Libby Langdon's Small Space Solutions: Secrets For Making Any Room Look Elegant And Feel Spacious On Any Budget

by Libby Langdon

 Armed with a bit of basic design knowledge and a few of Libbyâ s tricks of the trade, any small-space dweller can learn how to create gracious, inviting small-space homes that are also functional to a tee.

Genres: Nonfiction, Design, Reference

192 pages, Paperback

First published February 12, 2009

Reviews

[Lisa Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s a fine book, but her aesthetic and mine are quite different.

[SA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty dated -- there's not a lot in any of the example rooms that I'd be keen on -- but I did get a lot of practical ideas from it nonetheless.

[Heidi · Rating 1 out of 5]

That was...weird.

I mean, I'm just going to be a bit of a hater here: I can only take so many curlique font headers. What is going on with these design books and the cutesy headers?! I just wanted something concrete, factual...

I'm realizing as I type this that what I'm looking for and the basic idea of interior design maaaaay be mutually exclusive. I wanted a textbook. A clear how-to. Step 1 Step 2 Step 3. Science, some psychology studies thrown in there. A very detailed tutorial on how exactly one paints a wall (this was actually partially in here), installs a backsplash, affords the much recommended fancy tall uber-unique lamps, locates the money for plushy carpet and custom headboards?

Clearly, I was not the audience...

Appreciate the tips like "Hey, make your bookshelves look cool by arranging them in this particular way...tutorial" and "Hey, if you put your drapes up to the ceiling, it creates a much airier space" and the "Top things people tend to do wrong" was eye opening, so it wasn't a total loss.

I think...I think I just am not a designer person. I should save up some money and hire a more creative type (preferably one who likes to take lots of fun, crazy pictures doing designy things, apparently!).

[Carol Mann Agency]

“Whatever Libby Langdon takes on, whether it be designing a New York City restaurant or decorating a Hampton’s hideaway, you know the end result is going to be done with style. This instructive book is no exception.” —Bobby Flay

"Libby Langdon's book is absolutely packed with solutions for small-space living, from high-end custom designs to clever and affordable ideas for every budget." —Susan Victoria, Senior Editor, Architecture and Design, Metropolitan Home

“We appreciate any woman who makes small things look a lot bigger. And Libby's interior decorating ideas are awesome, too!”
—Peter & Bobby Farrelly

“Like having a high energy designer and personal organizer by your side, with this book Libby offers chic and stylish solutions for all your decorating needs. It is a must read if you are seeking to simplify, organize, and bring beauty into your apartment or small home. Sure to become a style book staple, this is one reference guide you will turn to again and again for practical advice and inspiration.”
—Bob Kerrey, President, The New School

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was published in 2009 and I read it in 2015. While the majority of the advice has stood the test of time, a fair number of the pictures seem dated. If you are looking for technical advice on furniture arranging, this is well worth reading. Her advice on how to measure your room and furniture and transfer it to graph paper is very useful. The a number of the pictures are still relevant, however not all of them will inspire you.

I would be interested in reading a book that is newely published by her.

[ccoelophysis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of ideas I'd never even heard of before. I was so tired of flipping through design books only to find ideas that wouldn't work in the space we had or in an apartment where you can't paint the walls.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really did read this from cover to cover, in order to prep for my tiny Boston studio. This was only so helpful, as it was for small rooms in small houses, not tiny, cardboard box-sized studio apartments, and it required lots of money and drilling. But it gave some good ideas.

[Serina · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing woman; has some fabulous, economic, cool, brilliant solutions for space concerns. Shows you how to use color in an intelligent way. Uses techniques that I have not found in other designing books. Very unique and I would highly recommend this book!

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for design. Lots of fantastic ideas. Perfectly written for those of us who do not own a McMansion.

[Trish · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was okay. I didn't really feel it helped me with my small space.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some really nice ideas for managing clutter & making small spaces seem larger.