How Design Can Create the Illusion of More Space
For most of us, our living spaces serve as an oasis of peace from the hustle and bustle of the daily grind. Home is a space where we can be ourselves and unwind in comfortable surroundings that complement our lifestyle and express our unique personalities and interests. When we want to personalize a room in the house, some of us may soon discover that space is limited in our living areas.
However, with a few simple interior design tips from the pros, you can easily create or transform any size living space into your own unique refuge from the world. Here are four extremely simple, yet effective, ways to expand the size of your living space without expanding the size of your budget.
Mirror, mirror on the wall
Just as magicians make expert use of mirrors to trick the eyes of unsuspecting audience members, you can also place mirrors strategically to expand the boundaries of limited space. By creating the illusion of depth in a room, mirrors naturally open up any space without requiring costly modifications to walls. However, be mindful with their placement. Mirrors are best utilized in areas that reflect light sources in your home.
Let the light shine in
Speaking of light, nothing suffocates it quite like thick curtains and dark wall tapestries. Do yourself and your gloomy room a favor: opt for sheer window dressings that accentuate the area’s natural lighting. This will have the added benefit of drawing attention to the overall lines of your furniture and décor selections and promote harmony and cohesion among your décor.
Cut down on color
Your modestly-sized space should make advantageous and smart use of color to avoid transforming it into a mismatched quilt of haphazard design schemes. Instead of relying on loud or contrasting colors, go with a simple, yet complementary, color scheme to enhance and tie your room together. A widely-used practice by top-tier interior designers to open up the feel of a room calls for a heavy reliance on monochromatic colors.
Slim and sleek furniture
Nothing can cramp a small space like large, cumbersome, stocky furniture. Drop the dark woods in favor of glass table tops and stainless steel slimline legs. Couches should be sleek and low to the floor to maximize overhead space. Why clutter the room with bulky furniture when you can substitute a few modest, low-profile pieces and really open up your space?