What concrete ways do you suggest to actually create more space? What are the most common problems and solutions dominant in small spaces?

The best way to create more space other than adding an addition onto your home is to create storage. By creating places to store things you get them off the floor, tabletops, desktops, counters and that adds square footage.

Libby’s Fall Table Décor Ideas:

Fall Cocktail Napkins: Dress up plain paper cocktail napkins by using a large leaf stamp and a gold stamp pad.

Pumpkin Vase: Cut off the top of a small round pumpkin, scoop out the seeds and pulp, place a small plastic container inside (cup or paint container), fill the container with floral foam and water. Arrange seasonal flowers, dried leaves and berries!

Libby’s Favorite Fall Food: These are just a few of my “crowd pleasers”!

Pumpkin Ravioli in Sage Butter – easier to make than you think, seasonal and delicious.

Polenta with Fresh Corn – the perfect way to use that last crop of corn from the farm stand

Grilled Cheese – It’s an “oldie-but-goodie” for a reason, it always has been and always will be the perfect combo to soup. Have fun and experiment with different cheeses/ breads – gruyere and French bread, or fontina and focaccia or Brie and pumpernickel

Entertaining alternatives to Thanksgiving tradition

Libby’s Fun, Fall Entertaining Ideas:

Autumn has arrived and invigorating weather is setting in, this is a perfect time to look forward to getting back to cooking hearty, savory dishes, catching up with loved ones after summer trips and taking in all the beauty the fall season has to offer. Whether you’re looking for an excuse to reconnect with friends and family or just to cook up some good old comfort food, just realize you don’t need a reason but instead some fun, fall entertaining ideas!

What ways do you suggest to help create the ILLUSION of more space?

1. In a small space use full height doors for closets and rooms; anytime you can have an element go all the way up to the ceiling (bookcase, drapes, doors) it draws your focus up and visually creates the illusion of a larger room. This is also wonderful with closet doors as you’ll gain all that extra storage space that otherwise would be wasted.

Q&A WITH HGTV’S SMALL SPACE, BIG STYLE'S EXPERT DESIGNER LIBBY

Q: What is driving the statement that “Small is the new big”? Is there a backlash going on to the McMansion fever? If so, to what do you attribute this new trend? Are small spaces becoming more popular? What do they offer that larger houses do not? Any stats on how this has become big? 

Tips for a Fun and Fabulous Last Minute Dinner Party

Situation: Your husband calls to say that your in-laws are coming over for dinner Friday night—and it’s Friday morning. And your mother-in-law is on a diet (again).