Small spaces… We all have them, and if you’re struggling with what to do with yours, this is for you!
When dealing with small spaces the first thing that often comes to mind is storage. STORAGE. STORAGE. STORAGE. There’s plenty of options out there to fill whatever need you have. Pop-up sofa beds with storage chaise, storage ottomans, cabinets, tables, beds, and so much more! If any of these options will help make an impact in your storage needs, I highly suggest making the investment. Functional furniture is always a plus! However, I want to talk about profile, space, movement, purpose and colour and how those five items can help you make the most of the space you already have.
Profile
The size, profile and style of your furniture can make a huge impact on your space! Choosing furniture that has low backs, open legs, and narrow frames does a few things. It opens up the space above your piece, meaning it makes your standard height ceilings look much taller. Doing this gives the space a more open feel and the illusion of more space. Something to keep in mind, just because you’re looking at low-profile furniture, which appears smaller, does not mean you’re losing seating space. A lot of sofas have similar seating length but the design of backs, arms and legs make them appear “chunky”. Though this style has its place, it can make a small area look crowded, overwhelmed and disproportionate.
Helpful tip: if you’re installing curtains, hang them as high to the ceiling as you can, and bring the rod past your window 6” or more to allow more light in and create the illusion that your window is larger!
Space
Designating spaces within open concept layouts or multipurpose areas is another design tool to use to your advantage. An easy way to differentiate between two spaces is by using area rugs. Do you have an open concept living, dining space that falls side by side? Area rug! Using a large rug helps create a visual boundary or border between the living room and dining space. Another useful technique is to pull your furniture away from the wall and use that as a divider. For example, does your living room back into that dining space? Pull your sofa off the wall and back that into your dining area – plus this gives you a great opportunity to add additional storage furniture like a sofa table and cabinet!
Movement
A huge factor in how your space looks and feels can be attributed to how you move throughout the space. This is something that is based not only on your general floorplan, but how you already move through your space and it’s needs or functions. Some situations can be more difficult than others but everything is workable. Ideally, leaving clear sightlines to focal points and open clear pathways for traffic to move from one area to another is the best way to lay out a space. If you constantly have to zig-zag your way around and guests wander aimlessly, something needs to change. Remember, if you can see through a space and there is a clear path that flows with the rest of the living space, your home or room will feel larger and more purposeful.
Purpose
Another consideration with small spaces is giving every space purpose. If you have an empty corner, or a nook, give it a purpose! Create a storage area with shelving or baskets, incorporate additional seating, a workspace, or jazz things up with unique art. In addition to this, make spaces multifunctional or multi-use whenever possible. Considering a lot of people are now working from home, having more than one space to work has huge benefits on productivity and focus. If you are currently working from the dining room or kitchen island, consider including a small desk in an unused space somewhere else, perhaps even a bedroom, or invest in a lift top coffee table to offer you a different area to work at. Alternatively, if you’re one who likes to entertain, you can introduce a seating-style sofa table between your living and dining area. On a regular day this can function as a landing zone for daily-use items, a place to eat while binging Netflix, or just a piece to hold some thoughtful décor. However, when it’s your turn to host Ladies Night or Sunday Night football or even Thanksgiving, this area becomes additional seating for guests to eat at while also remaining engaged in whatever is going on. You may even want to use this as a buffet table or snack bar, and a safe place for drinks if the coffee tables are full.
Colour
Colour and style is another important and unique tool that can be used to make a small space appear to be larger than it is and there’s a few ways to do this. One is the “Light and Airy” approach, this includes a few different techniques. Using lighter and brighter materials and colours with purposeful accents, leaving open space, and little to no clutter creates a space that feels large, open and inviting. Another, popular technique is to use accent walls or areas to visually create a space that feels longer, wider and focused. There is a current trend called “Colour Drenching” that involves painting all parts of your space the same colour. This visually creates a larger, often cozier space, by removing the visual separation of walls, ceilings, doors and trim. Colour drenching is often done using dark, earthy tones to create a comforting space and can be seen in a lot of trending media. The colour drenching technique lends itself well to a more eclectic style.
Combining any of these five techniques with your own personal style can not only help make the most of your small space, but also help make your house a home!
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