Ideas for rented spaces, home owners & budget living.
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Ideas for rented space, home owners & budget living with travel & fashion

June 9, 2016
Ideas for making small spaces seem larger!
small apartment layout

Most of us are troubled with small spaces, but there is really no need to put up with them. Whilst enlargement and renovation may be out of the question, there are a few tricks that you can employ to make your small spaces seem larger and which are easy to implement yourself. I perhaps mentioned this tousand times but you should know by now that I live in the tiniest apartment ever, despite having 2 bedrooms which one is totally cramped! Yep, with all my landlord stuff that I have put there, so I could replace furniture in other rooms! Sacrifices!  

 
Your colour palette
First of all, you have to understand that dark colours “close” in an environment while light colours “open” it up. Therefore, never use dark colours, such as dark purples, greens or reds in a small space as these will make it look and feel even smaller. Instead, paint the walls in light colours, such as white, light blues and pinks, or even a dove grey to create a light and airy space. I probably talked about it over and over again, but because I am like you tutor you know 😉 Annoying but useful!Just look at my the choices below. Isn’t it the perfect ‘pink’ shades?! I hear you!
Great examples of adding artwork onto pink walls!
Image 1: Norsu Interiors & Image 2: Magdalena Tyboni art
Plan your layout
small apartment layout
small apartment layout
small space idea
Another great examples from INT2Architecture, these guys designed the small space appear larger with such a style!

It can be tempting to think that making space in the centre of the room by pushing furniture to the walls is a great way to make a small area seem larger, but think again. It could just make your small room look empty and uninspired. Instead, try planning a furniture layout that uses angles and centre placements. If you joined me at my Ideal Home Show talk, I have explained that little more! For example, in a home office, angle your desk across two walls and position it so that you look into the room rather than staring at the walls. For living rooms, place a large sofa in the centre with a narrow console table behind it. Remember to allow for walking space around your furniture. Here are the best furniture stores for decorating your home. Let your space breathe and don’t just cramp around the room living the centre empty! It’s a crime!

 
Windows
window shutters
Another quite important part! I talked before about windows before and my idea of keeping them plain. Your vertical spaces are just as important as your horizontal ones, especially in small areas. In regards to your windows, you should be aiming to reduce their visual impact rather than emphasising it. Instead of heavy, bulky curtains and blinds, install high-quality window shutters to create a streamlined window dressing that affords you privacy and gives you control over air flow and natural light. Of course, if you fan of curtains that;s a different story but just remember the quality over quantity. If you go for heavy textured curtains, then avoid too much patterns. If you prefer patterns then chose lighter curtain fabric! Easy to remember!  You may likewise consider clear perspex sheets if you want window applications resistant to wear and tear that won’t yellow or fade in direct sunlight over time. They are a popular choice since they can remain transparent for an extended period while creating the feel of a large space. Additionally, acrylic sheets are easy to fabricate, meaning you can further shape them to adapt to your desired specification.
 
Dual-purpose furniture
dual-furniture picture table
This amazing dual-purpose table is available from Ivy designs
A way to avoid cluttering your small space with multiple items of furniture is to choose items that serve a dual-purpose. Always choose furniture that offers storage over items that do not, such as a bed with a  frame that lifts up to reveal a large storage space, or a footstool that not only provides extra seating but also opens up to offer storage inside. You should also opt for furniture that can be decreased in size when not in use, such as a dining table that has a drop-leaf.
 
Create illusion
mirror in small space
Small space and just perfect example of using mirrors to enlarge space image credit
A clever trick that we interior designers do is the strategic placement of mirrors. Choose a large mirror, either width-wise or height-wise, and position it against the wall opposite to the window for maximum effect. Placing it here will create the illusion of another window, but if this space is not free, then placing a large mirror anywhere in the room will help to reflect light and thereby make the area seem larger than it is. I have 2 mirrors in my hallway corridor and the trick works!
small space layout
Another amazing example from INT2 Architecture, you can read here about the small apartment with love!

Small spaces may be a pain, but you can make the most of them with a few DIY tricks that create the illusion of space and offer high functionality teamed with great design. Just look through my blog to find more examples of my own changes, not just perfect styled apartments 🙂 

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  4. Francesca Nelson

    This was really really helpful! Our house is really wuite small and we struggle to know what to so with it! We are looking at redecorating so Il keep im mind that lighter colours are a go!! Alos loving the dual furniture and always wanted some but it costs a bomb! 🙁

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  6. MissPond

    These are great tips! We are currently downsizing from a house to a flat so not only are we clearing the clutter, I'll be paying attention to your decorating and layout tips!!

    Reply