I will share ten strategies for small space design and what you can do to make your small space feel bigger.
Over the years, I've found that whether you live in a small house, an apartment, or have spaces in your house that are a little bit tight, it all comes down to the sense of space versus the actual size.
You don't have to be limited by the square footage of your space because there are things you can do to alter the perception of size and make your rooms function and feel bigger.
So if you want to learn how to create the illusion of a larger space that works well for your needs, follow my tips for small space interior design.
These ten tips for decorating small spaces will have your home feeling larger and more welcoming in no time:
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Interior design for small spaces
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Interior design with neutral colors like cream, taupe, pale gray, light beige, and white
1. Color palette
Using neutral colors like cream, taupe, pale gray, light beige, and any variation of white on your walls and your furnishing creates a tranquil effect and gives the perception of a larger space.
Darker color palette in interior design
If you prefer a darker color palette and the room you're working with is used at night with artificial lighting, painting the walls a dark, deep, moody color will make them recede.
Consistent flooring in an open-plan apartment
2. Flooring
Using different colored flooring chops up the space and makes it look smaller, so keep your floor color consistent throughout. This is especially important in an open-plan layout or a combination of rooms that are visible from each other.
Rug without bold patterns or colors
It is best to avoid rugs if at all possible, but if you want to use a rug to anchor a space or define a seating area, make sure that the rug doesn't have a lot of patterns or colors.
Small bathroom with uniform tiles on the floor and walls
In small bathrooms, using the same tile on the floor and in the shower or bath surround, plus painting the walls a similar color will make the space look uniform. This blurs the division between walls and floor and gives the illusion of a larger space.
Lightweight drapes bringing in natural light
3. Lighting
Lightweight drapes or curtains will allow more light to come in through the windows.
Using natural and layered artificial lighting
Now, even if you maximize the natural light that's coming into your rooms, it's extra important to introduce artificial lighting as well.
Larger sofa with other small seating options
4. Furniture
Instead of using a small sofa and multiple other pieces of seating, try using a larger sofa with one or two small seating options to round off the conversation area.
Pale colored furniture
Pale colored furniture and pieces with legs look lighter and smaller versus boxy overstuffed dark upholstered pieces.
Cohesive interior design
5. Cohesiveness
Keep in mind the low contrast and cohesive approach. Paint the walls in adjoining rooms the same or similar color to increase perceived space. This creates a longer sight line without interruption and makes the spaces appear bigger.
Using neutral colors in interior design
When you use neutral colors, it allows the eye to roam freely throughout the space without distractions. This enhances the feeling of space and makes the rooms appear larger.
Using a color as an accent
6. Pattern and color
If there is a pattern or a color that you love, pull that color out and use it as your accent color.
Black and white palette for drama
Also, accenting with non-colors like black and white will add a little bit of drama to your space and keep a neutral color palette from looking too boring.
Warm wood tones in interior design
Introducing wood tones also brings some warmth, so that is one thing to consider as well.
Large-scale artwork
7. Decor
On walls, use large-scale artwork instead of a collection of smaller pieces in different shapes and colors.
Gallery wall with similar frames
If you love the look of a gallery wall, use the same or similar frames and hang them close to each other so they look as if they're one piece.
Using reflective surfaces in interior design
8. Reflective surfaces
Mirrors are great because of their reflective abilities. They can maximize light when placed across from a window, and can also trick the eye from perceiving the space to be larger than it is.
High-polished surfaces bounce light
High-polished surfaces also bounce light around the room and detract the eye from focusing on the actual size of the space.
Light fixtures with glass and metal
Shiny metals, glass, crystal, and light fixtures with see-through shades add sparkle and bounce light around the room which then contributes to it appearing more interesting and larger.
Making the most of vertical space
9. Vertical space
Use walls and vertical space to your advantage to make your space appear taller and bigger.
Rooms with tall ceilings
Have you noticed how rooms with tall ceilings always appear larger? This is because the eye perceives the space above as volume, which in turn makes the actual room appear bigger.
Tall bookcases and shelving units
Tall bookcases and shelving units that go all the way up to the ceiling are a great way to make a room appear taller, plus offer the opportunity for valuable storage.
Storing belongings out of sight
10. Storage
Finding practical and clever ways of storing your things in plain sight will help you make your rooms function and look better.
Storage ottoman
Consider using a storage ottoman instead of a coffee table or even a storage bench as extra seating at the dining table.
Lidded baskets and boxes for storage
Use lidded baskets, boxes, and trunks both as decorative pieces but also as storage solutions so you can store everyday items like toys, supplies, extra bedding, keys, and remotes.
Bookcases for decor and storage
Also, consider using enclosed cabinets instead of open shelving, or maybe a combination of both, so you can hide the not-so-good-looking stuff behind closed doors and display your nice things on the open shelves.
Small space design
Create a drop zone at your front entrance. If the space allows, use a dresser with drawers or maybe a console with drawers so you can use the drawers to put things in them, like keys, wallets, sunglasses, and mail.
Small space design
Mastering the art of interior design for small spaces so that your home feels and functions better is a process, so don't feel bad if it doesn't all come together at once.
Keep these small space design strategies in mind as you work on making small changes or large ones to make your rooms appear bigger.
Please let me know in the comments below which of these tips you will try first and if there are any that you're already using in your space.
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