Most interior design websites and magazines are full to bursting with pictures of gorgeous – large – properties. Palatial kitchens, manor house living rooms, and charming ‘cottages’ big enough for a family of eight.
But smaller homes can be beautiful too. In fact, even the most compact space can contain endless personality and style. The secret is careful planning and a keen editorial eye.
Whether you’ve recently moved into a new home in Gateshead or have been living in the same home for a while, here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your living space.
Reflective surfaces
Whether you live in a castle or in a one-bedroom apartment, you must make the most of whatever natural light is available to you.
Since most rooms in smaller homes don’t contain large windows or skylights, reflective materials, such as glossy tiles, lacquered walls, polished floors and, of course, mirrors, will help your home feel lighter and airier.
Lighting
When natural light isn’t an option, it’s time to consider artificial alternatives.
If floor space is in short supply, save space with wall-mounted and ceiling lights. Not only will this cut down on clutter, but wall lights will make the walls appear further back, creating the illusion of greater space.
Careful colour choices
Calm, neutral tones are the simplest way to create a sense of space, and can make for an interesting aesthetic by using different textures.
However, if brighter shades are more your cup of tea, it is possible to incorporate bold colours without making the room feel claustrophobic. You just need to be selective about how you use it.
While painting every wall in deep jewel tones will overwhelm a small space, painting the walls a pale blue and then matching it with deep sapphire bookshelves is a more stylish, subtle way to show off your love of colour.
Vertical space
You may not have a lot of floor space, but if you have high ceilings, use that vertical space to your advantage.
Install floor to ceiling curtains to draw the eye up. Install shelves above doors. Have floating tables by the bed so you can store things in attractive baskets or boxes underneath.
Smart storage
Speaking of storage, those who live in smaller homes must be smart about where they keep things if they want to avoid living in clutter.
You’ll be amazed at the innovative storage solutions you can find online. Magnetic strips so you can hang your chopping knives from the kitchen wall. Narrow, ladder-style shelving you can slip in the corner of the bathroom. Behind-the-door containers you can hook on the back of wardrobe and cabinet drawers, perfect for everything from spices to hairdryers.
Multi-use furniture
And even more storage space can be found through the use of functional furniture.
Where possible, elect for beds, seating, and tables which contain extra storage, such as pull-out drawers, under-table shelves, or a hollow interior. This will help to keep your home free of clutter and full of style.
Play with layout
Small rooms can pack a lot of punch. You may not have a separate living room and kitchen, but you can still create a beautiful, functional, multi-use living space.
Separate rooms into different ‘zones’ with rugs and tactical arrangement of furniture. You could even use shelves to cut different areas off from one another without sacrificing precious light and floor space.
Be editorial
Finally, the lesson every person who lives in a smaller home must learn: be ruthless.
Remember, less is more. You might think that smaller furniture is best suited to smaller home, but really, a few carefully chosen pieces of larger furniture will have much more impact and aesthetic appeal.
The secret to making the most of a smaller space is to say more with less. Have a clear vision in mind for how you want your home to look, and try to achieve your dream in as few steps as possible.
