Are you dreaming of a spacious home but are short on square meterage? Or perhaps you'd like a sanctuary that evokes a feeling of airy grandeur, but feel like you'd need a full renovation to achieve it.
Luckily you don't need to go to the extreme of knocking down walls to gain that roomy feeling. With the right design choices and some clever creative strategies you can transform your cramped quarters into the grand oasis you've been longing for. So, think big, and we'll dive into a few tips and tricks to make your small space feel big and spacious.
Photo by Rahul Chakraborty on Unsplash
Declutter the space
Think of clutter as visual noise - too many things in your field of vision creates a chaotic 'soundscape'. By minimising the amount of things competing for focus, you can visually quieten a space, turning it from overwhelming to harmonious and relaxing.
Start by looking around the room and removing anything that doesn't either serve a functional purpose or speak to your heart.
Once you've done your initial declutter, invest in smart storage solutions to ensure everything has a home to return to - you can even label these to help you remember where everything goes. It's also worth doing a weekly reset, to make sure everything's tidy and in its proper place, as a clean and organised space naturally feels larger and more inviting.
Pay attention to your flooring
Your floor is one of the largest surfaces in any room, so it has an enormous impact on the look and feel of your space. There are lots of options to choose from, and it's a great opportunity to add an expansive feel to your home. So, how do you do it?
By opting for a continuous look throughout your home you can create a seamless flow between rooms, giving the illusion of a much larger area. This is because using the same flooring palette between rooms will trick your eye into viewing the space as a whole. Once you have your flooring down, you can add rugs and mats to define each area.
For an even more spacious feel, choose lighter colours and tones for your flooring, such as wood-look vinyl. This will make your home appear bigger by reflecting more light. You can also add visual space by having your floors laid diagonally, and using wide planks.
Use colour to create magic
Colour has the power to influence the perception of space, especially when it comes to making a room look larger. By selecting light, neutral tones like whites, pastels, and soft greys you can create an airy and expansive atmosphere. To add depth and dimension to your room, create a cohesive colour scheme that uses variations of these shades layered throughout the room. This will not only make the space feel larger but also more harmonious and inviting.
Thinking of having a feature wall for a pop of colour? Placement of colours can make a big difference too, drawing the eye. If you have a long and narrow room, paint the walls that span its length a light colour to make it appear wider, with your feature wall at the end. Similarly, if you have low ceilings, make sure they're painted in a pale colour to give a greater feeling of height.
Reflect light with mirrors
Have you ever walked into a hallway that has a large mirror on the end wall? A well-placed mirror magically lengthens a hallway while adding a touch of grandeur. Mirrors amplify natural light and create the illusion of depth, making any room feel bigger, which is why they're a must in small spaces. Strategically place them opposite windows to reflect light and brighten up the space. Think about the shape of your chosen mirrors too, as horizontal mirrors will add width to a room, and vertical mirrors will add height.
You can also take this a step further by incorporating mirrored furniture into your room design, like a mirrored coffee table or wardrobe. Get creative with your mirror placements to maximise reflection and add a touch of elegance to your room.
Maximise space with smart furniture
When space is at a premium it makes sense to choose multifunctional furniture - especially pieces that moonlight as hidden storage space. Think under-bed bins or drawers, storage ottomans and coffee tables, and couches with storage space underneath. Consider other furniture that serves more than one purpose like sofa beds, or fold-out desks and tables. That way, you'll get the benefit of these when you need them, but you won't be tripping over them when you don't.
Remember to choose items that aren't so bulky that they overpower the area, instead opting for furniture that is fine or slim-line. Whatever you choose, if it's proportional to your space it'll feel much more roomy and open.
Using light to illuminate your space
There are many ways to use light to your advantage when you'd like a bigger space, and the first step is layering - it's the secret to interior design lighting, and it works wonders in making a room look larger.
To do this, use a combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting to brighten up your space. Choose one sort of lighting for overall room brightness, and layer in pendant or focused lighting over work spaces such as a kitchen bench or desk. You can also illuminate dark corners with lamps to create a cosy glow - remembering that light-coloured lampshades will help diffuse light more evenly throughout the room.
Don't forget to maximise natural light by keeping windows clear of heavy curtains or blinds, opting for sheer curtains instead to make the room feel bigger and brighter.
Do what works for your space
By decluttering, investing in smart storage solutions, and choosing proportionate furniture pieces you reduce visual noise helping create a sense of openness. Opt for light colours and tones for flooring and walls, and strategically use mirrors and lighting to make your space lighter and brighter. Your space should be a reflection of you, so take the time to see what feels right, and adapt these strategies to suit your unique needs.
Leave a Reply