Why you should think big in a smaller home
IF your home is somewhat small and you just can’t think how to give it a stately homestyle appeal, worry not, it’s all about creating a spatial illusion with a lick of paint.
You can convince yourself, and others, it’s bigger, cosier, smaller or taller with a simple burst of colour.
And here’s how: ●● 1. White is not always right
Most people will say white when you ask them to select the best colour for a small room.
But you can make a room appear larger by painting the walls a light shade; or if you want the space to feel cosy and warm, go for rich tones.
Bottom line: avoid dark colours. ●● 2. What’s the room used for?
If it’s a breakfast room or part of the kitchen where you drink coffee or juice first thing in the morning, choose a sunny hue.
If it’s a bedroom where you want to unwind, choose soft tones which are easy on the eye. ●● 3. Go light
Light colours are great for opening up a small space; they make a room appear larger than it is.
Don’t go for white; light green will make your small space seem as open as the great outdoors. ●● 4. Gloss it over
Using any type of gloss finish will open up a small space.
Use semi-gloss in the kitchen or bathroom but stick with the gentler eggshell and satin finishes for the lounge or bedroom. ●● 5. Marvellous monochrome
Use colours that are close in tone so that the eye moves smoothly without any interruption.
This tricks the mind into believing a room is larger.
So use colours from the same part of the palette. ●● 6. Receding walls
Try using a slightly darker shade on the wall opposite the door; this will make the wall appear to recede and so make the room seem more spacious. ●● 7. Avoid deep colours
Red, dark blue and deep purple will make the room seem smaller.
They are, however, the cosiest colours, so it depends what you want. ●● 8. Sample stripes
Painting vertical stripes on the walls of a small room will make the ceiling appear higher.
You’ll need to do some planning though if you want neat lines. ●● 9. White woodwork
It not only looks clean but will refract the light back into the room giving an open, spacious feeling. ●● 10. Splurge
Buy quality paint; try out www.prideandjoy.me - decorating small spaces obviously costs less than large spaces.
Pick a quality brand so you can choose from a wide range of colours and enjoy better coverage and a longer life for your walls.