Mirror, Mirror on the Wall
Image via Flickr by Bellafaye Garden
Mirrors are great decorating props that have multiple purposes. People have been using mirrors to create illusions in decorating for centuries. Not only can mirrors make a dark room appear brighter, but they can also make the room appear larger. Strategically placed mirrors can add depth to a room and make it seem more spacious. If you can't afford a large floor-to-ceiling mirror, you can invest in several smaller mirrors and group them together. It will not only produce the desired effect but add an artistic looking focal point to the room.
Color is Everything
One of the biggest decorating mistakes people make in their home is choosing dark colors because they are fashionable. Dark colors will only make small rooms appear even smaller. If you really are determined to use dark colors, use them on the ceiling. The dark colors will give depth to the room and make the room appear taller. Painting the walls of your home in light colors, such as white or light beige, will help create the illusion of space while the light reflecting off the walls will make the room seem brighter.
Remodeling for Maximum Space
Sometimes you need to call in the professionals to help you reclaim some space. If you're living in an older home, you might want to consider consulting with a plumber who can assess your plumbing. Many times, they can replace the larger pipes with smaller, more cost-effective pipes.
As a homeowner, this is a win-win for you. You get newly updated plumbing in an older home and an opportunity to reclaim some unutilized area in your home. This might seem like a drastic move, but it is one of the few ways to add actual square footage to your home rather than mimicking the appearance of it.
Clever Storage Ideas
You know the old saying, “necessity is the mother of invention,” and there is no end to the number of clever storage ideas that people have come up with. The first place to start is with multi-functioning furniture. Purchasing pieces of furniture that have hidden storage will save you space and fulfill a purpose.
Bookshelves are great space makers. Even small bookshelves can add to the amount of area you can utilize. An ingenious trick is to place them closer to the ceiling to make the room seem taller. There are lots of gadgets you can buy that allow you to use the backs of cabinets, closets, or room doors for storage for things like shoes, hair appliances, and cooking utensils.
It can be a challenge to make a small home go from feeling cramped to feeling cozy. With some ingenuity and using some of these tips, you can makes your home feel bigger than it actually is.
