Article:
Making a small space appear larger
By Shelley Anderson
August 2008
Making a small space appear larger is not a difficult design task. When you don’t have a lot of square footage to work with, and you can’t add on, you need to be careful and deliberate about making the most of it. By implementing a few basic ideas, you can achieve the impression that your small sized space is roomy and inviting.
First, you will need to determine how you want to use the room. Once this is established, the decisions of layout, furnishings, colors and accessories will certainly follow.
When selecting your paint colors, opt for a lighter — even white — ceiling. This helps heighten the ceiling and open up the space. A low ceiling can be offset by giving the illusion of height by selecting furniture that sits lower to the floor. Selecting furniture shapes that are more vertical than horizontal will keep the ceiling appearing higher. Hanging draperies as high as possible also creates the illusion of height.
Incorporating neutral colors for the walls, carpet and furnishings will create an illusion of greater visual space. Color on the walls is OK, but try to stay in the lighter to mid-range tones. These colors will inject the boost of color you may be looking for without closing the walls in on you. Selecting a monochromatic color scheme is advisable. Utilizing analogous colors — any three colors located next to one another on the color wheel — for your walls and furnishings will enhance the visual harmony and volume of a space.
Minimize your furnishings. By utilizing less pieces of furniture, you will create a calmer, more harmonious interior. For example, using two coordinating full length sofas instead of a sofa and two or three chairs will create a less cluttered environment. Additionally, hanging one large piece of art or a mirror instead of several on one wall will keep the room from looking chaotic. Simplify your interior. Keep your use of accessories to a minimum. Select larger, more important pieces instead of too many, too small items.
Don’t be afraid to add dashes of more intense color, just don’t overdo it. Keep the contrast colors to a minimum, say one to two, and repeat it in the space only a few times.
Making your small space appear larger is simply a matter of editing the number of items and furnishings, and proper use of color. By using these ideas, you will be well on your way to an inviting and harmonious interior.
Shelley Anderson has been creating interiors in the greater Seattle area since 1990.You may contact her at (206) 719-6814 or email her at
shelley.anderson@shelleyandersoninteriors.com.