The Tardis Effect: How to Make a Small Space Look Large

For most of us, there can never be enough space. Our sheds are filled wall-to-wall with lawn mowers, garden tools, and bags of fertilizer. Collections of Happy Everything dining wear and one-of-a-kind Tervises compete in our kitchens. And bedrooms are spilling with fashionable clothes, football hoodies, and home decor items. But if you live in a small space, displaying your personal style is often difficult. Want to make your house look bigger on the inside than it does from the outside? Make the most of a small apartment, cramped condo, or historical home with these tips on how to make the most of a small living space.

How to Make the Most of a Small Home

  1. Neutrals are your friend. Does your kitchen feel too cramped to cook in? Do you have a historic home with narrow hallways? Paint the walls in neutral shades to make tight spaces feel bigger.
  2. Get reflective. Whether it’s more mirrors, shiny lampshades, or wall art with a metallic sheen, reflective surfaces add light to a room, making it feel more spacious.
  3. Smart storage. When you have a small home, you have to get creative about storage. Make a full bookshelf or open cabinet feel less cramped by hiding your clutter behind a door, curtain, or skirt.
  4. Let there be light. The more light, the larger the space will look. Add warmth and depth to a small home by taking down bulky curtains and letting the light flow free. For homes with small windows, add hanging chandeliers, slender floor lamps, and creative light sources to open up your home.
  5. home craft - valspar paintAdd a personal flare. Many decorating styles overwhelm small spaces, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore your personal flare. Work with a backdrop of neutral colors, smooth surfaces, and simple designs. Then add that pop of color, embroidered burlap wall hanging, or priceless antique coffee table. The contrast will make your space seem bigger, and the personal touch will make your house feel like a home.

Ready to get started? Stop by Ace of Gray for paint, building supplies, home decor, and more tips on home improvement.

photo from flickr