Having the space to enjoy your home is important, but sometimes you don’t have much room to play with. Whether your home is big or small though, there are lots of ways for you to create the illusion of a more open, spacious home. With things like the right home flooring, carefully chosen wall colours, and furniture that works in more ways than one, you can create a home that feels big, even if it has a small footprint.
If you’re looking for some clever space-creating tricks, this guide will let you in on all the secrets. You’ll find tips to help create the illusion of light and space in any sized room, even those tiny bedrooms or dark living spaces.
Choosing light colours to expand the space
Colour is incredible at changing the size of a space, so be sure to use it to your advantage. Light colours reflect more light, so colours like white, pastels, and soft neutrals are great for adding the illusion of size. Choosing a single colour in various shades throughout your space will also make it seem bigger, as there’ll be less visual clutter to overwhelm the space. If you’d like to use darker colours, try keeping them to a single accent wall, which will draw the eye but not overpower the space.
Otherwise, where possible, keep the darkest colour towards the floor. Hybrid flooring comes in a range of colours, mimicking nature’s woods, so you can always find the right colour to create that illusion of space.
Maximising natural light for an airy feel
Dark, dim rooms will naturally feel smaller, even if they’re not. So, maximising natural light will help you achieve that light and spacious feel and look in your bedrooms, office, living room or other home spaces.
Sheer curtains are ideal for when you need a little added privacy, but still want to allow as much natural light into a room as possible. Skylights are also a great addition, with the light streaming in from above helping create the illusion of a taller and larger space. A handy trick for apartments or other rooms with limited light is to use reflective surfaces that help light travel throughout the room. Things like mirrors or glossy surfaces can work wonders when it comes to tricking the eye.
Opting for multifunctional furniture
Multifunctional furniture is a great way to help maximise space, so make sure to add pieces that serve more than one use. Clutter makes any space feel smaller, and your furniture is an ideal way to remove some of it.
For space-saving storage solutions, add ottomans that can hold things like blankets or games that aren’t in use. Or use under bed storage drawers for out of season clothes, extra shoes, or anything else that needs to be tucked away.
Modular sofas and lounges are great for smaller homes. The sections can easily be moved around to suit any room, moved or even stored in other rooms, if needed. It’s great if you have kids who like to have friends around, but you’re short on space.
As for the dining room, fold-out tables are ideal for people who love to entertain, but may not have the space for a permanently large table. Nesting tables are also a game-changer, as they take up minimal floor space and can easily be used when guests come over.
Using mirrors to enhance visual space
Mirrors are a handy interior design secret used to help make rooms look and feel larger than they really are. Tall mirrors can be positioned opposite windows and light sources to help not only reflect light, but also draw the eye up, while a mirror at the end of a hallway can make your hall feel longer and less enclosed.
Another way to add mirrors to your space is with mirrored furniture. Not only can these become statement pieces, but mirrored dressing tables, topped coffee tables or bedside tables can help reflect light in different ways, creating the feeling of more space.
Simplifying decor for a more open environment
Too many things competing for attention in a space can make it feel smaller, so consider removing a few items before adding anything new to a room. This could be as simple as putting toasters, kettles and other appliances in a cupboard, or minimising the amount of decor you have on shelves or dotted around the home.
Also take a look at where your furniture is positioned. It’s easy for large lounges, cabinets or other furniture to block light in a room, adding to that enclosed feel. This is where streamlined furniture and accessories can help you maintain that clean, uncluttered look.
Embracing design tricks for a spacious feel
Making your home feel expansive isn’t out of reach, even for those with smaller spaces. With a little creativity and intentionality, there’s lots you can do to get the most out of every room. Play around to find what works for you, and you can get the most out of every space.