Canadian's award-winning apartment shows opulence on smaller scale

Ryan Townsend's friends thought he was crazy when he moved into a small bachelor apartment in Western Canada. What they thought was a dump, Townsend believed was a space with true potential. He recently won the Best Small Space award from Canadian House & Home magazine by deftly incorporating opulent accents such as large mirrors and a grand piano into a studio apartment, according to the Times Colonist.

"Calling me a designer doesn't properly explain what I do," Townsend told the news source. "I like the ability to create. I like to find something that can challenge me to push my limit, to create something slightly over-the-top."

Townsend combined large-scale furniture from the 17th and 18th century and then dropped a modern-day Ralph Lauren sofa into the center of the room. For some reason, the style just seems to work, and shows homeowners that there's really no limit to what the smallest of spaces can showcase.

No matter what decorative accents you choose, the right use of light will liven up your space. Wood blinds are an excellent choice in any room of the home, as they provide warmth and add a timeless style to your windows.