If your home is small and the rooms seem to be closing in on you, there are several things that can be used to make rooms seem larger. Here are four simple design ideas that can magically turn your home from cramped to cozy.
Remove Clutter
This is one of the easiest ways to turn the look of a room around. It is easy to collect so many things that you run out of space. Whether it is knick-knacks or furniture that you really don't need, freeing up space will make a room look larger. Clear surfaces of items and replace them with a couple of things that will add to the décor of the room.
For example, the coffee table top does not have to be a catch-all for every knick-knack in your living room. Choose a coffee table with drawers that can hold things you need but keep them out of sight. Ottomans with storage are multi-purpose. They can be used as part of the room décor and to store things only needed occasionally.
Paint
Painting a room a pale color opens it up and makes it appear larger. There are also some darker colors that can be used to give rooms a cozy feel without making them seem cramped, like Burgundy. However, it is easier, and usually more effective, to use lighter colors. Be sure to paint walls and trim the same color. This is particularly helpful in rooms with low ceilings or those without a lot of natural light. Highlighting the edges of the room by painting them a different color makes it feel much smaller.
Rearrange Furniture
One of the easiest ways to create the illusion of space in a room is to move bigger items of furniture to the wall that is the farthest from the entrance. Arrange the other furniture to complement the space that is remaining. Rather than feeling you are navigating a maze when you enter the room, it will open up the room, keep it from feeling cramped, and the look is cozier. Before you buy furniture for a small space, go to a local brick-and-mortar retailer to make sure you have a good idea of the size of the piece of furniture you might buy. Tape measures and rulers may not be enough for you to visualize the piece in your space.
Use Mirrors
This is one of the tricks that is used by many including home decorators. Why? Because it works. Place a large free-standing mirror against a wall. A couple of chairs and a small table placed in front of the mirror help to create the illusion of space. Mirrored tiles can be used on a wall in a small room to give it an instant look of space without taking away the cozy feel.
With a little help, small spaces can become cozy without feeling cramped. These are just a few of the ways to instantly turn your home from cramped to cozy.
