Transform your home from cramped to cosy with these simple design changes
We all want the perfect home design. Your home is your sanctuary from the stresses of daily life, so you should feel happy and relaxed as soon as you step through the door. Unfortunately, with family life comes clutter, and it’s pretty hard to avoid the sheer amount of stuff we seem to accumulate without even trying. This can have a serious impact on the way your home looks and feels, especially if your living space in a little on the petite side.
But there is no reason why even the smallest home shouldn’t benefit from great interior design. That’s why we’re here to help. Using our simple tips and tricks, you can learn how to save space and maximise your living room layout. With the right furniture, your small living space can look and feel bigger, all without having to sacrifice style.
Ready? Then let’s get started. Here are our favourite solutions when it comes to decorating small living spaces.
Hunt down your hidden spaces
When you’re dealing with a small space, it helps to look at your home with new, more acute eyes. Once you start trying to find them, you’ll notice that there are plenty of hidden unused spaces which can be made to stand out. Corners are particularly common as areas which we ignore, but a cosy armchair, stunning houseplant or bespoke bookcase can really bring the space to life. Similarly, look for valuable space you’ve left blank beside and above your furniture. Wall space can be used for artwork, light fixtures and even storage cabinets, so even if you are short on floorspace you can still include all the furniture you need.
Smart shelving
Consider floor to ceiling shelving or tall units which can provide plenty of space for storage and display without using up too much of the floorspace. This is the perfect place for injecting personality into your living room through treasured accessories, family photographs and beloved ornaments. You can also add potted plants for a natural touch, or use the space to display all of your favourite books and films proudly.
Open shelving has the added bonus of creating an airy and spacious feel, so you don’t feel like the unit is invading the space available. Try to stick to light colours, ideally with a gloss finish.
Vintage coffee table
A coffee table is essential in any living room, so why not make a feature of it? Vintage furniture is unique, attractive and really makes a statement, all while adding an undeniable sense of luxury to your home. Take the time to hunt down the best vintage coffee tables online by exploring online stores like Vinterior, and enjoy having a one-of-a-kind piece in your living room.
Neat nest tables
Like a coffee table, side tables are necessary for the perfect, functional living room. However, there is no need to play it safe when it comes to the final design. Play around with light, modern materials like glass or even wire for a see-through style that’s both lightweight and relaxed. This will help add to the sense of space rather than taking away from it.
Or, if you’d rather go for something more traditional, a set of nest tables is a great way of adding extra surface space that you can use when you need it and put away when you don’t.
Multi-function sofas
Investing in a practical statement piece of furniture, like a multi-function sofa, will save you space and money in the long run. Multi-function sofas are those which can be used as storage, featuring space beneath the seats themselves. This is a great place to sneakily hide away the items you don’t need often and don’t want out on display. You can also choose an option with a pull-out sofa bed beneath, creating an extra sleeping spot for when friends and family come to visit. Just make sure you have enough floorspace to accommodate the sofa when all the extras are pulled out.
A splash of colour
When decorating a smaller space, we’re often told that we should stick to a neutral palette consisting mainly of white, cream and beige. While this does make the space feel bigger and brighter, it can come across as dull without a few pops of colour to liven things up.
Add a splash of colour with a textured mix of colourful cushions and exciting accessories. Other elements you can consider include a bright throw, fresh flowers, artworks or even a large geometric rug to really pack a punch. This can make for a stunning focal point in the heart of your home, and will instantly make your living room a more inviting space.
Plenty of lighting
Lighting possesses a lot of power in the world of interior design. The right lighting can make a room feel lighter, brighter and even bigger, while poor lighting can almost make a room feel claustrophobic. So a properly lit room is absolutely vital to effective living room design, especially for petite spaces. Try a large pendant light to brighten up the room while simultaneously making a powerful statement. If you’re struggling for space, use hanging lights or wall lights rather than floor lamps as a way to save floorspace, or fairy lights for a more subdued evening atmosphere. Mirrors are also a great addition for reflecting light and maximising the illusion of space.
