We’ve all experienced the struggle of having a space that just isn’t quite big enough. Whether you live in a tiny apartment, or you struggle with spaces that are just a bit too cramped for comfort, you know the feeling of longing for bright, open, and airy spaces. This is only normal for most people; we crave wide open spaces and to be in nature. Even if the home space you live in feels a bit cramped currently, there are plenty of ways to create some space and airiness in your home (without tearing down a wall or two.) If you want to make your living room look and feel bigger (and create some much-needed space and margin in your life), read on for 10 super-helpful tricks.
1. Striped Floors
This is a bit of a bold option, but if you can pull it off, it can work wonders for your living room space. Striped floors can be accomplished a handful of different ways. One easy way is to remove carpet and add hardwood floors to create smooth vertical lines that draw the eye forwards. You could also try out striped black and white floors for a daring look.
2. Use Light Fabrics
Heavy and thick fabrics — whether on furniture or curtains — will weigh the room down and create a pretty stuffy air. Choose fabrics that are light and airy, and make sure that you prioritize lighter colors to make sure that you don’t cramp the room with stuffy , dark colors. Stay away from colors like deep bright reds or yellows, and try light pastel greens, blues, and grey.
3. Use Space Wisely
If storage space in your room is visible, you want to ensure that you leave margin and space (especially in shelves and bookcases.) If you have a book case, choose a shelf to use as an accent piece – place tasteful ornaments and decorations there instead of books. In addition, try using floor-to-ceiling bookshelves as they can make the room look taller. You could even make your own wood accent pieces with the help of laser cutter machine.
4. Keep Curtains and Walls the Same Color
This is a clever trick that is super-easy to implement. Strongly contrasting curtains (or rugs, for that matter) can reign a space in too much. Choosing the same color curtains can keep them from intruding on the space.
5. Choose Monochromatic Color Schemes
Going along with the curtain tip, keeping the color scheme monochromatic or at least mostly monochromatic can help to bring some much-needed unity and airiness to a room. Having a wide variety of colors can cause they eye to focus on too many focal points, creating a restless environment. Using a similar color palette can create a relaxing and airy feel.
6. Keep the Floor Visible
No matter what material your floor is (preferably wood, concrete, or tile if you want your space to feel bigger), you want to make sure that it is exposed. Small area rugs by a fireplace or under a coffee table are fine, but remember that you want continuity and flow in the space, not to break it up into small chunks with area rugs.
7. Focus on Corners
Placing larger and eye-catching pieces on the corners of the room can help draw the eye to these places, making the room seem bigger. Place large standing lamps in the corner of the room as well.
8. Mirrors
This is one of the oldest tricks in the book for interior design, but still one of the best. Try hanging large rectangular (or circular if you’re feeling trendy) mirrors on the wall to create the illusion of more space.
9. Maximize Storage Space
There are plenty of clever ways to maximize space in a room, like choosing furniture that serves double-duty. For instance, bookshelves with drawers and ottomans that serve as storage pieces can be great options. In addition, be sure to clear out any unnecessary clutter from your space.
10. Use Lighting Wisely
Pointing accent lights towards the ceiling and corners of a room will increase the feeling of airiness. The great thing about this is it generally doesn’t cost any extra money – you can normally just rearrange the lighting that is already present in the room.
