The best things come in small packages and a smaller, more compact space can be made to feel spacious, just by utilising some simple tips and ideas to trick the mind into the perception of space. In this article, we share some ways to make your compact and bijou space feel positively palatia.
Utilise a Neutral Colour Palette
By their very nature, using a light neutral colour palette will make a compact room appear more spacious and brighter. Darker colours tend to absorb light, bringing the perception of a smaller space. Neutral, lighter colours tend to reflect the light lending a spacious feel. Light and neutral doesn’t need to equal stark. Opting for warm neutrals such as tans, beiges, and creamy whites, which have a yellow, orange, or red (pink) undertone for a comforting, cosy feel.
Go Minimal
Lots of clutter, groups of ornaments and multiple furniture pieces can make a space look fussy and crowded. Minimal is key when designing the interior of a small space. Try a larger corner sofa rather than a couple of smaller sofas and an armchair and ditch the side tables in favour of a larger coffee table instead. Use the same ideology when it comes to rugs – a larger rug that fills the space will give the illusion of space when compared to several smaller utility rugs that begin to look cluttered. Coffee tables made from glass will give the perception of space by being able to see through them, almost as if they weren’t there at all. A day bed that can be put away each day will instantly make a bedroom appear larger and allow for the dual function of the room. Comfy seating by day, cosy bedroom at night.
Think Vertical
Storage space becomes an issue in a smaller room and using freestanding shelves and bookcases simply reduces the available floor space. When designing a compact space, go vertical as well as horizontal. Wall mounted shelves will use the full height of the walls for storage. Elevate your creativity – literally! Use the space above doors, behind sofas and beds and consider having wall mounted bedside tables instead of using floor space for nightstands.
Mounting the TV on the wall, with the wires concealed within the walls will eliminate the necessity for a bulky cabinet and give a streamlined appearance to a small space.
Large or horizontal radiators can crowd a smaller space and limit furniture placement. Consider a narrow, contemporary design that can be wall mounted vertically. Many options exist to create a true design statement and make a feature of a radiator – even turning them into artworks!
Light It Up
Smaller spaces need ample natural light to look as spacious as possible. A room with small windows or no windows at all will benefit from window treatments that allow as much light as possible to flow through, at the same time as offering privacy. Lighter fabrics for curtaining, such as cottons, linens and voiles will lend a lighter airier feel than heavier fabrics such as velvet or blinds with a small slat width. Consider how curtain poles might look in a smaller space – a larger, heavier pole might dominate the space. If a smaller room has a lack of natural light, consider putting frosted glass panels into doors to allow light to flow through.
