Large space interior design allows more freedom to prioritize aesthetics without as much regard to the function whereas in small spaces, it is imperative for form to be functional as well as beautiful. Because of this, small space interior design requires extra attention to details, thoughtful planning, and creative solutions. But fear not, just because a place is small doesn’t mean it is destined to be an interior design failure.
Smaller homes can easily check off the same boxes on your wish list that a larger house can. A few of these small house design ideas and organization tricks can make you feel like you’re really living big. When space is limited, it’s important to be resourceful of what you do have by making the most of your square footage. Follow these tips and tricks to organize, declutter and open up your home for comfortable small space living.
1. Choose a Bold Wallpaper or Unique Paint
Okay, the most obvious strategy first: dressing up the walls. Your walls are prime real estate for creating immediate visual impact. This could mean adding wallpaper or using paint in a unique application, such as a mural, stripes, or one with a high-gloss finish.Pro Tip: Don’t forget that you can create a big impact by highlighting the 5th wall… the ceiling!
2.Light er’ up
Lighting is the jewelry of the room and a simple way to make a small space feel instantly memorable.There is a lot that can be said about lighting and how it can be used in small spaces. First of all, when lighting a small space it’s important to use more than one lighting source. Darkness is a small space’s worst enemy so make sure to add enough fixtures to cover the space and don’t leave any dark corners. Next, make sure to use lighting that fits the space. That huge beaded chandelier saved to your pinterest may be gorgeous but it won’t do your small space any favors. Opt for smaller, low profile, light fixtures and consider recessed lighting or track lighting since they won’t take up precious floor real estate.
3. Balance your furniture
It seems counterintuitive, but small furnishings can actually make a room look smaller. The key to designing a small space is picking the right furniture. Think slim-line, low-lying, ‘leggy’ pieces of seating furniture, which can fit comfortably into tiny spaces, giving the room enough ‘breathing space’ and a lighter feel overall.Similarly, armless sofas give the room a more open look, as they do not create boundaries and allow the eye to move around the room uninterrupted.
4.create an illusion with mirrors
Mirrors reflect light, making a room feel larger and more welcoming. Whether you add a bathroom mirror or a medicine cabinet with a mirrored front, this simple touch will brighten up your space.a strategically placed mirror on the wall can create a sense of illusion by reflecting light and compensating in a windowless room. mirrors are also a great way to create depth in a smaller space. hanging a large mirror or a couple of smaller mirrors help reflect natural light into darker corners.
5.Less on Floor is More
This might be something you’ve never noticed before but chances are you will now: a room will always feel bigger when you can see a larger portion of the floor space. There are a few things at play here:Visual weight is an important principle in design, especially when it comes to small spaces.Site lines are also an important principle when it comes to designing small spaces. In a nutshell, the goal of site lines is to make them as long as possible. In small spaces we can use site lines in architecture to make the space feel bigger than it actually is. By minimizing the amount of items taking up floor space, we create the effect of spaciousness while also improving traffic flow and creating space for additional storage if needed. In addition to the number of pieces on the floor consider the amount of furniture touching the floor. For example, check out the chairs to the left. The bottom chair takes up more square footage of floor space than the top chair because top chair has thin legs and so the seat elevated above the ground. Additionally the legs allow for the site line to continue under the chair whereas the recliner does not. These chairs could be the same size and weight but visually speaking the top chair is lighter than the one beneath it.
6. Incorporate Oversized Artwork & Accessories
Don’t forget the accessories, including artwork! No matter how small the space, a room can always benefit from decor. We love artwork for this, especially oversized pieces. (Most people select art that is too small.) Large art can give smaller spaces that larger-than-life personality, plus a distinct energy that mirrors the feeling in the piece.
7. Pocket Doors/Sliding Doors
The square footage needed to swing open a door is a luxury most small spaces can’t afford. Sliding pocket doors, which are installed to slide into the wall when not being used, are a great option for small space design. A less costly option is sliding doors that can be installed on a track in front of the doorway opening. Sliding doors provide a seamless transition from one zone to another while segregating open areas or closing off rooms. Unlike hinged doors that take up room to swing open, sliding doors operate sideways. Along with small rooms, these are great for cupboards and wardrobes in cramped areas too.
8. Think Vertically
Focusing on the vertical is something that can be applied to many parts of the small space design process. As we noted earlier, hanging plants and vertical lighting are great ways to draw the viewer’s eye up and down, distracting from the lack of room size. Wallpapers featuring vertical patterns can accentuate this visual effect. Utilize the often underused space between the furniture top and the ceiling with hanging or high-mounted elements.Pendant lights are great solutions for living and bedrooms while hanging pot racks can be a statement piece in a kitchen. Hanging pot racks are extremely functional for daily use and storage.Vertical storage helps to efficiently utilise space without taking up any floor area. In particular, cupboards running end to end and from floor to ceiling, are a clever trick to maximise vertical storage. Having closed storage units makes it easy to organise.
9. Consider Patterned Window Treatments
Inspired pattern play isn’t just for your walls… you can dress up the windows in a small space, too. We love Roman shades, drapery, and even valances or cornices (see below) in colorful fabrics.
10. Make the Flooring Count
We’ve talked about walls, lighting, and windows… Now, it’s time for the floor! Intricate or creative flooring can make a small space feel extra unique and full of personality. It’s also a great place for that tile that you love that isn’t quite right for the kitchen.
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