How to Make a Small Space Feel Bigger

At OVS we believe good design has the power to add value and increase wellbeing. At the heart of our practice is a passion for finding creative solutions to space management and a desire to resolve tricky design problems without aesthetic compromise. A common challenge that many of our clients face is space – whether creating additional space in their home or making a compact space feel larger.

Do you have an inner-city property with a small footprint? Or perhaps you have a small space within your home that feels cramped and underused? Here are some simple space-saving hacks and top design tips for getting the most out of your small space.

Here’s how to make a small space feel bigger in 7 simple steps.

Neutral Colours

Colour has a powerful impact on how we feel in a space. Dark colours make a room feel intimate, accentuating cosy nooks and architectural features. Neutral colours amplify volume and reflect natural light. Soft whites, creams, light greys and pastel colours reflect the most light and make a space feel open and airy. We love to inject moments of colour in a compact space using artwork and soft furnishings while retaining an overall sense of expansiveness using a minimal colour palette.

Maximise Light

If you know OVS you know we love natural light. Light is your key to making a room feel spacious. It's easy to underestimate the impact of heavy, overly detailed window treatments. Remove patterned curtains and dark blinds and watch how this impacts your space. Opting for light curtains that hang from the ceiling to the floor creates a sense of verticality and openness. Remove anything that might obstruct outdoor views and make a feature of your windows. If natural light is limited, use layered lighting to illuminate your space; think task lighting, recessed lighting and pendant lights.

Use Mirrors

Why are mirrors so important in a small space? They reflect and amplify light. When displayed cleverly across from windows or a view, they also create the illusion of space. If you are short on wall space, consider leaning mirrors on top of drawers or the floor. Plants and mirrors are a fantastic combination for creating depth and texture in a small space.

Don’t Forget Floors

How can flooring make a space feel bigger? By using the same flooring throughout you can effectively create visual harmony, making a room feel cohesive and spacious. Multiple different kinds of flooring can interrupt the flow between spaces.

Rugs are a great way to soften, define, and accessorise your space – but be aware that small rugs can make a space feel smaller. When it comes to rugs, bigger is better. Follow these simple rules to ensure your rug maximises your space - ideally, a rug should at least touch the front legs of all furniture to anchor the space. Ensuring there are at least 6 – 8 inches between the rug and walls will prevent a rug from feeling too heavy and making a room feel cramped.

Statement Multifunctional Furniture

Less is more! Steer clear of lots of pieces of small-scale furniture in favour of a limited number of highly functional statement pieces. Where possible go for multipurpose furniture, such as a bed with built-in storage or a room divider that functions as a display unit. Always consider the function of a room and the flow of traffic through it. You need to be able to access storage and move around your furniture easily.

Consider Your Layout

Zoning a room can give the illusion of more space and maximise functionality. Arrange rugs, lighting and furniture to create separate zones for different activities such as rest, work and entertaining. Don’t forget to think vertically – you may have a minimal floor space but high ceilings – maximise this by installing lighting, storage or artwork to draw the eye upwards. Floating bookshelves and hanging plants do not take up precious floor space but can accentuate the volume and height of a space.

Declutter

A decluttered organised space instantly feels bigger. But how do you tackle the chaos of everyday clutter? Storage baskets, bins, hidden compartments and built-in cabinetry are essential.

Do you need help maximising your space or finding creative interior design solutions that add value to your home? Whether you need help finding space within your home’s existing footprint or if you are considering extending your property, do not hesitate to get in touch with OVS today.