Making the Most of Limited Living Space
As the day of our big move draws ever closer, I find myself getting lost in a never-ending scroll through interior design blogs and Pinterest boards more and more often. With our new place being completely empty – no furniture, bare walls, and a kitchen that needs to be built from scratch – I’m in desperate need of all the inspiration and clever ideas I can get my hands on.
You see, while I absolutely adore the design process, trying to strike the right balance between my minimalist aesthetic preferences and functionality is no easy feat, especially when dealing with smaller spaces. Luckily, I’ve had my fair share of experience living in and styling compact homes over the years. And I’ve learned a thing or two about how to make even the tiniest of spaces feel bright, airy, and oh-so-stylish.
Whether you’re setting up your first studio apartment or trying to breathe new life into a not-so-spacious house, I’m here to share my top tips and tricks for decorating small spaces. Because I firmly believe that a little square footage doesn’t have to mean a big compromise when it comes to creating your dream home.
Choose Materials Wisely
One of the key lessons I took away from the Abstract: The Art of Design documentary series on Netflix was from Ilse Crawford’s episode, where she discusses the importance of carefully selecting materials for her projects. As she eloquently explains, the different finishes, textures, and feelings that various materials evoke can have a significant impact on the overall atmosphere of a space.
And this rings especially true when it comes to decorating smaller rooms with a minimalist aesthetic in mind. For the airy, bright, and uncluttered vibe I’m going for in our new place, I’ll be sure to opt for light, sheer materials for the curtains, robust yet chic textures for the furniture, and plenty of glass accents to create an optical illusion of a bigger space.
If you’re more drawn to a Scandinavian-inspired look, incorporating different woods could be the way to go. Or for a modern touch, you might want to experiment with bold metals, concrete, or sleek glass pieces. But no matter which direction you decide to take, I highly recommend taking the time to physically touch and feel the materials before making any purchases. After all, it’s not just about what they look like – it’s about how they make you feel in the space as well.
The Power of Color
When it comes to opening up a room, the right color palette can work absolute wonders. It’s no secret that light, neutral tones are generally the way to go for walls, as they reflect light better and can create a brighter, more spacious feel. But even within the realm of neutrals, there’s a lot of room for nuance.
Pure white can be a beautiful and clean choice, but it works best in rooms that are already flooded with natural light. In darker spaces, an all-white scheme can start to feel a bit dull and lifeless. In those cases, I’d recommend exploring other neutral shades – from soft greys to subtle pastels to even a hint of eggplant. These hues will still keep things feeling airy and open, but with a little more warmth and personality.
And don’t be afraid to incorporate bolder pops of color, either. Accent walls in contrasting hues can instantly draw the eye and create the illusion of a more dynamic, complex space. Just be sure to keep the overall color palette harmonious by grounding those brighter tones with plenty of lighter, neutral elements.
One small but mighty tip I picked up from some savvy painters? Always paint your ceiling one or two shades lighter than your walls, or even go for an all-white ceiling. This little trick can make the room feel taller and more expansive. The general rule of thumb is to go from dark to light, floor to ceiling.
The Magical Power of Mirrors
If I had to choose just one single trick for making a small room look and feel bigger, it would hands-down be the strategic placement of mirrors. I learned this one the hard way when I moved into my current apartment a couple of years ago and had this big standalone mirror that I didn’t know what to do with, so I just ended up leaning it against the wall in the living room.
The difference it made was absolutely transformative – the room instantly felt so much brighter, airier, and more spacious. The reflective qualities of the mirror had completely opened up the space in a way I never would have expected.
So whether you opt for a large statement mirror or create a gallery wall of smaller ones, be sure to place them in strategic spots throughout your small home. Hanging them on the walls, putting them on sliding closet doors, or even just leaning them against the wall – the impact will be immediate and oh-so-impactful.
Functionality First
Now, as much as I adore the aesthetic side of interior design, for me, functionality has to be just as much of a priority, especially when working with limited square footage. That’s why I’m a big proponent of smart, multi-purpose storage solutions.
Think ottomans, beds, and other furniture pieces that offer hidden compartments and drawers for stashing away all of life’s little necessities. Utilize often-overlooked nooks and crannies, like under the stairs or in the corners. And don’t be afraid to get a little creative – maybe that unused ladder in the garage could be repurposed as a chic bookshelf, or that vintage trunk could double as a coffee table with some extra storage inside.
I’m also a firm believer in the power of open shelving and decorative storage containers – they allow you to creatively display the items you want to showcase while also keeping the clutter under control. Just be sure not to overdo it. Leaving a bit of empty, open space is just as important as maximizing your storage capabilities.
The Beauty of Minimalism
Speaking of open space, I truly believe that embracing a more minimalist approach is one of the keys to decorating a small home successfully. When every inch counts, it’s crucial to be extremely intentional about what you bring into the space.
That means ruthlessly decluttering on the regular, opting for larger statement pieces over a bunch of smaller knick-knacks, and resisting the urge to cram every available surface with decor. Keeping the floors, walls, and tabletops clear and uncluttered is essential for maintaining a sense of flow and openness – which, as we’ve already established, is crucial for making a small room feel bigger.
Now, that’s not to say you have to completely forgo your personal style. Quite the opposite, in fact! Embrace your love of bold colors, rich textures, and eye-catching patterns. Just be strategic about how you incorporate them. Maybe it’s an accent wall in a vibrant hue, a plush velvet sofa, or a gallery wall full of framed artwork. The key is to strike the right balance so your space feels intentional and stylish, without veering into cluttered territory.
Lighting is Everything
Another crucial element in the quest to make a small space feel larger? Nailing the lighting situation. In addition to letting in as much natural light as possible (bye-bye, blackout curtains!), be sure to strategically place additional lighting sources throughout the room.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – where am I supposed to put floor lamps and table lights when I’m already low on square footage? That’s where creativity comes into play. Look for lighting options that don’t take up any valuable real estate, like wall sconces, pendant fixtures, or even chic string lights. They can provide plenty of warm, inviting illumination without cramping your style.
And don’t forget, mirrors aren’t just great for creating the illusion of more space – they can also help maximize the effect of your lighting by reflecting and amplifying it throughout the room. So feel free to go a little overboard with the mirrors, my friends. Your small space (and your mood lighting game) will thank you.
Small Space, Big Personality
At the end of the day, just because you’re working with limited square footage doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your personal style. In fact, I’d argue that small spaces are the perfect canvas for really letting your design personality shine.
So whether you’re drawn to bold, jewel-toned accents, rustic farmhouse-inspired pieces, or a sleek, modern aesthetic, don’t be afraid to go all-in. Embrace those vibrant colors, rich textures, and eye-catching patterns. Just be sure to temper them with plenty of lighter, airier elements to keep things feeling open and balanced.
And remember, your small home is a blank slate – an opportunity to get creative and have some fun. So channel your inner design maven, get a little daring, and watch as your cozy, stylish oasis starts to take shape. After all, with the right approach, the size of your space doesn’t have to limit the size of your design dreams.
So there you have it – my top tips and tricks for decorating small spaces with maximum style and functionality. I hope these insights have left you feeling inspired and empowered to transform your own petite pad into the home of your dreams. And of course, if you’re ever in the Aberdeen area and need a hand with your own home renovation or building project, be sure to check out ABC Home – they’ve got you covered from start to finish.
Happy decorating!
