Decorating small spaces can be challenging, but even the most compact areas in your home can be transformed. The key to maximising small rooms lies in striking the right balance between functionality and aesthetic. While Metricon don't do tiny houses, we still have plenty of decorating tips and space solutions for you to consider. When you're faced with limited square footage, being organised is critical. Watch ahead as Metricon Interior Designer Nicole Boeyen shares her advice on innovative storage solutions. Let's get into the small space design ideas.
Smart storage solutions
To declutter your home and maximise bedroom floor space, Nicole suggests moving your dresser inside the wardrobe. This approach ensures that the unused space inside the closet is utilised and that you can now create a reading nook or study zone in the area where the dresser was initially located. If you don't have drawers to store inside your wardrobe, you can easily place a side table inside too.
In a small kitchen, utilising vertical organisation will offer a versatile approach to maximising storage space and arranging a compact area. Make use of stackable baskets to store kitchen essentials and to reduce clutter on the bench. You'll love having the extra storage in kitchen cabinets. If you don't know where to find additional storage items, Ikea and Kmart have great options for any budget.
Utilising wall space is another excellent storage hack. By installing floating shelving to store books, photo frames, artwork and trinkets, you save on using limited floor space while also adding visual appeal to your walls. Shelving is a great DIY project which will free up more space for extra home decor items.
Check out some budget storage ideas here.
Light it up
Lighting plays a massive role in
how big a room can look. The less light in a room, the smaller it will
appear. While natural light is the best option, if you don't have access
to a window, try adding new light sources.
Letting more natural light flow through the home helps to make rooms look larger.
Sconces are a fantastic option for smaller rooms as they do not take up anywhere near as much space as other light fittings, floor lamps or table lamps. Wall sconces will also allow you to play with shadows, which can help make your small living room, dining room or home office appear to be more significant.
Find out how to choose the right windows and window frames for your home.
Less is more
While it may be a cliché, when it comes to interior styling in smaller spaces – less is always more. Nicole highlights that when putting together a room, it is crucial to select a bold statement piece as a central focus and thematic starting point. Choosing a statement piece makes good design sense, and delivers more impact than a selection of smaller, scattered accessories. Watch below as Nicole discusses vital factors to consider when styling compact interiors.
When styling a room, Nicole suggests grouping accessories or decorative items in groups of three and encourages working with objects in varying colours, shapes, heights and textures for added appeal. Clustering objects of different heights together adds depth to your interior while also creating an engaging visual. This can be applied to dining tables, coffee tables, bookcases, side tables and even in the corner of a benchtop in the laundry room or kitchen.
Learn how to maximise space when you build on a narrow block.
Light it up... again!
Once you've found a way to open up your room with light sources, it's time to think about the colour scheme you have on display. Darker tones make rooms look smaller, so if you paint your room deep colours or choose dim flooring, the room will look smaller.
This kitchen looks much more spacious thanks to the light colour scheme.
If you're worried about the size of a room, paint and style your room in lighter shades to trick the eye into thinking it's bigger than it is. Light coloured walls reflect more light, and generally give an airy and flowy appearance.
Follow our paint selection guide to find the perfect shade for your home.
Go green
Greenery is an underrated feature in most spaces, evoking a sense of calm and relaxation. Succulents, ferns, cacti and artificial plants can add a welcome dash of colour to your indoors. Watch ahead as Nicole shares her ideas around styling greenery in the home.
Plants are particularly useful when it comes to creating focal points
in your living room. If you're looking to maximise space in a visual
sense, use the approach of purchasing one large statement plant. You can
also put little succulents around the home - in small bedrooms and
small bathrooms, on bookshelves and placed around other living spaces.
Another winning technique for
integrating greenery and saving on floor space is to utilise hanging
baskets for your plants. According to Nicole, this also helps soften the
hard lines of the room and creates a more inviting space.
Read about the best low-maintenance indoor plants.
Don’t let small spaces deter you from achieving your interior styling goals. Use our expert tips and ideas to ensure you take advantage of the available space in your home. For more inspiration, tips and ideas, visit the Metricon Lookbook and Gallery section.
