Small is beautiful, easy and practical. Most people prefer the coziness of a small space to that of a large one. Not only is it easy to maintain but also gives a sense of warmth and belongingness. But sometimes small rooms can feel confining and uncomfortable.
There are times when we want our small spaces to appear bigger and spaced out. Luckily we can use certain design concepts that fool the eye and can make our rooms look spacious and large without compromising on the comfort and aesthetics.
By using the right furniture, paints, fabrics and lighting, we can completely transform a room.
Keeping the flooring of the same light coloured material gives an expansive feeling. In a small space, try not to break the flooring.
Homogenous flooring gives the illusion of space and there is no abrupt end to the room. The living room, dining, kitchen as well as the bed rooms can have the same flooring to avoid space division.
Try not to divide the space or compartmentalize it. The living area, dining and the kitchen should not be defined. Let them flow into each other.
An open kitchen works best in a small set up as it unites with the living and the dining and creates an illusion of space.
Role of colours
Wall colours play a major role in making a room appear large. Lighter and neutral shades work best for small spaces as they make the room look more airy and spacious. Cooler colours like blues and greens are best for this effect.
If you really want to go for the lighter look, you can paint the entire room white with white furniture and accessories. This will make any space look bigger and roomier.
Light colours reflect more light and open up a room, as opposed to dark colours, especially a dark ceiling, which would close up a small space. If the room had big windows with a beautiful natural view then the walls can be painted in the same hue to make it one with the outside view, giving it continuity.
The right furniture
A little thought given to the furniture and voila, the room can be given a bright, grand look. One can consider using multifunctional furniture such as ottomans, which can be used as coffee tables or sitting area. Book cases and wall to wall furniture with enclosed compartments can hide away clutter. The materials used in the furniture should be less opaque and more transparent. Dining tables and centre tables can have glass tops so that it opens up the view beyond and does not cut or obstruct. Sofas and arm chairs that are raised on top create a sense of space and light.
A cluster or small pieces of furniture or accessories scattered around the room should be avoided as it makes the room look heavy and full of clutter. Instead using few large, simple pieces of furniture or accessories in place of several small pieces can accentuate the space.
Heavy carved furniture is a big no for small spaces. Show as much floor space as possible. Clean, sleek, straight lines work the best.
Tall wall units and storage along the wall leaves the floor empty, making the room look spacious.
One does not need end tables either. Instead of table lamps and a phone table, choose floor lamps and mount your phone on the wall, freeing up all the floor space. Instead of using a TV stand, hang it at eye level on the wall, thus saving space and also making TV viewing a comfortable experience.
Mirror, mirror...
One of the best ways to make the space look larger is by using mirrors. Large framed mirrors on the walls do wonders for such spaces. The space and light will be reflected for more open feelings. The perfect place for a mirror is across the window where it will catch the sunlight and reflect the outside view. Avoid small mirrors which only add to the feeling of clutter.
Wooden partitions can be replaced by glass partitions as they make the space look continuous. Not only that, they add pizzazz and glamour to the room.
Choosing the right fabrics for upholstery is also very important in making any room come alive. Using simple prints or plain colour fabrics and rugs will create a single unified effect and usually expand the room. Textured fabrics may be used to give character and depth to the upholstery.
Choose draperies in the same colour as the wall. Sheer fabrics also help in enhancing the room’s look, whether on the dining table or as curtains. Billowing curtains will add more bulk to a room. Choose slim and trim window fixtures like shades, blinds or shutters. Correct use of lighting also gives depth to a room. Try to bring in as much natural light as possible. Both artificial and natural light will brighten up a room making it look bigger.
Using soft diffused lights or up lighters can not only enliven a place but also create a sense of cohesiveness and comfort.
Any room, if worked upon with care and a little thought can be converted into a beautiful home.
