We all know the best things come in small packages, but when it comes to home renovation, how do you make your small spaces feel less, well, small? Here, tips and tricks so your tiny spaces don’t create big headaches...
If you have a small bedroom...
"If this room is yours, it should truly reflect you. If this room is for children, be inventive and have some fun. Or, if this room is for guests, design it as it if was a special gift that you share with friends," says interior design expert Sonya Cotter of Sonya Cotter Design. With this in mind, making the most of a small bedroom - whether it is your own, your child's or a guest bedroom - is all about the colours and textures you choose. Choose light, airy shades so the room doesn't feel too closed in - neutrals make a room feel both larger and more open. This applies to the paint colour you choose, as well as your choice of textures and patterns for bedspreads, pillows, cushions and carpet.
If you have a small bathroom...
"Your bathroom is a place where you can retreat and completely relax where you can," says Cotter. According to Sonya, bathroom environments should be both beautiful and functional, with good design incorporating the use of durable surface materials, functional storage and multiple levels of lighting. You can avoid overcrowding a small space with efficient storage and just a few key decorative pieces such as a vase with flowers, stylish soap and moisturiser dispensers and perhaps a unique piece of art to admire such as wall sculpture of objects found from a trip to the beach.
If you have a small living area...
There's nothing better than sprawling out in your living room after a long day - so if the area itself doesn't really allow for spreading out, how can you make it feel roomy nonetheless? First up, don't overcrowd the room with unecessary furniture. Opt for more flexible options such as large boxed edged floor cushions. These are a stylish update on a beanbag kids love them and they're a super-comfy sitting option for you and your partner too. Don't overburden the room with artwork either, one or two key pieces will look great - many pieces will look cluttered and confused. Keep your furniture and artwork to a minimum and then you'll have the option to play with texture and colour. Create modern touches with textures for cushions and curtains, just remember to avoid patterns that are too busy as they'll end up the crowding the room too much. If you really want colour, perhaps try tonal variations of the main wall colour. A bright feature wall will close in a small space. Use colour in your accessories.
If you have a small kitchen...
According to Sonya, the kitchen has evolved into the 'hub of the home'. "As a former chef and someone who loves food, I know the importance of getting this space exactly right," she says "It's not just a place to entertain but it should reflect your character and enhance your lifestyle." With only a small space in which to entertain, make the most of it and create an intimate dining space for guests. Invest in mood lighting so you can change the atmosphere with the touch of a button, and have candles on hand for an elegant, rustic eating environment. A kitchen is a place full of sensory experiences, so make the most of the fact that your family or guests get to experience this firsthand with close proximity to the person cooking.
