Living in a small home can be difficult, there just seems to be stuff everywhere at all times. There are, however, a number of fairly easy ways to trick the eye into thinking a room is bigger than it is, create a feeling of space, and get your clutter under control.
Let the light in
Maximizing the light you have in your home is a way of tricking the eye into thinking a space is bigger than it really is. Heavy curtains make a room appear smaller, so opt for light and airy drapes which don’t block the natural light coming into a room. If natural light is a bit of an issue in your home, try using a well-placed mirror. Placing mirrors opposite windows will help to bounce light around a room!
Color Consistency
Painting your ceiling and skirting boards the same colour as the walls, will work to blur the edges and give the illusion of more space. If you're feeling brave, wallpapering the ceiling will draw the eye up, plus would create a really cool little feature too. It might sound odd, but a big rug - one that extends under your furniture will draw the eye wider, again creating the illusion of space. Finally, you don't need to fill all your space, leaving some areas clear will create an airy feel, and reduce things feeling cluttered. For example, don't fill every shelf on a bookcase, creating what’s known as ‘negative space’.
Declutter regularly
It's funny how quickly you can 'fill-up' a house with all your belongings, but do you really need all that stuff that you seem to accumulate over the years? Regular clear-outs can make sure you use the space you have as effectively as possible. Ask yourself, would you buy that now? Or, have I used that in the past year? If the answer is no, then it's got to go!
