Need to create the sensation of more space in a home without knocking down a wall? Give these tips a try!
Focus On The Vertical – You want to draw the eye upward to create the appearance of more space. Use tall furniture (bookshelves are a good choice), vertical shiplap or wallpaper with vertical stripes – even hanging long pendant lights can help
Look for “See Through” Furniture – Avoid furniture with skirts or drapes that reach the floor, look for glass top tables, and chairs with clean-line legs which allow you to see under, around and through furniture and open up the room
Lighten Things Up – Light colors reflect light and make a space seem bigger, so keep your walls painted white or off-white, avoid dark colors and dark accent walls, and try to have your trim and ceiling areas painted in a similar white to create the illusion of a soaring, open space
Use Accents for an Impact – when working with a small space or room, don’t clutter it with many small accessories, or furniture – focus on a smaller number of a large pieces to make the area feel more spacious
Don’t Anchor Against the Wall – Our focus tends to be drawn to walls and other large objects, so try to avoid placing furniture and accessories against the wall, instead use the center of the room as a focal point for your layout and keep large items away from the walls and corners
Say “No” to Curtains and Drapes – curtains block natural light, and draw our focus away from the open space of the room. Use shutters or blinds that can be retracted out of the way when not needed, and let the light shine in!
Connect With Nature – use plants and outdoor textured furnishings to connect your indoor decor with the outside, to make the indoor and outdoor spaces seem to flow together, creating the perception of more space