Many people live in a smaller space some time during their life. We all know this can be tricky. When I first got married I lived in a 350 square foot log cabin and discovered that decorating a space like that proved more challenging than I thought. So today I want to share 10 tips I learned to expanding your small space.
1. Use lighter colors, neutrals, or cool colors when painting a room. Lighter and Neutral colors will provide a background for furniture that will brighten up a space and open it up. Using cool colors will make the walls recede.
2. Utilize natural light! The light from outside has a way of breathing life into a space and making it brighter. A brighter room will feel larger and more inviting.
3. If you have a nice view from a window, bring those colors in to your room. It unifies the outside and inside creating the illusion of a larger space.
5. When using draperies color coordinate them with the walls - have them be close to the same color. it helps avoid contrast in the room.
6. Use furniture that has open legs. This creates a sense of light and space.
7. Unclutter your space. Keep what is necessary and remove the rest. Clutter closes in a space. Excess furniture should be removed. Organize shelves. A clean space makes it appear like there is more space.
8. Resist the need to fill up every space - negative space can make a room feel larger. If you have open shelves leave some empty spaces.
9. Simple is better - clean lines make a space open up. Unnecessary ruffles and frills will make a space feel smaller. Use smaller prints and stick to a color scheme.
10. As a general rule: smaller furniture will make a small room look larger, but a few larger pieces will create a focus. Obviously smaller furniture pieces will fit in a smaller space more comfortably. However, if you us too many small pieces it can make a room feel thrown together instead of designed. A few larger pieces can tie a room together.
Use these tips and put together your spacious small space. Send me a picture of your small space! I'd love to see it. Or post it on your instagram with #successfulsmallspace and tag lindsaystokerinteriors.