Photo by CC user SanjibLemar on Wikimedia Commons
While most of us fantasise about having a sprawling living space to design and transform, the reality can be very different. With property prices constantly on the rise and space a persistent issue, size has become a luxury for many. This has prompted lots of architects and designers to completely rethink their strategies. So, even though larger homes are growing more expensive, the new reality is that space can be can be created anywhere.
There are lots of decorating tips to make your home feel larger; for example, expansive skylights are a great way to introduce natural light and really open up a space. Click here for more information on the type of domestic skylights that are available for your home. Or, you could invest in ergonomic space saving furniture; things like folding dining tables and integrated storage solutions.
This guide to some of the best ways to expand a small home will help you get creative and start experimenting with space.
Pick the Right Colour Palette
The truth is that colour is everything when it comes to creating space. Even the tiniest of homes can be made to feel much bigger with a light, airy, and fluid design. Stay away from darker tones if it is space that you want; they draw a room inwards and create a cosier, more restricted atmosphere. On the other hand, colours like grey, white, cream, tan, and stone are great at providing the illusion of space. They do this by making objects seem further away.
Learn How to Manipulate Light
As already mentioned, light is one of the best tools that an interior designer has in their arsenal. Wide, bright skylights cannot be beaten for impact, because they usher in huge amounts of natural sunshine and flood homes with healthy vitamin D. While artificial light sources can also be used to create ‘mood’ areas, skylights are simply the easiest and most effective way to illuminate offices, bedrooms, bathrooms, and attic conversions.
Invest in Integrated Storage Solutions
The trick to making small homes feel larger is knowing how to design specifically for their needs. The most common mistake is to try and cram in the type of furniture that is better suited to bigger spaces; instead, you should be shopping for fewer items with more functions. Think sofa beds, wardrobe hangers, window seats, and ottomans with underbelly storage. It is all about working smarter, not harder, in this instance.
Keep Your Stuff Neat and Tidy
It might sound like an obvious piece of advice, but you’d be surprised at just how many people dislike the amount of room in their homes, but fail to take any action. Clutter is the enemy of space, so keep your stuff neat and tidy at all times. Try to avoid filling small rooms with lots of unnecessary furniture and make sure that messy items can be easily stored out of sight when not in use. This is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to make your home feel larger.
How to Shop for Skylights and Attic Windows
If you have a top floor room that is perpetually dim, it could be time to invest in a high quality skylight. That way, the space will always be flooded with light during the daytime and it will become a place that you enjoy spending time. In fact, rooms with skylights and wide attic style windows make excellent office and study areas. Just make sure that you pick a reliable provider and installer; discuss your needs with the company before you proceed.