Homes come in large and small, and the reality is, larger homes are easier to make design choices in right? Wrong, small interiors can be challenging, but that’s what makes them cozy and personable. You can give the illusion of space by following these simple guidelines.
INTERIOR COLORS: Use light, neutral colors to give the illusion of space and airiness. Whites, beige’s, grays, and muted pastels can make your small space feel bigger. By tricking the eye, walls will seem to disappear, rather than stand out.
ACCENT WALLS: Consider colors that are a darker hue of the already used neutral color. For example beige walls, with a darker taupe accent wall will still help to make the walls blend with one another. When using darker colors, use them on window walls, or walls with several openings. The darker color will actually seem lighter, because of the window light and breakup of doorways, entryways, and hallways. Try to place furniture in front of accent walls to also “eat up” some of the dark color of accent walls. Remember, the lighter the color the more space that will be felt in the room.
MIRRORS: You’ve always heard that mirrors and reflection enlarge a space right? What about the placement of mirrors? Use a mirror at the end of a hallway to give the illusion of length. Place a mirror on the opposite side of a window wall with a view to reflect light, and the beautiful view. In bedrooms, replace sliding closet doors with mirrored doors. In bathrooms, replace a small vanity mirror with a mirror that extends along the full length of the wall. In kitchens, use a reflective backsplash to give the illusion of space.
FURNITURE: Use multi-purpose furniture that provides storage, function, and décor. For example, a storage ottoman that doubles as a coffee table and seating for guests is ideal. Dining room tables which have storage adjacent or below can double as a home office. When buying a couch, opt for one that can double as a sleeping area like a futon. Fold-out couches, and daybeds can also be used in home offices to convert for overnight guests.
NATURAL LIGHT: In as many ways possible, maximize the quantity of emitting natural light. At windows, use light colored fabrics, and sheers to diffuse harsh bright light. Consider having a skylight or sun diffuser tube installed in the ceiling. This way light can illuminate the small space and open it up. If you don’t have windows, use brighter lighting and colors to bring warmth and brightness into your small space.
STORAGE: In kitchens and bathrooms, take advantage of under counter and cabinet organization tools. Don’t forget items can be hung on the inside of cabinet doors, and drawers organizers will help put everything ‘in its place’. Don’t forget space on top of your cabinets, refrigerator, and back of the bathroom door. In the bedroom, take advantage of space under the bed, and over doorways. Shelving over doorways for books is a unique and decorative way of adding the illusion of space. Use vertical book shelves to maximize storage and display decorative collectibles.
Your home is what you make it, focus on the quality and not how much space you lack.
