Get on Scale
The best way to enhance your small space is with moderately sized or even somewhat smaller furnishings. It is all about scale. Do not use over stuffed furniture. Go with light colours to brighten up your room. Mix and match furnishings. For example, pair a full-sized sofa with a chair that has higher legs, instead of one that comes right to the floor. This will allow for more visual space, creating the illusion of more area.
Lighten Up with a Rug
Adding a light carpet or area rug can make a room feel larger. An area rug can also help to camouflage any flaws that may be on your present floor, i.e. stains. As an added tip, as most small spaces tend to be boxy or square in shape, adding a lighter carpet with curves and shapes such as circles, spirals and dots, can also trick the eye while adding an element of fun.
Use Multifunctional Items
The use of furniture with more than one function comes in handy when decorating small spaces. For example, ottomans with inside storage, coffee tables with ottomans or benches that can store underneath and double as extra seating or table space when required, futons that can be used for seating as well as sleeping. This helps to minimize furniture and maximize space.
Large Patterned Artwork and Mirrors
Choose artwork with large patterns and bold prints. Use one or two dramatic items to draw the eye into the room. Large items do go well in small spaces, as long as there is no clutter around them. Fewer large pieces work much better then several small pieces. Mirrors also add reflective surfaces and open up areas making them appear larger.
Art work should be hung at eye level. This means, if you’re in a room where sitting is the primary function, eye level will be slightly lower. Larger artwork looks best over sofas, dining tables, and a fireplace. Note: artwork behind the sofa should be no more than 8-10 inches above the back of the sofa. If you are using smaller pieces, try grouping them. Keep coordinating themes and use similar frames.
* Keep your space clutter free.
* If your space is very small, do away with doors. Instead of closet doors, hang curtains.
* Use lots of light – keep it airy and bright.
* Keep your traffic paths clear, you don’t want to be walking around tables and chairs to go to your bathroom.
* Use decorative boxes to store objects and minimize clutter.
* Buy a table with a removable leaf. This helps maximize space, but still allows for the option to seat larger groups.
* Use brighter paint colours, dark colours will bring your room in making it appear smaller than it already is.
* Keep your windows clean, this allows in more light.
* Hang curtains beside the window instead of above giving the illusion of more width.
*Exact items not always in stock
