Decorating a smaller space presents some unique challenges. How can you fit in everything you need and still make it look good?
It’s easier than you might think. Whether you’ve recently moved into new homes in Gateshead, Glasgow and even your hometown, or have been living in the same house for years, with some creative thinking and a keen editorial eye, you can transform that studio apartment, box bedroom, or kitchen nook into a practical and stylish space you enjoy spending time in.
Draw The Eye Up
When decorating a small room, you need to become a master of illusion by learning how to fool the eye into seeing space where there is none.
One of the simplest ways to do this is to draw the eye up, thereby making the walls appear taller and the ceiling higher. Many design tricks can accomplish this, such as installing a floor-to-ceiling gallery wall, or painting the walls and ceiling in the same light and/or bright shade.
Utilise Your Wall Space
One of the biggest dilemmas facing you will be how to fit in all the necessary furniture without making the room appear cluttered.
The answer: utilise your wall space. Hanging shelves, fold-away desks, floating bedside tables, mounted televisions, wall racks for kitchen implements, and other furniture you can stick to the wall will free up valuable floor space, making the room feel so much airier.
Lighten Up
Nothing gives the impression of space quite like natural light. Make the most of any windows in your small space with lighter curtains and blinds, and daintier furniture which will not block the light’s path through the room.
If natural light is in short supply – and even if it isn’t – your artificial light choices will have a significant impact on how spacious the room feels.
Make smart lighting choices. Avoid floor lamps in favour of less obtrusive wall sconces, install under cabinet lighting to make the walls seem further back, and choose ceiling lights which do not hang too low (unless you wish to create a feature in a smaller dining space).
Multitasking Furniture
Every piece of furniture should be essential in a smaller space, and most should be able to pull double duty.
Cut down on the amount of furniture you need by selecting pieces which perform more than one function. A bed with built-in storage will mean you can go without another cupboard or chest in the bedroom; a deep sofa that can double as a guest bed saves space in a small apartment; cubes that function as both table and additional seating make entertaining far less stressful.
There’s plenty of multitasking furniture available, so shop around before you buy.
Reflect
Maximise the light in your small space by using reflective surfaces.
The right mirror can make a tiny bedroom or living room seem double the size, while high-shine tiles in a kitchen cause the light from even the smallest window to dazzle.
Create Zones
In a smaller apartment, one way to create the impression of greater space is to separate it into zones.
This can be accomplished through use of colour – for example, using one colour for the dining space, another for the kitchen –, placement of rugs, or through partitions, such as a curtain or shelving. This is particularly useful in a studio apartment, as you can hide you bed from view of the living space so you don’t feel as though your guests are gathered in your bedroom.
Calm Colours
Calm, light, and bright colours reflect more light and therefore create the impression of greater space.
Neutral colours are the obvious choice, and can be broken up with different textures and materials to prevent them from falling flat. But pastels, metallics, and even bold primary colours can work well in a smaller room, bringing character and brightness to it.
A smaller space can become a beautiful space with a few clever design tricks.