G Kumar Enterprises

Light is one of the most effective ways to create the appearance that a space is larger than it actually is. Color and light go hand in hand when designing for smaller spaces. Natural light is always ideal. In rooms without it, lighting fixtures hung from the wall or ceiling can reduce clutter by freeing up valuable floor space better used for displaying other stylish accents or as space for other functional items.

The colors you choose for walls, furnishings, and flooring will impact the final appearance of any room. Emphasis on lighter colors is best in smaller spaces. Dark walls can make a room look smaller, whereas lighter colors can make it appear larger. You can always accent your space with darker colors if you like. This is especially effective when there’s plenty of light in the room.

It’s important to consider the size and purpose of each piece of furniture you bring into a smaller home. Having too much furniture in one room can make the space feel overcrowded, as happens when furniture intended for larger spaces is placed in smaller rooms. Avoiding those mistakes is key, regardless of your style choices. Select furniture that makes your smaller space function and looks like a larger room. Keep an eye out for pieces that can serve many purposes, like couches or chairs with storage underneath.

Consider using an ottoman with beverage trays instead of a coffee table. This way, the ottoman can serve as both seating and surface space. Also, a sofa or loveseat with legs will give the appearance of more floor space. A glass coffee or end table is also a great way to add surface space while giving the illusion of more size. No guest room available? Opt for a futon instead of a traditional sofa.

Expandable furniture is also a great small space asset. You can replace a larger dining room table with a smaller one that expands. Then, keep extra foldable seating available for company. This will prevent your dining room from seeming overpowered by a large dining set.

Bunk beds are great for kids’ rooms, especially if you have the option to incorporate built-in storage. Anytime you can add storage fixtures to your home via building work, it will reduce the amount of floorspace taken up by bookshelves or tables. Many smaller homes feature built-in seating, shelving, and drop-down desks. The latter attach to a wall and fold down for easy use. They can fold up when not in use to free up more space in any room. Fold-down beds are helpful as well to keep furniture out of sight, except when needed. Anytime you can hide a large object, you’ll be opening up a room’s floor space.

Take advantage of every nook and cranny your small space has to offer, but be careful not to overdecorate. Choosing what’s most important to show your style while keeping the things you use daily within reach requires balance. Keep in mind that you can use decorations to make space appear larger as well.

Window treatments are a great place to start. Hanging them higher above the windows, and using long drapes, can give the appearance of larger windows. Dressing the windows with light colors will also help.

Consider going vertical with your décor as well. Strategically placed shelving and other wall-mounted fixtures can reduce the need for bookshelves altogether. These accents can help you achieve the aesthetic you want without the need for large pieces of furniture.

Don’t be afraid to use every available surface in a room. Use them with discretion, placing things you love all around you without forgetting the practical. Taking advantage of floor space under and behind larger pieces of furniture can be useful for hiding extra belongings. Specialty totes and bins are available for these spaces. Vacuum-seal storage bags can help, too.

Upcycling and repurposing are all the rage right now. Upcycling is the process of giving older pieces of furniture new life. This could mean reupholstery of an old chaise or a clock made from a vintage record. Nothing gives a room more character than unique upcycled pieces.

Repurposing is similar, using items for a purpose other than originally intended. Stacked vintage leather luggage makes a timeless end table. Using your old coffee mug as a pencil holder on your desk is another example, but the possibilities are infinite. 

There are tons of do-it-yourself tutorials available online. For interior design on a smaller budget, these can be especially useful. You can create the ambiance and look you want using materials that are already available in your home by upcycling or repurposing items.

You can also assign multiple purposes to a room to increase the available space in other areas of the home. Consider designing a home office that folds away quickly to make a guestroom for visitors. Drop-down desks and fold-down beds are great ways to create a bedroom that converts to free space. A home gym, crafting area, or playroom could all hide a foldaway desk or bed.