Space, these days is at somewhat of a premium. As a result of limited employment opportunities, and the economic crisis, many of us are living in housing that’s a little on the small side to say the least. However, this doesn’t have to be a negative thing – in fact, quite the opposite. They do say after all that good things come in small packages, and one bright side is, it does mean that there’s a whole lot less cleaning to do! So, if you’re currently residing in a bijou apartment or modest starter house, then never fear. Because we’re going to show you how to utilize even the smallest of spaces, to help you make the very best of the place you call home.
- Be Nosy
A good place to start is by having a sneak peek online at some of the houses or apartments for sale in your local area. When properties are on the market, they tend to be presented well in order to attract any potential buyers. So, it can be a useful way of seeing how other people have utilized their living spaces, and you may even pick up a few ideas for color schemes and design ideas to boot.
- Avoid Using Too Many Patterns
When decorating a small space, it’s best to avoid trying to incorporate too many clashing colors or garish patterns. If you do want to add a flash of color or have a focal point, a piece of artwork hung strategically in the center of the room is a more subtle way of doing this. The problem with having too many different patterns in a small living space is that it can make a room appear cluttered, chaotic and busy. You’ll find that rather than add interest to the room it’ll just end up making it look even smaller than it already is.
Photo Credit: Flickr
- Opt for Light & Bright Colors
Light and bright colors have this amazing way of reflecting natural light, and can make even the tiniest of living spaces appear to be twice as big. But when we say bright, it’s important not to go for dark block colors as this will have the opposite effect and suck light out of the room. It’s better instead to opt for soft pastel colors to help open things up and help to create the illusion of more space.
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- Utilize the Space You Have
When it comes to positioning your furniture, the best way to angle your couch is not straight against a wall, as many people tend to think. It’s actually much better to place it at a diagonal angle wherever possible, as this will give the instant impression of it being a larger space. It helps to draw the eye away from the room’s small dimensions. This is one of the most effective ways of utilizing any small living space, whether it be a family room, bedroom, office space or den.
Try following our easy tips, and you’ll be amazed at just how much of a difference a fresh lick of paint and a bit of rearranging can make!
Photo Credit: Flickr