How Can I Make A Small Space Feel Bigger?

Making a small space feel bigger is about creating visual openness and using clever interior design elements to maximise light. If you have a small space and are not sure where to start, here are my top pieces of advice.

What storage is best for small spaces?

One of the main elements to consider when decorating a small space is to ensure it is clutter free to allow more of a flow throughout the space.

As a rule of thumb, fitted furniture is about 15-20% more efficient than freestanding, and in compact spaces this is a key consideration. Avoid bulky furniture and storage as it blocks light and walkways and invest in custom fitted storage instead. The clean lines help to blend into the space. It is important to do your research first and think about what you want to achieve and which items you need to store in the room before you commit. For example, a bedroom which needs to house clothes and bedding will have a different need to a living space with high footfall. Ottoman beds are ideal to provide storage solutions for bedding while in tight hallways it is crucial to add built in storage to hide coats and shoes, so the entryway is uncluttered.

When it comes to small kitchens, integrating your appliances is a wonderful way of achieving a streamlined appearance. Open shelving to display your favourite items can also help make the upper space of the room feel more airy but be careful not to overpopulate the shelves or they will look too busy. Tiered drawers are an ergonomic and practical storage solution and are more efficient than bulky cupboards.

What colours work best for small rooms?

Getting the decor and colour partnership exactly right can help in making spaces feel roomier.

While the accepted wisdom has been that white reflects light around a room to make it feel more open, this is not always the case, and there are key factors you need to consider before jumping in.

The first thing you need to think about is the orientation of the room. North facing rooms need warm colours so white would not be recommended here. Neutrals need depth to give them context and heart. If neutrals are your thing, consider warm sands, taupes and muted pinks in lieu of white.

Pay careful consideration to temperature and intensity of colours. For example, whites, neutrals, and greys with blue undertones can look cooler in rooms which do not benefit from natural daylight so to avoid an overly cold looking room, opt for a warm undertone. Ensure you test your colour swatches in your chosen room alongside your fabrics and flooring sample, and study how it looks on both sunny and overcast days.

Warm, mid-tones can also help to absorb shadows to offer a more seamless look. Think jewel-like teals, yellows, and greens – these are colours of positivity and therefore offer an instant lift to a room to make it feel much brighter and energized.

Using different shades of the same colour can also create a seamless look helping to expand it visually. Opting for a darker wooden floor and colour drenching the rest of the room so the ceiling is the same colour as the walls, skirting and door frames can make it feel even more unified.

What lighting is best for a small room?

Firstly, where possible, keep windows unobstructed and let the light in, so make sure there is plenty of room to draw the curtains back fully, or consider using Roman blinds, which can neatly stack back, making the most of the daylight. Place mirrors across from windows to reflect the natural light. In spaces where you need to create privacy and warmth you need to layer your lighting. Aim for three levels - a pendant, spotlights directed at key features such as above window treatments or over art and floor or table lamps. In bedrooms, bedside table lights are important however for smaller bedrooms where there is limited space, opt for wall lights instead.

For small bathrooms or washrooms, I would always advocate considering lighting before you make any other decorative decisions. Take stock of where you will be and how you will use this bathroom space so you can choose to illuminate the space. Always incorporate a mirror in bathrooms and leave space for lights either side to provide a softer, flattering light as well as a decorative feature.

How do you add the illusion of height to low level ceilings?

Low ceilings are perfect for snugs or living rooms because they add cosy appeal, but they can provide a headache for other spaces in the home and so colour choice is key.

Lighter colours can enhance a feeling of spaciousness, but it is not one size fits all and painting your ceiling lighter than the rest of the room will not add height. Instead, you can heighten a room by taking your wall colour to around 10cm (about 3.94 in) below the ceiling or adding a cornice and painting everything above it a lighter shade. The extra band around the top can make the room appear taller.

Another trick is to add a coffered ceiling which can facilitate lighting. This works well in living spaces to make the ceiling appear higher and the room look longer.

At AMC, we offer a project management service which begins with a one-to-one consultation. Alternatively, if you find yourself stuck, we also offer troubleshooting consultations which are perfect to help you with challenges such as making the most of a small space.

Ann Marie Cousins

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