Living in a small space doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort and style. With some clever and thoughtful renovations, you can create an inviting space that looks bigger than it is. Whether you live in a tiny apartment or a cozy house, these four renovation strategies will help make your small space feel more spacious.
1. Open Up the Floor Plan
One of the most effective ways to make a small space feel larger is to open up the floor plan. Doing this can be as simple as removing a wall or two, or it can involve completely reconfiguring the layout. This type of renovation is great for eliminating barriers that impede movement and visual flow throughout the space. Opening up the floor plan also creates more opportunities for natural light to get in, which can help make the area feel bigger.
Open floor plans can also be great for entertaining, making it easier to move between rooms and engage with guests without feeling cramped. Additionally, when done right, open floor plans can create a more unified aesthetic throughout the space, making it look and feel more cohesive. If a major renovation isn’t an option, rearranging furniture can also help open up the space. Moving furniture away from walls and closer to the center can create a more open feel, making it easier to access all room parts. Additionally, furniture with thin legs can help create more visual space in crowded areas.
One key factor that homeowners should consider when deciding whether to open up their floor plan is whether it will go with the overall aesthetic of the space. For example, open floor plans are often more suited to modern and contemporary homes due to their clean lines and minimalistic feel. On the other hand, traditional or eclectic homes may benefit more from closed-off spaces that you can customize with unique details. When done right, opening up the floor plan can effectively make a small space feel larger and more inviting.
2. Paint with Light Colors
Another great way to make your small space appear larger is to paint it in lighter colors. Lighter wall colors reflect more light, which gives the illusion of more space and makes the area seem more significant than it is. If you want even more of an impact, consider painting the ceiling a couple of shades brighter than your walls to give the illusion that your ceilings are higher.
If you want to add a bit of drama, you can use two colors. Use a lighter shade on the walls and a darker color on trim, doors, or furniture. For example, if using white as your primary wall color, you could opt for navy blue or charcoal gray for trim work. This subtle contrast can make a room appear more spacious while still adding color and character.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you may want to consider ombre effect walls. This look is achieved by using a single shade that starts light at the top of the wall and gradually darkens as it goes down. It can add depth and visual interest to a room while keeping a light, airy feel. No matter what colors you choose for your walls, one of the essential elements is ensuring that the colors complement each other and don’t clash. The last thing you want to do is end up with a small space that looks cramped and overcrowded.
3. Go Vertical with Storage
Maximizing vertical storage can effectively turn a cramped room into one that functions better while looking neater and cleaner. Take advantage of wall-mounted shelves, cubbies, and cabinets—even if the ceilings are lower than usual. If you can’t find an appropriate piece of furniture, consider having a custom cabinet built to fit your specific needs.
When it comes to making the most of available space, think vertically. Installing shelves up high can create extra storage without compromising floor space. If a room has more than one window, you could use a tall bookcase to maximize the area between them. Likewise, adding floating shelves before a window provides additional storage without blocking natural light.
You can also make use of space in the corners of your room by installing corner shelves that provide extra storage while taking up minimal floor depth. Additionally, wall-mounted pegboards are a great way to hang items and keep them organized while freeing up space. They come in various sizes and shapes and can be customized to fit any room.
4. Utilize Your Basement Space
Basements are often overlooked when creating more space, but they can be excellent places for storage or even an extra bedroom. Consider turning your basement into a functional living space and installing some basic amenities like lights, outlets, and heating systems. Doing this will increase the total square footage of your home without taking away from the original space.
If you are looking for a more creative and unique approach to transforming your basement, consider investing in many specialized remodelings for your basement available. These services can help you create a space tailored to whatever purpose best suits your needs. Whether you opt for an extra bedroom, an entertainment area, or even an office space, these custom-made remodeling services can help make the most of your basement space.
No matter what you decide to do with your basement, it is vital to ensure that the space is adequately insulated and well-lit. Adding insulation in the walls and ceiling will help keep out moisture, reduce drafts, and keep the temperature consistent throughout the room. The R-value is a good point of reference for deciding on proper insulation levels for a given climate. This value measures the insulation’s effectiveness in resisting heat transfer and should be considered when deciding on your basement’s insulation levels.
In Summary
Living in a smaller space doesn’t have to mean cramped quarters. With thoughtful planning, you can make even the most minor areas look bigger, brighter, and cozier. From taking advantage of natural light to incorporating houseplants, these four renovation strategies will help open up your small space and make it seem much larger than it is. So take these tips and start transforming your tiny space!
