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By learning how to make a tiny apartment feel bigger, you can create a relaxing sanctuary that makes the most of the space you do have. And you don’t have to compromise on style to achieve a more capacious feel to your home.
Here in this article, we have listed some practical tips for you on how to make your small apartment look big and spacious. It takes a couple of simple changes to capitalize on every last bit of your apartment. Once executed, you’ll have a space you can be proud of, one that feels open and lush. You will be surprised to know how much difference these interior design tips can make. So let’s get started
1. Choose double-purpose Furniture
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Living in small spaces just requires being creative and wise to make the most out of your space. Opt for furniture that can be used for multiple purposes. This will mean less furniture and more space, creating a practical traffic flow in your apartment.
Furniture that can do double duty will save you both space and money. For example, an ottoman that serves as a coffee table or benches that serve as storing solutions and are also good for a sitting area. This type of furniture creates a cohesive look and purpose full of meaning.
2. Create Different Zones
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According to designers, if you are living in an open plan space, creating zones within a room can make it look and feel bigger, as long as it’s done right. It can help you make the most of your space, no matter the size.
Placing furniture perpendicular to or off the wall is a great way to do this. It will help to create walkways and make sure the furniture doesn’t minimize the sunlight from windows.
3. Add Reflective Surfaces
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Hanging a statement mirror or leaning an oversized mirror against a wall in a small space is an excellent opportunity to assert style but also has the added benefit of making a room feel vaster since it reflects light and creates the visual illusion of a more expansive space
There can also be some other interesting ways of adding mirrors to interior space, like top a coffee table or side table with a piece of beveled plate mirror, or purchase a mirrored chest of drawers for a similar effect.
4. Opt for Neutral Colors
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Pale neutrals and pastel colors such as light blue or green are go-to shades to make rooms feel bigger, airier, and brighter. This is a common decorating rule for small spaces but you can also go the opposite: try painting the walls, ceilings, and trim in a dark shade like navy, brown, gray, green, or black to blur the line between where walls begin and end, which can make a compact space feel not only bigger but also cozier.
Another great tip for small spaces is to add pieces of furniture that match the wall color. They will easily blend with the space, giving the illusion of a bigger room. Here to further accentuate the space add accents like natural wood and woven materials.
5. Keep the Upholstery Plain
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A combination of neutral colors and delicate warm colors on most surfaces gives a small room a more open look. Instead of selecting bold plaids, stripes, or prints, select solid-colored upholstery for furniture. Sheer fabrics allow light to pass through window treatments.
To enhance the visual interest of the interior space, use tone-on-tone woven and textured upholstery fabrics with tonal drapery fabrics.
New York-based designer Ariel Okin, founder of Ariel Okin Interiors says, when you’re working with a tone-on-tone palette, layering textures together creates an interesting and dynamic space.
6. Introduce Vertical Panelling
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Paneling is an easy way to add texture, depth, and interest to the walls – as well as height. It helps to add character and interest when architectural features are minimal. This technique is ideal for small rooms when used vertically, as it makes the walls appear taller.
7. Lit your space well
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Limiting your already bitsy apartment to ceiling lighting makes the corners of the room seem dark. This creates a gloomy ambiance that you want to avoid. Instead, you can flood your place with brightness by adding floor, table, and overhead lamps to decorate and enhance the brightness of your home. This illuminates corners and makes a low ceiling seem higher.
8. Choose Furniture and Decor Pieces Wisely
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In small spaces you should avoid large and bulky furniture and décor pieces with dark colors, they only serve to make your space look even smaller than it already is. Instead, opt for smooth lines, light-colored woods, and streamlined shapes so that your small space won’t be overwhelmed with furnishings and décor items.
What’s more, choosing the right furniture and decor items can create the illusion of a bigger, taller room as well as paint a pretty picture. The more cohesive the furniture and decor the better it comes to small spaces.
9. Add a Focal Point
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A well-placed focal point has a huge impact on a small space, not only it can help tie the other decorative elements together but also it can distract the viewer’s attention from the lack of square footage in space. Yvonne Pratt, a designer at Stone Gable, calls the focal point “the star” of any interior space which draws one’s eye towards it. You can identify that star according to your space, it can be a fireplace, large wall art, or any décor item.
Creating a balanced interior plays a fundamental role in making a room feel spacious. These touches overall improve the visual interest in interior spaces and bring comfort.
10. Introduce greenery in your small spaces
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Incorporating a biophilic design in any interior space gives positive and calming vibes but it can certainly work wonders in small interior spaces in turning tiny spaces into spacious ones. Most importantly, adding plants is one of the most affordable tips for making a small space look bigger, it works for every budget. To liven up your home instantly, find a suitable nook for a pretty pot plant to live in.