Plenty of people live in small homes. Whatever your reason for living in cramped quarters, you’ll likely have to make some decorative compromises. To live efficiently and happily in a smaller house, you’ll have to be strategic. With furniture placement, interesting lighting, and color choices, you can make your home feel spacious and bright.
1. Extend your square footage outside.
If you have large windows that expose your back deck and outdoor space, add those colors to your room. With the unique patterns and beautiful colors that outdoor fabrics offer, there’s no reason to skimp on them. Coordinating outdoor drapes, cushions, and area rugs will make your space seem visually larger. Meanwhile, let as much natural light into your room as possible.
2. Declutter.
Declutter and organize your space. Donate anything you haven’t used for a year. Create storage wherever possible until multi-purpose furniture pieces. When it comes to cabinets and shelves, don’t fill them up completely. Leave some of them half empty for a more spacious, airy look. If it’s functional, remove a door or two to increase the sense of space.
3. Keep it simple.
Unify adjacent spaces with the same color and floor material. This will make your rooms appear larger. If you need to change those things, try to stay within the same color family. Light colors and neutrals are space expanders. Avoid dark colors and harsh materials. Simple drapes and shades will also work in your favor.
4. Make a statement.
An oversized mirror will add extra light and make your room appear larger. Even if your room is tiny, adding oversized art or a big statement light can create drama and a more spacious appearance. You might also want to consider a floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall bookshelf.