Not all of us have the luxury of living in our dream home right off the bat (or at all I mean come on Pinterest you're killing me over here), but that doesn't mean we can't make that less than roomy apartment/starter home feel spacious.
These design tips can help you create an illusion of spaciousness and openness, making your home more enjoyable while you're there. What's the key you ask? Combining several elements strategically to create a balanced, airy look.
LIGHTING
No matter how big your space is, it will always appear smaller and crowded if it's dark and gloomy. With proper lighting your space will feel more open and enjoyable.
Maximize natural light during the day. Use light gauzy drapes this will give you privacy but allow the light in. If you have low ceilings hang them close to the ceiling line to create an illusion of height but remember the fabric needs to touch the floor so measure accordingly before buying your drapes.
Choosing the right fixtures for your artificial light has an impact as well. If you have low ceilings steer clear of chandeliers, pendants, and low hanging fixtures. Down lights/recessed cans will make your room seem wider. When it comes to lamps, brighten dark corners using a slender floor lamp with a small base.
FURNITURE
Selecting the right furniture will make or break your small space. You need to consider not only the visual appeal of the furniture, but its scale and functionality.
Multi-functional furniture is going to be a small spaces' bff. Not only does it save space but it will make a room feel less crowded and even provide valuable storage.
When choosing sofas and chairs those with visible legs will create an illusion of space because they sit up off the floor.
MIRRORS
Mirrors play a huge role in creating the illusion of space. Since mirrors reflect light they are a great way to create vastness and airiness in your home. Maximize this effect by hanging a large mirror opposite a window. Now you can't do the same thing in every room so switch it up by using mirrored furniture in some rooms.
CHOOSE COLORS WISELY
When it comes to smaller spaces the right paint color will completely transform it. Using neutral and pale colors will reflect light and make a room feel more spacious. You can use a dark color in a small space but you really need to consult a professional so you don't waste time and money as there is an art to it. Creating a contrast between a light ceiling and a dark floor can create an illusion of height as well. You can use dark or bold accent details on your neutral walls to create balance. Experiment with design and pattern to add your personality to your space.
EDITING
The fastest way to make a small space feel smaller is "stuff," specifically clutter. It also has a psychological way of evoking the feelings of chaos or messiness. Take a good evaluation of all your extra stuff and remove the unnecessary clutter from your rooms to gain valuable space.
Remember you don't have to fill every inch of the room or bookshelf with stuff. In fact, leaving negative spaces will make everything else feel less cramped and read more as individual items instead of one large mass.
Follow these simple steps and you'll be on the way to creating a stylish and airy space!
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