Can we be completely honest about our British homes?
They’re too small. They’re not just small; they’re way smaller than our European neighbours’. For homeowners who live in urban or suburban areas in the UK, it can be impossibly tricky to copy some of the decor must-haves you’ve spotted in French or Italian villas. Truth be told, you will not get away with a rustic farm table in the middle of the lounge, like you’ve seen during your last vacation in the French Riviera. You need to think outside the box to make the small British home feel roomier. Here are 5 cost-effective swaps that transform the space:
01. CHANGE FURNITURE PLACEMENT
Ideally, a minimalist decor style can free up plenty of space in a busy room. You want to strip the room to the minimum, remove furniture you don’t need – goodbye quirky and underused side table, bookshelves, or commode. Another great idea to regain back control is to try moving your furniture around. Focus your attention on creating a wide open space, rather than blocking the path. You can have the same units in the space, but arranged differently to make the room appear bigger.
02. BRING MORE NATURAL LIGHT
Dark rooms instinctively feel cramped, small, and suffocating. Nobody wants to feel like they’re sitting in a prison cell. But, more often than not, the interior decor becomes too overwhelming and takes over the space and natural light. Something as simple as switching your thick curtains or blinds that let plenty of light through can make a huge difference. Installing bifolding doors into the living room gives you direct access to the garden. In summer, you can create an opening to the garden. In winter, you maximise the light.
03. CREATE A FOCAL POINT
Your room needs direction. Adding a focal point, such as a painting or another art piece stage the scene . Because the eye knows where to look, the space appears more organised and immediately the room becomes bigger. A common mistake is to multiply focal accents so that everything stands out and the space becomes cluttered!
04. BLEND CONTRASTS WITH PAINT
How would you paint your room? If you’re thinking of a white ceiling and some pastel hues for the wall, you are about to make a big mistake. In a small space, a simple paint trick can transform your perception of the space. Paint the ceiling the same colour as the walls. The result will remove contrasts and create the illusion of a large, high-ceiling area.
05. CHANGE THE SCENTS
A small room feels stuffy, even when it smells clean. But you can fight off the confined impression with fresh fragrances. If you have an essential oil diffuser, citrus scents such as lemon and grapefruit can brighten up your senses. You can also try sharp scents, such as mint, fresh ginger, and eucalyptus if you prefer something stronger. For a subtle transformation, white flowers, such as jasmine, can make the room feel spacious and clean.
Smart storage and small furniture are some of the preferred options to maximise space in a small room. However, you don’t need to buy all the student range at Ikea to make your tiny home feel bigger. Natural light, smart painting tips, and fresh scents can virtually push the walls away!
Do you know of any other easy decor swaps that transform a room?
If so, be sure to let me know in the comments below.
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