disregarding conventional design rules, we admire how Drew redefined the space, crafting an environment that feels anything but small—rather, it exudes coziness, opulence, and undeniable style.
