No matter how large or small a living space is, they all have one thing in common; they are never large enough for everything that’s in them. With the new trend toward minimizing, living spaces are actually getting smaller. If you feel like your home is just too small, here are some easy tips for making the most of living space.
Choosing the Right Furniture
Image via Flickr by Rubbermaid Products
Choosing the right furniture is the number one way to make a small living area seem larger. Choose furniture that is scale appropriate, both in size and in pattern. Whenever possible, choose clear furniture (glass) for things such as tabletops, shelves and desk tops.
Furniture that can do double duty such as an ottoman that doubles as storage or a daybed that also serves as a couch is also a great way to save space. If possible, try to choose furniture that closely resembles the color of the walls. This will help the furniture blend into the walls and give the illusion of having more space.
Wall Decorating
Image via Flickr by Bryn Pinzgauer
When walls are decorated incorrectly, it can make even the largest of spaces seem tiny. There are many ways to decorate walls. The most important thing is to use light, neutral colors like eggshell, almond or white. While bold wallpaper prints and dark colors make more of a statement, they can also easily overpower a small room.
Decorating with mirrors is another great way to make your room seem larger. Instead of getting several little mirrors, which can look cluttered, get the largest mirror possible and center it on the wall with a minimal frame. If you are able to turn one whole wall into a mirror, do it.
Walls should have a single focal point. Any more and they start to look cluttered. If you have many wall pictures in small frames, cluster them together to create a wall collage which can act as the focal point.
Windows
Image via Flickr by Dan Lundberg
Windows are great ways to make your home feel larger. Don’t hide your windows. Show them off with sheer and other lightweight curtains. Keep the curtains open whenever possible. You can also give the illusion of more space by adding an outdoor window box. It’s a great way to bring the outside in.
Reclaim Lost Space
Image via Flickr by Rubbermaid Products
In every home there is lost space. Most often, this space is found under furniture or close to the ceiling. Decorative boxes that slide under tables and drawers for under beds can go a long way in reclaiming this space. If you have items you like to look at, but rarely touch, install a long, shallow wraparound shelf about a foot from the ceiling. The shape, size and location of this unique shelf gives you extra storage space without seeming like clutter. Tips on reclaiming lost space can be easily found at US Storage Search News.
Making the most of your living space is about organization, planning and creative use of decorating. It’s not easy living in a small area, but it is worth it. With some organization now, you might discover that your home was large enough after all.
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