Big ideas for small spaces
NO matter how much (or how little) space you have, you’ve always got room for clever design ideas. And when it comes to furnishing and fashioning a small room, there are a few golden rules to make the most of what you have.
Here, Victoria Harrison, editor of home renovation and design platform Houzz (houzz.co.uk), shares some tips.
CREATE ZONES
“If your small living room also doubles as a dining, bedroom or work area, zoning can help it feel less cluttered,” says Victoria. “Think about the space available, and list any specific functions you need the room to have – such as seating. Then you can carve out the space into zones.”
She recommends using rugs, room dividers and open shelving to help break up the space.
STAY IN PROPORTION
Victoria says: “In a small room, a large sofa could dwarf the space and only accentuate the compact dimensions. Instead, choose a compact design that’s raised on legs to create a better sense of flow. “The same logic applies for all furniture choices, except rugs; a smaller rug can make a room feel cluttered, whereas opting for a larger design can give the illusion of a bigger space.”
Depending on your budget, sofa manufacturer Snug (snugsofa.com) has just launched the Small Biggie Snuggler Single Sofa Bed (£1,249), geared towards space-saving.
LAYER UP THE LIGHTING
“Lighting is a great tool for adding a feeling of depth to a small living room, as strategically placed lamps and wall lights can highlight different elements of the space,” says Victoria. “By drawing the eye around the room in this way, you can create depth and shadow and distract from smaller proportions.”
CONSIDER PAINT COLOUR
Victoria says choosing the right paint colour is “key” in small living spaces: “As a rule of thumb, the brighter you can make the room, the larger it will feel.
“Opting for pale shades for the walls and using carefully placed mirrors can help to boost the light and open it up.”
ADD A FEATURE
“To distract from a room’s smaller proportions, add a focal point, like a large piece of artwork or beautiful light fixture, which will give the room its own identity and take the focus away from the size,” advises Victoria.
IT’S ALL ABOUT THE DETAILS, WHEN IT COMES TO SMALL ROOMS, SAYS