Smaller properties have their advantages. Cheaper to heat and easier to maintain are just two. However, once your possessions have been introduced, the restricted space can quickly feel cramped and confined. This can make your home an uninviting place to rest and relax.
While you cannot physically increase space in a property without major reconstruction, there are several simple ways to make a small house look bigger. We asked Joshua Hammonds, Marketing Manager at Hammonds Furniture, for his top tips on how best to decorate a smaller property.
Trick the eye
Creating the illusion of space is one of the most straightforward ways to make a home feel bigger.
Hammonds recommends mirrors as an effective way to do this “as they bounce light around and trick the eye into thinking there is much more space than there actually is.” Mirrors are best placed on large patches of blank wall, especially in dark areas such as the end of a hallway. They also work well opposite sources of light such as windows.
You can experiment with incorporating decoration in the upper reaches of the room, too. This might include hanging pictures up a height or placing plants atop cabinets and shelves. As Hammonds explains, this works by “drawing the eye upwards (to) create the illusion of a taller, larger space.”
Maximise storage
It is also essential to maximise storage in smaller properties. Hammonds agrees with the principle that “clutter can make a space feel more cramped”, and stresses the importance of having minimal objects on display.
“Opting for fitted storage solutions can be a great way to turn awkward spots in small homes… into useful storage options”, says Hammonds. For example, the cupboard under the stairs can be replaced with a fitted wardrobe by furniture specialists like Hammonds to be used for coats and shoes.
Fitted furniture also avoids gaps and wasted space which visually and physically shrinks a room. Another way to achieve this is to install floating shelves and use hooks rather than traditional bulky cabinets. This frees up the space below while providing plentiful and flexible storage options.
Neutral colours
One of the more well-known interior design methods for creating the idea of more space in the home is to use neutral colours.
When painting the walls, Hammonds recommends that homeowners “opt for white, neutrals or light pastel shades as lighter colours can reflect the amount of light available in the home and make your rooms seem larger.” He also advises keeping your furniture the same shade as the walls, skirting boards, and ceilings. This is known as ‘boxing’ and will help to expand the space in the mind’s eye.
Hammonds stresses that having neutral walls and furnishings doesn’t have to be boring: in fact, “simple walls can make your accessories pop, allowing you to go bold” with your décor. He recommends having fewer, larger artworks for maximum impact without overcrowding.
