We all want our homes to be cozy and comfortable.
Also, we want our interior design to showcase our personality and style.
However, when the square footage of our home isn't as big as we would like, these goals can seem almost impossible to achieve.
But, don't worry!
Small places can be quite charming and attractive if you stay well-organized and have a plan. There are many ways to make your small space look stylish and more spacious.
So, get creative and follow these tips and tricks for small space living to maximize your place and give it a distinct look.
Decluttering
To make your small space breathe a little, the first thing you need to do is to declutter. We all tend to collect and accumulate too many things over the years. However, when you don't have much room to work with, too many belongings can easily make any room feel overcrowded and stuffy.
Therefore, regular decluttering is your best friend for small space living. For starters, throw away all broken or damaged items as well as duplicates. Next, sort out all your belongings and get rid of clothes you never wear, a collection of magazines you never read, etc.
Letting go of things is not always easy, so if you're reluctant to throw some items right away, consider these apartment storage hacks. Later, you can go through those items again and see what else you haven't used. Making decluttering a habit is a key to a well-organized and clean small space.
Storage
On the other hand, we all have items or equipment that we love and need, although we don't use them regularly. For example, you surely don't want to throw away your camping gear or holiday decorations. H
owever, these items can be quite bulky and difficult to store in a small home.
For that reason, renting a green storage unit could be both an eco-friendly and affordable solution for you.
This way, your belongings will be well protected and ready to use whenever you need them. And of course, you'll gain more space in your home for other things.
Furniture
After too many belongings, the furniture is your greatest enemy when it comes to a small living space. Buying too big pieces will dwarf your small apartment.
On the other hand, opting for tiny furniture can make your home look like a dollhouse. So what's the best thing to do? Here are some ideas on how to choose the ideal furniture for your space:
● opt for one or two big furniture pieces that will be a focal point of the room (bed, sofa, or a dining table)
● for the rest of your furniture, choose smaller pieces such as coffee tables, end tables, etc.
● adopt a minimalistic approach - choose fewer high-quality pieces that you really need
● opt for space-saving pieces - there are many multi-purpose options that look stylish and offer great storage solutions (drop-leaf tables, storage ottomans, wall desks, etc.)
● utilize the lower furniture with exposed legs - it will make ceilings look higher and add spaciousness
● choose glass and metal tables and shelves and chairs with slender legs - they are visually lighter and will add a sense of openness to the room
● open cabinets and various kitchen racks will clean the countertops in your kitchen as well as provide extra storage
Light
One of the best ways to maximize your small living space is to add light. If you have a lot of natural light, that is excellent.
However, even if you don't, there are many lighting tricks you can use to make your place look bigger. For example, add lighting fixtures - table lamps, wall sconces, or even floor lamps will make any room look airy and spacious.
Remove draperies from windows, or if you really need them, opt for light, breezy curtains that will let in as much natural light as possible.
Additionally, place mirrors strategically around the room. Prop the large mirrors up against the wall or hang them so that they reflect other light sources in the room. Mirrors are great tools for making your place look bigger - they reflect both natural and artificial light and add depth to the room.
Use vertical space and corners
When you have to deal with the lack of space, don't forget to use everything you can! Open shelves that go up the walls are a great choice.
They won't take too much of the precious floor space (if any at all), and you'll have enough room for all your beloved knick-knacks and decorations. Floating shelves in the living room and the kitchen will look modern and appealing as well as provide a lot of space for your belongings.
Utilizing corners is also a great way to maximize space. Don't put most of your furniture in the center of the room or along the walls. Instead, place a shelf or arrange a sectional to fit into one corner of a room. If you're creative, it can become your favorite place to relax or even a small home office!
Choose lighter color schemes and eye-catching decorations
Choice of color is essential for smaller apartments.
Also, it's one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to make a small living space look larger. Too dark or bright, vibrant colors will make any room look cramped and even cluttered.
Instead, opt for lighter hues such as white, beige, or pastel colors, and give your walls a fresh coat of paint! This simple change will have a great impact on your space. Not to mention that however small, every apartment can be a lucrative investment.
Painting the walls will freshen up the whole place as well as increase your home's value.
Of course, you don't want your home to look bland and sterile. Therefore, choose accent decorations that suit your style and will add spaciousness to your small living space. Bold, colorful artwork and decorations will make a wonderful contrast and provide the necessary pop of color.
Although your home can't boast a lot of room, you can make your small living space more functional and well-organized by following these tips. With a bit of creativity and effort, you can make changes that will let you showcase your personality and make your home look inviting and stylish.