We all know the challenges that the real estate market poses for buyers and renters today. Especially in larger cities, such as London or Birmingham, it is almost impossible to find an affordable, spacious apartment without being miles away from the city. We are often forced to settle for smaller spaces that leave us dabbling between aesthetically pleasing and practical for everyday use, home décor. In today's article, I will talk about a few ways to make the most of your space, and optically enhance your home, without major investments.
1. Let there be Light
Having plenty of light is the absolute key for increasing the visual perception of a space. There are several ways to get more light into the inside of your home - some are more expensive and more efficient, some are cheaper, but might not have such an impactful effect. Undoubtedly, large windows are the most effective. Unfortunately, this requires quite a large investment and if you are renting, it is usually an option. Fortunately, there are several small solutions that are more affordable, and can be the perfect fit for many spaces!
Avoid having dark corners, lamps and other lighting will help you achieve this goal. By using large chandeliers or statement lamps that draw attention to the ceiling, you can give the impression that the ceilings are tall and thus, make the room seem more spacious. Get creative, don’t be afraid to think outside the box! Find a funky table lamp or or use LED strips, to make sure you reach every corner of your room. The more light, the bigger the space!
2. White, Cream, Light Green!
Another simple trick to lighten up your rooms is simply to simply paint them; both walls and ceilings. When it comes to the ceilings, you can never go wrong with a classic white. However, if you can afford a little colour, consider using cool, light tones such as baby blue or a soft gray. These give the impression of having higher ceilings, because the colour draws attention to itself. As for the walls, if you are looking to use colours, light shades such as aquamarine, pastel pink , lilac or ivory are always good choices. If you are looking for a more simple finish, white or cream always work well, and prevent your room from looking smaller than it is. You can also play around and combine both of these suggestions, painting a wall or two in colour, and leaving the rest white. This will give your home a modern look, without affecting the optical perception of it. We recommend that you make use of the light coming in from the windows by painting the ceiling and walls that are close to these. This will give the sense that the room is larger, as the light coming in from the windows will be reflected, and give the sense of a larger space.
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3. Smart with Multifunctional Furniture
Interiors that are cluttered with furniture optically reduce the space. Therefore, I recommend getting rid of unnecessary bits of furniture or décor that might be causing more harm than good to your space. Of course though, this is easier said than done, especially for those who are not huge fans of minimalist designs. So how can you make the most of the space you are working with, without giving up your personal touch? The answer is simple! The best way is to purchase multifunctional furniture. This way, you can make sure that your space feels like a home, while at the same time, making sure you are getting the most out of your money!
Although it may not seem so at first glance, finding or even designing furniture can be a creative and fun job. It can be as simple as buying some drawers that are short enough to fit under your bed, to create extra storage. Or if you want to go even further and really flex your DIY skills, you can try to make a bunk bed with space underneath, with space for your desk or a couch and coffee table. In some older apartments, we often find that the layout is not entirely functional, as they have little space for modern appliances. . For these cases, you can use a folding wooden board, easily attachable with two hinges. This means that when needed, you can open it for more counter space, or even as a table if you are having friends over. The use of hinges will mean that you can easily fold it back up when it's not in use!
4. Mirrors and other accessories
You've probably heard of the mirror trick a few times. And yes, much to your regret, I’m going to have to mention it here too! If you have small rooms, large mirrors can do great wonders and really visually enlarge the space. In addition, they can be used anywhere - on doors of large built-in cabinets, or instead of paintings on the wall. But everything in moderation!
When it comes to other accessories, keep clarity. Lots of small accessories will overwhelm your interior. In this sense, it’s best to choose a few statement pieces that will grab the attention of your visitors, without creating too much visual or physical clutter. Think of the overall cleanliness and airiness of the space. Despite these limitations, you can be creative. Here are a few easily accessible accessories that will give a modern touch to your home.
Using different coloured carpets can help separate the individual living areas. You can frame the windows with long curtains from the ceiling to the ground, this will give the impression that your ceilings and windows are bigger than they are. Not only is it a refined way to diversify the interior, but the curtains also optically enlarge the windows, which is exactly what you need. The last tip that will help enlarge your space visually, and give depth to your rooms is; getting your hand on furniture that is up off the ground! Whether it's a couch, an armchair or even a bed, try to find pieces that have visible “legs”, these will give the impression that it floats above the floor, thus gaining the much-needed feeling of a larger space.