Urban living can be a bit of a trade-off. Many will gladly sacrifice some square footage and a backyard in favour of the convenience, community and flair of a downtown address. I’m here to tell you that you can have your cake and eat it too. From an interior design perspective, here are three tips to compromise, without sacrifice, and create the illusion of more space in your small home.
Maximize the light and view
Make the most of your small space by leveraging two of its best features: the light and the view. Many downtown condos, such as this one recently designed by my team, features walls of windows that maximize both. In small spaces like this one, the view helps to draw the eye out toward the horizon, creating the illusion of more space within the suite.
The second “maximizing” element we’ll touch on is light. Natural light is a small room’s best friend, making it appear bigger, brighter and airier. To help amplify the effects of daylight, opt for light, neutral tones, which are reflective, for large-scale elements such as walls, rugs and furniture. Or, take it a step further and choose things that are actually reflective, like mirror and polished chrome, and high-polished finishes that bounce light around the room.
If natural light is hard to come by in your space, ensure you have ample and evenly distributed ambient lighting, such as pot lights. Then, add plenty of mirrors to visually double the space.
Streamline with built-ins
Most furnishings occupy floor space, which can make a room feel smaller. Given the option, I always choose built-ins for small spaces, and my reasons are twofold.
First of all, they often come in the form of bookcases, cabinets and shelves, which are great storage systems that can be concealed behind doors or panels. On the flip side, they are also a great way to display collections and select items. Secondly, because they are integrated units, they become part of the home, blending and, if desired, disappearing entirely!
Tip
I personally love using built-in shelving to help highlight a focal point within a space, such as this fireplace flanked by open shelving. The secret to styling success is keeping your display simple and selective.
Embrace the negative space
In interior design, the “negative space” in a room is as important as all the elements that fill it. “Negative space” is the blank space; those empty corners and bare walls that give your eyes a chance to breathe. It also allows room to physically manoeuvre around furnishings and people.
Since you’re likely limited in square footage, the best way to achieve negative space is by editing down your furnishings to create that breathing room. Limit your furniture to essential items and multi-functional pieces. Choose “leggy” furniture that you can see under, such as a sofa with feet, or chairs with legs. Also consider glass furniture that don’t block light or obstruct views.
But how do you add negative space without leaving the room looking “unfinished?” Purposeful design is my motto, and how I approach every project. Look at traffic patterns and consider how you use each space. Then, furnish and accessorize as needed. Periodically stand back and evaluate your composition to ensure you’re achieving a nice balancing. Don’t over-do it.
They say good things come in small packages. With a purposeful design plan, you can make the most of your small home and maximize that motto!