In the era of booming urbanization, the charm of tiny homes or small living spaces is becoming a new normal, particularly for those residing in densely populated cities. However, the challenge lies in making these compact spaces more expansive and comfortable.
Fortunately, interior design offers many solutions to maximize space and create the illusion of a larger, more inviting environment. More designers are developing innovative ideas for maximizing interior styles within small footprints.
These styles can take on the form of multipurpose furniture or picking the right colors when decorating. There’s a plethora of methods available that you can look into when you start to design your space.
Here are some design hacks that can transform any place, be it a room or an entire home, into areas that look and feel spacious.
The Floorplan Perspective
Before delving into specific design tips, you need to first visualize the floor plan. Understanding the layout and flow of your space is the first step in making it appear larger.
You can see how much ground you’re working with by placing furniture and identifying potential areas for optimization. Try also to measure the room’s dimensions. Having this information can help you make informed decisions that can positively impact the perception of the space.
5 Design Hacks That Can Make Any Space Look Bigger
A costly renovation isn’t the only means you have of expanding your space. With a few rearrangements and adjustments, any room can feel brand new.
1. Strategic furniture decisions
Maximizing space means choosing furniture carefully. Pieces that touch the walls make it seem like they’re taking up large footprints and contribute to the feeling of claustrophobia.
To create the illusion of roominess, leave gaps between your furnishings and the area’s boundaries. Also, consider having sleeker pieces with legs as they let light in and the air flow, visually opening up the room.
Alternatively, you can get furniture closer to the floor, emphasizing the spaces above them. They make the walls look taller and the ceiling higher, enforcing the illusion of more space. If you want to put décor, consider putting mirrors or paintings that you can hang on the walls. You don’t wish to miscellaneous items taking up valuable floor real estate.
2. Clever paint choices
Colors effectively trick the eye because light bounces off or absorbs them. The go-to option is to use neutral or light colors such as white, cream, or pastels. These hues reflect light, creating a sense of openness.
While bolder colors typically can shrink a room, you can still incorporate them if you can use them well. You can have an accent wall to draw the eye and create a focal point while painting the rest of the walls with a light color.
The accent wall tricks the eyes into thinking there’s an extra area within the room. Being the focal point can help you decorate and pick out furniture to enhance the illusion.
These methods can also work on the ceiling. If you have a room with dark walls, painting the ceiling with white or pastels can extend the room upwards. Alternatively, you can embrace all the colors and paint a mural on the walls. Cloudscapes or landscapes can make you feel like you’re walking into another world and, thus, a larger space.
3. Mirrors that reflect the openness
The same technique with the walls also works with mirrors. Hanging mirrors opposite windows reflect the light coming from outside, and the outdoor views can bring a sense of expansiveness.
You can also use shiny surfaces, such as flooring or lacquered furniture, to achieve this effect. Remember that placement is crucial—there has to be light, whether artificial or natural, so the surfaces have something to reflect.
4. No curtains or sheer curtains
Curtains block out the light and can make a room feel claustrophobic, even if they only partially cover the windows. They also add visual clutter to a space. Opt for no curtains if you want to make the space feel bigger. The room will look simpler, and the windows can let the light in fully.
If you still want some curtains to filter the amount of light coming through, you can use sheer curtains. Light fabrics like linen can still give airiness to the room. Floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains in white or pastels also help elongate a room.
5. Keep everything simple
Minimalism is the best friend of enlarging spaces. Too much décor scattered around is visually overwhelming and shrinks the room; if you want to add previous heirlooms or knickknacks around, frame or group them against a wall so they become an accent or look like an art installation.
Wallpaper patterns and rugs also play roles, adding visual clutter. If you want to add these elements, you can opt for smaller, minimalist rugs. With wallpaper, choose patterns like stripes or chevrons to help elongate the room since they can make the walls seem taller than they are.
To Impress, Eliminate Excess
Making small areas feel more substantial is where interior design becomes a challenge. Though it may seem daunting, you can easily trick the eyes and use clever techniques to create more space.
Visualizing the floor plan is the foundation, allowing you to make informed choices that align with your preferences. Each element contributes to the illusion, from furniture choices to the subtle influence of paint and lighting.
Excessive elements detract from the room, so keeping everything simple and using colors that reflect light can bring an ambiance that defies the size limitations.
Making a space feel larger is a fusion of creativity, functionality, and a strong understanding of the visual language of design. The goal extends beyond the mere aesthetics of size – it’s about curating an environment that seamlessly blends form with function. Let these design tips be your guide in living more comfortably in compact places. Know that just because you have less space to work with doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style and substance. Think of it as a way to practice editing yourself and what you want the room to convey to you or any guests who pay a visit.
