Everyone wants more of it: space in the home. Not quite the final frontier but something that most people would like. It can be difficult when funds are limited and the rooms in the home just do not seem quite big enough. However, it is not always necessary, or possible, to try to get a bigger place, as there are some handy techniques that will help make a room look bigger. Every aspect of room design is important here, from window coverings to furniture to color schemes to lighting.
Color
It seems basic but choosing the right color scheme to help make the room appear larger is the first key to a successful outcome. Using light, bright, airy colors will help convert what seems to be a small space into something with grander visual elements. Creams and whites can match with chilly light blues to give a room that spacious feel. Painting in dark colors means that light is absorbed and can engender a claustrophobic feel. Soft greens are also a good choice for a natural look to the room, and if there are any moldings or other trims on the wall they should be painted lighter than the wall colors, creating the optical illusion that the wall seems to be further back.
Lighting
Natural light is the greatest boon any room can have so it is essential to make the most of what is available. Make sure window coverings are pulled right back to allow this light in and use a sheer covering for privacy without impinging on the flow of light. One way of improving the light available is to have custom shutters made to exactly fit the windows. These can be fully opened to let the light in, and if they have movable louvers these can be adjusted for optimum use of nature’s brightness.
Sometimes natural lighting is not enough, and it is here that the careful positioning of lamps or spotlights can make an effective difference.
Cull the clutter
If the room is not very big, it is not going to look any bigger if it is stuffed with too much furniture or the walls are covered with paintings and other pictures. Small is beautiful, so it is worth concentrating on the focus of a room for the necessary furniture and try not to add lots more pieces. For example, in a dining room the table will most likely be the focal point, so the eye needs to be drawn to that and not obstructed by too many other accessories. Paintings on walls are an important part of decorating and personalizing spaces, but too many will make the room feel busy, with competing claims for attention making the space feel squeezed.
Do it with mirrors
Mirrors are a classic solution and if angled correctly give that important illusion of depth. Many restaurants and bars use this trick to create a sense of spaciousness even if the actual room area is not very big. Mirrors need to pick up both natural and artificial light, so positioning them well is key.
