Maybe you’ve moved into a new apartment in a metropolitan area. Standing in the doorway of your empty living room, you start thinking about decorating the space.
You’ve got so many eclectic design ideas — a vintage sofa to be arranged around a cosy rug, a gorgeous gallery wall to feature your favourite artworks, and a dazzling chandelier to hang above the chic sitting area.
And then you realise the room is actually quite small.
However, the good news is, you can fit all of your ideas into that room without making it feel cramped, confining, and claustrophobic.
Start off by clearing out the clutter
Perhaps you’re tempted to cram all of your worldly possessions into one room, but stop! Too much stuff makes a room look so much small, which is the opposite of our goal. So take a minimalistic approach and keep only the essential items to make your room look open, tidy, and organised.
If you’ve got wads of old magazines, get rid of those. Too many indoor plants? Get rid of those too – at least some of those. Long story short, get rid of everything that you haven’t used in a year.
Let the paint colour create the delusion of a spacious room
When it comes to wall paints, dark hues are a big NO. Why? Because they absorb light and make rooms look smaller. So choose lighter hues because they maximise natural light’s effect and make rooms look bigger.
If you feel overwhelmed selecting the best colour from a palette, go with soft tones like off-white, dusty blue, or sage green.
Invest only in the right pieces of furniture
Selection of the right pieces of furniture is the most important element of a right room makeover. Avoid heavy and bulky pieces that take up too much of the usable space in a room. For instance, purchase a sleek sofa that takes up less space than its overstuffed alternative.
Also, invest in tables and chairs that are raised on legs. This allows light to filter under the furniture making the room appear more spacious.
Beds and cabinets that are designed to provide hidden storage are also good picks. These case goods, eliminate clutter and give a room airier appearance.
Light, light, and more light
If you have access to natural light, bring it into your room through the windows and thereby elaborate the space by connecting the room with the outdoors. Get rid of heavy window coverings, use sheer ones, or pull them back completely to allow more light in.
And if you don’t have access to natural light, add some creative effects using lighting fixtures. Use more lamps, install track lighting, or recessed lighting to spread light evenly around the room instead of relying completely on one overhead light.
The final touch is all about picking up on every single detail
Room makeovers aren’t complete until every little detail is taken care of. Make sure pieces of furniture or accessories aren’t blocking the pathway or view into a room.
In addition, hang long curtains just below the ceiling that sweep all the way down to the floor to make the walls and windows look taller.
And lastly, remember any discussion of small spaces needs to include the idea of using mirrors to maximise the open space. Use a large framed mirror or several smaller pieces on a wall against the window to reflect the natural light and view which tricks the eye into perceiving a bigger space.
Now that you know a more spacious room is just a few decorations away, start painting the rooms with your imaginations. And when imagination meets reality, you might enjoy every bit of your daily life.
