Instead of get- ting a traditional sofa set, you can get yourself a small L-shaped couch, and may- be supplement it with a slipper chair. PHOTO | UNSPLASH.COM
A spacious home with self-contained bedrooms, enough for everyone in the family to have their own sounds like a dream. But for most of us, smaller homes are the reality due to affordability and practicality.
However, living in a small space does not mean you have to compromise on comfort or style. While you may not be able to make your home physically bigger, you can make it feel larger and more functional. With the right approach, you can create a luxurious and comfortable space, no matter the size. Here are some practical tips to help you live large in a small space.
Eliminate clutter
Did you know that clutter does not just take up space it also has visual weight, making a small room feel even more cramped? That is why the first step to maximising your small space is keeping clutter under control. To maintain a tidy and functional home, ensure that every item has its own designated place.
Avoid letting things pile up, and if you have not used something in the past year, consider donating or discarding it. Storage space is often limited in smaller homes, closet space is also usually very limited. Donate or recycle items that no longer serve you.
Drawers also tend to accumulate unnecessary items over time, old batteries, rubber bands, random keys, scraps of paper, and plastic bags. Papers can also pile up quickly, so create a system for sorting and filing them.
For families with children, toys should have a designated storage area to prevent them from cluttering common spaces. An effective organisation tip is to ensure that everything has its rightful home, no matter how small.
Furniture
When you have a small space, you should be very mindful about the furniture you select. The furniture sizes should be just right, not too big not to small. Large, oversized skirted furniture, will take up a lot of space, making the house feel very cramped.
Max Misoga, an interior design expert from Dogtas Exclusive, says, very small furniture is not a good idea either, petite furniture might seem as the practical choice, but it will only make your living room look and feel smaller.
Extra items such as a large book shelf will only make the room feel more cramped up.
“Instead of getting a traditional sofa set, you can get yourself a small L-shaped couch, and maybe supplement it with a slipper chair. Because the square feet in small spaces are so precious, do not waste them on extra furniture. You can also save up on space, by hanging your television on the wall,” Misoga says.
Also it is best to minimise items such as coffee tables, accent chairs, end tables and side tables. Any furniture which rests on the floor will occupy your valuable space, so keep these pieces to a minimum. Nesting tables are also a very good idea for a small living room, as you can just store them under one another. You might also like royal like bedroom you saw, at the show room or road side, but will only cramp up your room.
Light, paint and curtains
Lighting is crucial in a small space; it brightens the room and creates an illusion of spaciousness this is an architectural fact.
To maximise light in your small area, ensure that your windows are wide to allow as much natural light in as possible.
Choose light and simple window treatments, such as sheer curtains. If possible, opt for long curtains and hang them as high and close to the ceiling as you can; this will create the illusion of higher ceilings, making the room rooms seem bigger.
Avoid heavy or ornate window treatments such as drapes, as they can make the room feel cramped. The colour of your walls also plays a significant role. Bright colours especially white can make a space feel more open and airy, while dull colours tend to make rooms feel smaller. Ever wondered why ceilings are often painted white? It is not just a random architectural choice; it is designed to enhance the perception of height and space.
Texture and accent decor
Texture is a vital element in decorating small spaces, particularly when using a tight colour scheme. Texture adds interest and life to a neutral palette without overwhelming the room visually. Neutral colour palettes are often favoured in small homes because they tend to create a sense of calm and spaciousness.
Lighter colours reflect more light, which can make a room feel larger and more open. By using neutral tones, homeowners can also introduce various textures without the risk of overwhelming the space. Our eyes can "feel" texture, translating it into an inviting atmosphere.
Misoga notes that “texture can help to harmonise the room and bring out the best of it, making it look more elegant.” Elegant accessories, such as wall decor for displaying pictures or portraits, can significantly enhance a small room.
Additionally, incorporating accent decor such as mirrors or larger decorative items can create visual interest and depth.
