Lack of space is a common problem among homeowners today. While smaller properties may have their benefits, the cramped and claustrophobic way they can feel leaves many looking for ways to make the space they have look a little bigger. Unfortunately, this isn’t always a simple task. Because of this many people make interior design mistakes that transform what little room they do have into something that looks and feels even smaller than before. If you want a home that feels welcoming and comfortable, then here are seven blunders you should avoid.
- Too Much Clutter
When you’re living with little space, you can’t afford to be sentimental. You need to be ruthless when it comes to your belongings and be willing to get rid of things that clutter up your home. Make sure you regularly go around your house and set aside anything you no longer want or need. These belongings can then be thrown away, donated, or sold for a little extra decorating money. Make sure to invest in storage for the things you keep and give everything a home.
- Extremely Large Furniture
When you frequently have friends and family over, a large corner sofa may seem like a good idea. After all, you need enough space to accommodate all of your guests when they pop round. However, such a large piece of furniture can dominate a smaller room, making it feel even smaller than it is. For this reason, one should only be placed in an open-plan layout. To maximise your seating, you should instead opt for smaller couches, loungers, and armchairs.
- Dark Colour Scheme
Moody interiors may be popular, but the dark shades on your walls will absorb light and can make rooms feel claustrophobic. With that in mind, you should stick to lighter shades instead, both for your walls and your furniture. If you plan to switch your internal doors, go for one with a glazed option, like those from George Hill Timber. This can trick your eye into thinking the room is larger than it is. White is the best option for smaller spaces, but pastel shades also work well.
- Heavy Window Coverings
Large windows draw your eye outside and make a room look a little bigger. They also allow plenty of light into your space, which helps it to feel more open and airy. If you’re lucky enough to have great windows in your home, then you shouldn’t cover them up with heavy curtains or blinds. Instead, go for something a little lighter and make sure you keep your windows uncovered throughout the day. If your neighbours aren’t close, you may even want to ditch them altogether.
- Poor Light Design
Light can totally transform a space, so you should use yours the best that you can. Instead of relying on a single overhead light, which can leave the corners of a room dark and make it seem smaller, you should invest in multiple light sources. You can use table and floor lamps, fairy lights, wall lamps, and even candles. Depending on the situation, you can mix and match these sources of light to create the right mood in the room.
- Busy Wall Decor
Large walls should be styled in a way that allows the decor to breathe. This doesn’t mean dressing every single blank space with pictures, artwork, or shelving. If you like to switch things up occasionally, then make sure that you never add something to your wall before taking something else from it. You should also avoid hanging anything on smaller transition walls or the space above your door, as this can make your home feel cramped and cluttered.
- Chopped-Up Floors
With a smaller floor space, you should ensure that you keep it as streamlined as possible. This means using large rugs that match the flooring, rather than lots of smaller scatter rugs. This can make the space feel disjointed and chopped up. If you have a rug that you love but is too small for your floor space, then try layering it with a complementary rug. This allows the floor covering to reach the edges of your living space while also creating a contemporary feel.
Small homes can be cosy and comfortable, or they can be cramped and claustrophobic. It’s up to you to create the space that you want. When you’re already living in a small home, the last thing that you want to do is make it look or feel any smaller. For this reason, you should avoid the interior design mistakes listed above.
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