Tiny Space, Huge Style: 9 Tricks To Make Your Home Feel Twice The Size
Designing and styling small spaces is something I am really passionate about. We often see grand and luxurious homes showcased on the pages of glossy magazines and plastered across our screens, but rarely do we get to see the true mastery of cosy and intimately designed spaces.
The reality is, a large majority of the world live in small spaces - think apartments, townhouses, even tiny homes and granny flats.
Should they feel any less magnificent or high-end? Absolutely not. In fact some of the most unique and creative spaces I have ever seen were born out of the need to utilise and optimise every last square inch of space.
With high-density living on the rise, we need to find space solutions to create environments that can still feel spread out, spacious and easy to live in.
I live on a teeny tiny block and even with a second story house extension, I am still exploring new and unique ways to expand our footprint - it’s been both challenging and extremely rewarding…I don’t think we’re even close to being done. So, if you, like me, live in small quarters, these simple tips might help to add a sense of openness and liveability to your small, but mighty zones.
1.Use Mirrors
Large floor-to-ceiling mirrors instantly reflect light and make your space feel bigger. Even smaller mirrors grouped together can create a gallery effect while expanding depth. The frame of the mirror also matters - a statement shape or metal can make a splash - or, a sleek minimalist black and create a luxe and refined finish.
2.Height Tricks
If you’re using shelves try and have them go floor to ceiling. This goes for curtains to - hang them from the roof line to help draw the eye up. This will make the ceilings feel higher.
3.Sleek furniture
You really want to measure your space to ensure you don’t overcrowd the room with bulky furniture. What are the key pieces you need? Opt for sleek pieces. Incorporate glass - eg; a glass coffee or side table. You could even go for a chair or couch open-legged sofas reduce visual weight.
4.Closed storage
Having lose items and ‘clutter’ tucked away, instantly gives you back space and a sense of openness. This probably sounds like such a boring design trick, but ensuring everything has a home (ideally behind closed doors) makes a room feel bigger and easier to be in very quickly.
5.Key Oversized Pieces
Oversized rugs can unify the space, making it feel bigger. Art intentionally hung to soak up the entirety of a wall can also add a sense of grandiose. A large plant that towers up the wall can feel like a super elevated masterpiece and almost any feature lighting - especially a decent statement sized one - adds a level of customisation and elegance that adds dimension and depth
6.Open zones for flow
Keep your walk-ways clear and avoid blocking natural pathways.
7.Negative space
Leave space between objects on shelves, coffee tables and consoles. Don’t be afraid to let things breath and allow the eye to land on some empty pockets of space.
8.Limit excess accessories
Opt for higher quality, more ‘high end’ decor over lots of little bits and pieces. A sculptural vase, a statement lamp, a large framed art piece will win over lots of knick knacks.
9.Repeat colours and materials
Think consistent flooring, colours, textures, metals, woods, stones etc..this creates continuity and therefore a sense of openness.
Of course, there are lots of things that you can do to cleverly create ‘more’ space in a small home.
Creating the illusion of space in a small home is all about intentional design and visual breathing room.
Find smart ways to raise the ceiling height in order to create volume.
Choose low-profile or transparent furniture pieces, and anchor the room with oversized rugs, mirrors, or artwork to unify the space.
Select quality decor that feels refined and high-end - keep collections limited opposed to lots of little pieces.
Embrace a colour in a consistent and cohesive way, and repeat materials to create continuity, while leaving negative space around objects, pathways, and walls so the eye can move freely.
Introduce a few statement pieces and where you can, let as much natural lighting in.
Your result will be a home that rivals even the biggest houses on the block.
The most important element to creating a ‘bigger, bolder’ feeling home in a smaller space is confidence. Going all in on your design scheme and backing yourself with unique and interesting ideas is what what great style is all about - regardless the size…because big, is not always better, and that I know for sure.
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