Decorating
Bring Light and Breathing Space Into Small Interiors
With the magic of a few simple tricks, any tight corner can be transformed
In the words of Leonardo da Vinci: “Small rooms or dwellings set the mind in the right path; large ones cause it to go astray.” To stay on the right path when decorating or redesigning a small space needs careful consideration in planning and furnishing. If you’re downsizing and have collected beautiful pieces along the way, it can be challenging. And if you’re a collector, traveller or artist at heart, you might be silently weeping. There are solutions, however, to creating space and light in small interiors and they might just mean a furniture edit, an inclusion of a new reflective surface, a built-in bed or banquette, or turning a recess into a mini library. Embrace the challenge…
Translucent trick. Perspex or glass furniture pieces are ideal for small rooms, as they’re functional but do not break the space.
TRY THIS: For greater use of the space use nesting tables as occasional tables and turn a cupboard into a mini display shelf or library.
More: 11 Ways to Lift the Impact of Your Small Living Room
TRY THIS: For greater use of the space use nesting tables as occasional tables and turn a cupboard into a mini display shelf or library.
More: 11 Ways to Lift the Impact of Your Small Living Room
Snowy choices. A neutral, muted- toned or white colour palette brings light into a room and offers the illusion of space.
TRY THIS: Repeating your colour palette through furniture, lighting and objet d’art will provide visual harmony and give a tight space a gentle flow.
TRY THIS: Repeating your colour palette through furniture, lighting and objet d’art will provide visual harmony and give a tight space a gentle flow.
Fancy free. Floor-to-ceiling curtains in a light and floaty fabric bring the breeze into a space and won’t trap the light, helping to make your space feel larger.
Focal point. Every room needs one – it could be a fireplace or artwork. After choosing your focal point, arrange your pieces to maximise that view. A focal point will also help you decide on which pieces to keep and which ones to remove to allow for a comfortable room but with a clear path for movement.
TRY THIS: Floating shelves, like the ones here, are effective space savers. Every nook and cranny or recess can be used for storage – probably the biggest challenge facing small interiors.
TRY THIS: Floating shelves, like the ones here, are effective space savers. Every nook and cranny or recess can be used for storage – probably the biggest challenge facing small interiors.
Loft fancy. Turn your loft or attic area into another room and access it with custom-built stairs that don’t take up much space and look like they’re merely floating. A pull-down bed that folds away into joinery means a small room can double as an office and guest room.
Clean edit. Think carefully about what the function of each space will be. Then pick out key furnishings that will help you achieve that outcome with no added clutter to detract the eye.
TRY THIS: A white floor will automatically add light to a room by reflecting the natural light, and if you can see the floor surface under the furniture legs, that will help make a space appear larger, too.
TRY THIS: A white floor will automatically add light to a room by reflecting the natural light, and if you can see the floor surface under the furniture legs, that will help make a space appear larger, too.
Smooth lines. A small kitchen can look larger simply by minimising clutter (plus it’s easier to clean!). Keep all appliances tucked away and have the fridge flush with the joinery to give the space a streamlined look.
TRY THIS: If you like your appliances out and ready to go, purchase ones in smaller proportions and in a similar colour to your kitchen benchtop/splashback (so they blend right in).
More: Small Kitchens From Around the World
TRY THIS: If you like your appliances out and ready to go, purchase ones in smaller proportions and in a similar colour to your kitchen benchtop/splashback (so they blend right in).
More: Small Kitchens From Around the World
Custom-built. A built-in bed saves space and has the added bonus of underneath storage. At last those shoes have found a home!
Satin finish. Throw the light around a small bathroom with a white-on-white paint in a gloss finish.
TRY THIS: Laying tiles vertically in a column creates a sense of height, and wall-hung shelves or vanities are serious space savers.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Have you brought light and space into a small interior? How did you do it? Share your achievements with us in the comments section.
MORE ON SMALL INTERIORS
Live Big in a Small House: 25 Tricks to Expand Your Space
Small Bathroom Ideas That Are Big on Style
8 Big Space-Saving Ideas for Small Home Offices
TRY THIS: Laying tiles vertically in a column creates a sense of height, and wall-hung shelves or vanities are serious space savers.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Have you brought light and space into a small interior? How did you do it? Share your achievements with us in the comments section.
MORE ON SMALL INTERIORS
Live Big in a Small House: 25 Tricks to Expand Your Space
Small Bathroom Ideas That Are Big on Style
8 Big Space-Saving Ideas for Small Home Offices
TRY THIS: Affix mirrors to internal door panels or old wardrobe doors for a chic apartment or country feel.
More: 7 Clever Ways to Create the Illusion of Space in a Small Bedroom