A lot of people live in small spaces like apartments, condos, flats, boarding homes and dormitories. For some living in a small home may be either a preference or it may be out of financial reasons. But whatever reason it maybe there is a need to have a habitable space that is comfortable, peaceful and that is fit for the well-being of its occupants. For these people, living in a small area requires them to compromise in order to live in that limited space comfortably, that is by having minimal decors, maximized storage areas, and extremely organized home. Having an artistic lighting and a soft and plush upholstery furniture are only some of the many ways to achieve comfort and intimacy in the living space. Changing the color of walls and ceilings, adding attractive lighting, and rearranging furniture are several decorating tricks that can be useful in making a small space to feel and look larger.
Listed below are some other tips in making a small space seem larger:
Organize
Before changing colors, or rearranging the furniture it is best to organize. Clothes lying around, papers piled up on the floor and toys scattered around can be an eyesore and can make a place feel cramped and confined. Take time in finding ways to keep these things organized and out of site. Look for shelves that are compact enough and that can take less space. Utilize spaces that are unused, install hanging cabinets, shelves that can be placed at corners, vertical storage, center tables that have storage space below or three-in-1 sofa bed and storage.
Grouping
The best way to make a room feel and look wider is to group together furniture and circulation areas or walkways into major spaces. One practical means to do this is by locating furniture on walls or corners. For furniture’s that are large and tall, locate them on the outer walls, while for shorter furniture pieces they can be placed on the main gathering space of the room. Shorter furniture’s such as armless chairs, low coffee tables and ottoman or open chairs can be used on the said gathering space. A good rule of thumb for making a room look and feel more open is through having more floors seen.
Choosing the color
Cool light colors tend to create an airy and open atmosphere. These colors may include blue or green hues. When using warm deep colors, it makes a room’s atmosphere cozy and enclosed.
Illuminate
Illuminating a space can make a space appear wider and create a dramatic effect as well. This can be achieved either by letting in natural light or artificial light. For natural lighting, heavy window dressings should be removed. Windows should be open in order for natural light to come through. Meanwhile, for artificial light, add lighting fixtures to the space but make sure there won’t be any glare or distracting effects of lights chosen. In addition to that choose fixture to illuminate a suitable color. Recessed or track lighting are some types of artificial lighting that can be installed in the room.
Match Colors
A space can look wider, airy and open when colors of walls and furniture pieces are matched. Meanwhile a space can look cramped, disorganized and broken when contrasting colors are used.
Monochromatic Color
Using monochromatic colors on a space can make it look larger. Choose colors of furniture’s and walls that have the hue. Tone-on-tone upholstery fabrics, light shaded fabrics, window dressings and textured finishes can be used. Generally, cool light colors and warm faint colors can make an area wider.