Reshape your small living space

Decorating a small area can be challenging, especially when it comes to storage and space, but one thing to remember is that you don’t need to sacrifice style. With studio living, downsizing, apartment developments and modular homes on the rise, now is the perfect time to explore how you can maximise space without breaking the bank. Here are six ideas to get you started.

Photography by Jeffery Ho

FLOATING FURNITURE

In any small setting, it’s important to strategically position your furniture to take full advantage of the space. For instance, rather than a standing bookshelf or bedside table, opt for floating shelving instead, and when it comes to lighting, install wall sconces and ceiling pendants instead of using floor lamps. Likewise, remove your entertainment unit and mount your TV to the wall. These small tweaks can help you regain flooring, giving you more space to enjoy or to use as additional storage.

Photography by Suhyeon Choi

MIRROR, MIRROR

One of the most effective ways to transform a room and give it a more open feeling is with a mirror – and bonus, they’re budget friendly, too. Mirrors fool the eye into thinking the room is more spacious than it is by adding depth and reflecting light. Add space and make a statement with an oversized mirror against a wall or hang a framed mirror in the living room as a centrepiece. You could even add a mirror to the top of a coffee table – the reflective surface will have a similar roomenlarging effect.

Photography by Vinicius Amnx Amano

COLOUR PALETTE

A lighter, more neutral colour scheme throughout your interior is an effective way to make your small spaces appear larger than they are. Calm, clean tones and soft, light hues will brighten everything up and make it feel open and airy. Coordinating the colours of walls, furniture and soft furnishings can also make your decor blend and look cohesive as well as make the room less jarring to the eye.

Photography by Jean Philippe Delbergh

LIGHT IT UP

Good lighting can make or break any room – big or small. Unfortunately, compact spaces often lack natural light due to small windows, which can make the space look even smaller, as well as dark and uninviting. If your interior is lacking light, then open up your windows by removing heavy curtains and replace them with sleek blinds. If your tiny space is lacking windows, then artificial light can be equally effective. Opt for mounted wall sconces, hanging pendants or flush mount lights, which won’t take up precious floor space, and make sure each room is well-lit.

CHOOSE WISELY

When it comes to tiny spaces, sometimes your furniture can be your biggest enemy. Take a look at your decor carefully – can you reduce the size of your dining table, couch or bed? Investing in smaller, more practical pieces can give you back the space you’re after. Look for furniture options that can fold away easily or that serve multiple purposes. For example, could your dining table function as a desk, your couch as a guest bed, or could your bed provide you with built-in storage underneath? You should also remove any furniture that isn’t used regularly as it’s likely to be taking up valuable space.

Photography by Sanibell Bv

STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Minimalism is key in a small room so rid yourself of mess and clutter to give the illusion of a larger space. Start by clearing all surfaces of miscellaneous items and put them out of sight in a cupboard or drawer or neatly positioned on a shelf. If you are lacking storage, which is common for a small space, then consider floating wall shelves, cubes or ottomans that can also serve as a coffee table or seat, as well as under bed containers to help organise your things and make everything look neat and tidy.

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