A space odyssey
Need more living space but don’t want to move or extend? A little diy might be just the solution, suggests LESLEY TAYLOR
Extending your living space is one of the biggest DIY projects any homeowner will undertake. And it can be daunting too. But before you start researching architects, getting quotes from builders and preparing that allimportant home improvement loan application, there are other routes you can take to create the illusion of more living space. From changing your window treatments to opting for a cool colour scheme, some small tweaks can reap big rewards.
WINDOW DRESSING
How you adorn your windows can have a huge impact on how big your room feels.
Heavy curtains – especially badly fitting ones – can drown a window, so something bespoke, such as blinds or shutters will help frame the space. If you prefer a softer look, sheer drapes in a light colour are the ones to go for.
However, if you want to be particularly bold – ditch the window coverings all together. While this might not be ideal in a bedroom, a bare window floods the room in natural light and adds depth.
Admittedly, this will depend entirely on your vista, but if yours is particularly stunning, why not give it a go and try letting the outside in.
THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL
Mirrors have long been credited for making living spaces feel bigger than they are.
And the really great thing about mirrors is the wealth of ways in which you can use them to add space.
A vertical, sleek mirror will reflect light and make your living space feel more open, as well as look taller, while a similar mirror – turned horizontally – will lengthen a wall.
Key to it all is where you place your mirror. Hanging a mirror opposite a window will reflect natural light. If you can afford it, a mirror covering the entire length of a wall placed directly opposite a doorway will give the impression of another room and make your home feel bigger.
HOW LOW CAN YOU GO?
It might be a big-ticket purchase but a new sofa could be the key to forming the illusion of a bigger living room.
Sofas are typically the largest item in the living area so choosing one that maximises space is essential.
Opt for a sofa with a low back. The increased space above it will give the impression your ceilings are higher than they really are and therefore make the room appear bigger.
And steer clear of boxy couches; instead look for a piece that shows a little leg and allows the light to flow underneath.
Finally, don’t position your sofa flush against a wall – no matter how small your room is. Leave a gap between the sofa and the wall – even if it’s just an inch. Again, the flowing space behind the sofa gives the impression the room is larger than it actually is.
STAY COOL
A cool colour scheme will reflect, not absorb, natural light.
White, however, can be too clinical. But a palette of off-white shades works beautifully.
Greys are just as good and have become something of a staple in the interiors world of late. Opt for a shade from the brighter side of the spectrum, and pair it with a similarly light accent – such as the now classic millennial pink – for a room that will not only score top marks in the style stakes but in the space-making ones too.
If you’re going to go with a wallpaper, avoid any heavy patterns which can overwhelm small spaces.
■ Lesley Taylor is the author of 10 interior design books and has appeared on a range of network TV shows, including This Morning, giving inspirational advice on home styling. For more information on her work, head to lesleytaylor.co.uk