Earth has only 30% land. Naturally, we have a limited amount of space to begin with. With a rapid growth in population and a rising trend toward urbanization, space has become a luxury. Every year, more and more people are relocating to cities with the hope of building better lives. As a result, the already congested cities are becoming all the more crowded. There is little space to breathe, forget about live. This has led to an increase in small-scale apartment buildings in all major cities. Long gone are the days of a white picketed home with ample space for a family to grow in. Studio apartments and one-bedroom flats are slowly becoming the norm.  However, this does not mean that we have to sacrifice style and quality of life.

Yes, there are challenges in effectively decorating a small area. Many a time, we are not even sure how to fit in all our essential belongings in our home without making it seem cramped. This is where efficient interior decorating comes in. You would be amazed how a little creativity can transform the smallest of spaces into an aesthetic haven.

Without further ado, let me share some easy-to-apply tips that can help you make any small space both functional and stylish.

Optimum Use of Light

The more light there is in a room, the larger it is perceived to be. Make sure that your apartment has an adequate number of tall windows that allow plenty of natural light to trickle in. Natural light brightens the space and makes it appear lively. It gets rid of dark shadows and expands the space. However, sometimes you may have to live in places that have small windows or no windows at all. In that case, it is suggested that you make up for the lack of natural light by installing as many light sources as feasible. To make your home cozy and comfortable, you can go for striking ceiling fixtures, wall scones, or table lamps.

Choose a Light Color Scheme

While dark colors absorb light and make a space seem cramped, neutral and light colors make a room seem larger than it is. Together with natural light, they make the space appear pleasant and airy by creating unique contrasts and bringing a sense of depth. By choosing light and neutral colors for your walls, furniture, and decorative pieces, you will be able to make the lighting in your room seem more natural, thus making it appear larger than it actually is. 

De-clutter

De-cluttering and effective organization is key when decorating a small space. It is best to adopt a minimalist mindset and get rid of things that are unnecessary. This way you can keep your home clean and organized, without seeming constricted.

Maximize Floor Space

By keeping your floor as open as possible, you can give your home an airy vibe. Opt for furniture that takes as little floor space as possible. Use scones in place of lamps. Wall-mounted cupboards can substitute for heavy nightstands. Tables with narrow legs and shallow-depth couches can also open up more space for you. You can also mount your television on a wall instead of purchasing a separate TV table for it.

Opt For Multipurpose Furniture

Multipurpose furniture is the way to go if you have limited space to work with. Furniture that does double duty as storage can help you save a lot of space. You can get a bed that comes with shelves, drawers, and storage. Better yet, you can opt for a daybed. This will drastically increase the space in your bedroom. Console tables with drawers and hidden storage, coffee tables that have shelving underneath, or an ottoman that has storage as well as seating can help your living room appear bigger.

Use Mirrors

Mirrors add aesthetic value to any space. By reflecting light, they create an optical illusion that makes the space around it appear larger than it is. They add a certain depth to a room. You can go for a big mirror, preferably an oval one, or you can dedicate an entire wall to small mirrors of all shapes and sizes. This will give the room a whimsical aura. When using mirrors, it is important to not go overboard as when not used judiciously, mirrors can cause a disconcerting feeling.

Play With Scale

Using oversized furniture can make your home seem unduly crowded. To avoid this, make sure to choose furniture that is proportionate to the space. This does not mean that you have to go for small pieces which are of little use to you. You only need to make sure to buy fewer pieces of furniture instead of a lot of unnecessary items. Also, it is best to spread out your décor and furniture in a harmonious and balanced manner to avoid making the space seem overwhelming.

Make Use of Vertical Space

Use long curtains, drapes, and bed frames, among other things to add an illusion of space. Skinny cabinets give the room an airy feeling. Going for a vertical tile pattern in your kitchen and bathroom can also make the perceived space appear to be larger.

Ceilings Have A Role to Play

We often forget that we have a fifth wall to play with. Yes, you heard that right. We can use our ceiling to add more depth to a room. By accentuating the ceiling with wallpaper, glossy paint, or intriguing light fixtures, you can create an illusion of more space. 

Craft Visual Interest

Visual interest refers to pinpointing an attractive feature in your space. Draw attention to something unique and make it the focal point of the room. This can be a large gallery wall where you can display snapshots of your choice. A large painting works as well. Patterned rugs, cushions of different textures, or a sofa with a unique color can also serve as points of visual interest.

Conclusion

In our materialistic lives, we tend to have more things than we need. We also find it difficult to part with most of our belongings. Naturally, we clutter the limited space available to us and make it seem all the more tiny. Optimizing small spaces has become an art. The need to find innovative solutions to maximize the functionality and style of a small space is more than apparent. In a small space, every inch counts. By maximizing space, we not only increase the functionality but also the aesthetic value of the area. A well-organized space is comfortable, visually pleasing, and adds to our well-being.

Do comment and let me know your thoughts on these interior design tips for small spaces.

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