Sometimes a space just doesn’t have a flow. Sometimes it’s so challenging to know how to set up a room. Sometimes the room feels like it’s going to close in on you. Let us break down a few easy and inexpensive tricks to gain a bit more space in smaller areas. Or, even ways to make it seem like there is more space in a smaller area.
Light colors are always our first go-to. If you’ve chosen a deep, rich color for cabinetry, a closet, or built-in then it’s still possible to achieve this look. All this means is that it may be time to lighten up the surrounding décor if you want to gain a little more openness (or even the illusion of more openness). Fabric, paint colors, furniture finishes and area rugs can all be kept at a neutral tone to create the illusion of a more accessible, airy and flowing room.
Another way to gain a bit more space in a small room is by keeping your furniture to a minimum. Less furniture is always key to creating that magic trick of more available space in tiny settings. This idea allows traffic to flow more naturally and it eliminates walking blocks, such as side tables and console tables or even extra chairs for seating. Maybe you will need extra seating down the road, but store those extra chairs until you actually need them.
Now that there is less furniture, you can gain even more approachability in the room by making sure the furniture that lives in this space is airy and loose. Incorporating sensible furniture choices will allow more of a flow and really work that open illusion. Examples of this type of furniture would be pieces that are open at the bottom, not as high (so as not to block any views), and no chunky deep-seated pieces. Minimalist furniture designs like Mid-century really speak nicely to this trick. Allow for the furniture to have an air flow without any thick extensions such as upholstered skirting or thick arms. These types of pieces may be too heavy for the space and therefore create more of a cozy vibe rather than one of light “airy-ness”. Keep in mind that this includes materials chosen as well – fabrics, wood furniture finishes and hardware.
Choose built-in cabinetry rather than stand-alone furniture pieces. Built-ins really round out a room. Even though they take up space themselves, they are fixed to a wall and it is then possible to avoid any floating furniture in walk-way areas, etc.
Less clutter is a big one. This is crucial in really gaining that bigger room feel. Clutter gives the space the opportunity to feel as if it is closing in on you, and that is not a good feeling! Clutter can also create more dust and make the room feel stuffy or stale. Hanging too much on the walls can also fall under the “too much clutter” category. Flirt with this idea when deciding on final resting places for artwork, pictures and such.
Rug or no rug? If the goal is to really get an open ambiance, then we say no rug. If there needs to be a rug included (because of kids playing in a family room or the rug is a family heirloom) then keep it light and simple. Just like we suggested working around already-existing built-in cabinetry that may be a bit of a statement, work around the rug at hand. If the rug is busy and the colors aren’t light then trying to keep all that accompanies the rug in the room less heavy would be best. Otherwise, if you are planning to purchase a new rug for the space, be sure to stick to lighter colors and less intense patterns.
One more tidbit…create defined spaces in the room itself. There are times when a table in the center of the room won’t work well, and that’s okay! Move it aside a bit. It may then be possible to create a walkway and the room will define the purpose, rather than the purpose defining the room. Less space will be taken and there will be a good flow! Good luck with spacing, designing and spring cleaning!