The reasons behind going for a smaller living space can be numerous – decluttering your bigger rooms, moving to a smaller house, or simply redecorating. As impossible as it may seem, there is something about getting the most functionality out of a tiny living arrangement that makes us burst with pride. It doesn’t require top-notch interior designer skills, just a few trick that include prioritizing, organization, and a whole lot of optical illusion. So, without further ado, here are our tips on implementing big ideas into small space.
Tricky colors
Deciding on a color scheme in a regular-sized space is tricky enough, but finding one for a smaller room can be a whole new world of problems. In it, everything will be far more noticeable, as it relies on color to open up or enclose the space overall. Luckily, the tried-and-true methods of many tiny home enthusiasts paved the way for everyone else:
- Use white – white color is known to create the illusion of a larger space, just be careful not to choose stark-white as it will stand out too much; go for one matching your furniture
- Details are in the contrast – with off-white walls, the picture frames, railing, furniture and light fixtures will have to have a contrasting set of colors
- Avoid darker hues – keeping the above mentioned in mind, don’t go for bold and brash colors, as the contrast can easily create the wrong impression
Design advantage
Certain furniture designs make us chuckle with how absurdly short, stout, or tall and lanky they are. But their comical design is actually a smart solution. When thinking about the “topography” of the room being redecorated, try to visualize the flow you want to create. Which furniture can be taller to allow additional space below, and what should be closer to the ground to make the ceiling look higher? For example, low armchairs will create the illusion of greater overhead space, while a curtain going from the ceiling to the floor will make it nearly impossible to pinpoint the exact measurements of the room.
Go smaller
It goes without saying that you will have to purchase smaller furniture to gain more breathing room. Instead of a massive dining table in the kitchen that seats twelve people, get one for two or four guests. A drastic change, yes, but one highly necessary for practicality of space. Get a few comfortable chairs instead of bulky armchairs and ditch the giant wardrobe. You can also go for smaller light fixtures and lower beds in your bedroom. In the end, it all depends on your needs and room purposes.
Shapes
Aside from the size of your interior décor, their shapes also play an immense role. You will want to go for similar to tie the room together. Round picture frames go well with soft-corner tables and shelves, whereas blockier furniture matches straight, sharp lines. Mixing up basic shapes and lines can create a certain dynamic in the room, but don’t forget – you’re reimagining for small spaces. Switch up the bold and the brash with softer and rounder too much, and you will have yourself a cluttered space with a striking visual impact. And not in a good way.
Prioritize
Perhaps the most important – and the most difficult – part of redesigning your small space is prioritizing. This step of the process will test your resolve, as it requires you to choose which things are staying, and which ones need to go. This can be particularly difficult for those who keep only those belongings that have great sentimental value. If you find it hard to decide, or are afraid of making an irreversible mistake, you can go the safer route and decide on the surprisingly affordable mobile self storage solution. That way, you can empty your room completely and then put everything back one by one, until you realize which things you can do without.
Multi-purpose
Start thinking in multi-purpose interior objects. Not only in furniture, but in utilities as well. Install a window with seating on the inside for your bedroom or living room. The kitchen workstation and cupboards can be redesigned on the inside to fit spice racks, or allow additional storage on the in the door. Get foldable chairs that are easily put away, to enhance the free-roaming space in your room. And going with a sleeper sofa or armchair instead of a regular couch, gives you the option to turn your living room into a guest room in no time!
To conclude
Scaling down your living space is an immense challenge. But overall, it can be a great test of practicality, and a learning experience that could probably come in handy in life in general. It all comes down to adapting and reimagining the reality around you, and in the end, you tailor the atmosphere of your own home. What’s left to do is to sit down, prioritize, and take the project step by step, from wall colors to furniture repurposing. Good luck!
