Perhaps you are downsizing and need some advice on how to incorporate all your accumulated prized possessions into your new smaller space, or perhaps feeling 'hemmed in' and claustrophobic by your living space?
The good news is that there are plenty of ways to open up a space without having to physically knock out a wall or perform major renovations.
Here are some simple tips on how to open up your living space and get some breathing room.
1. Ditch the clutter. Nothing creates a feeling of space more than getting rid of a whole lot of 'stuff' that you don't need or use any more.
Throw out anything that you haven't used for a year. Be ruthless about it.
If you can't bear to part with your collection of magazines, then put them in storage, or better still donate!
Charcoal Interiors
Is it time to freshen up your soft furnishings? Toss old cushions, shabby rugs etc...and replace with fresh updated items.
We have a range of custom made cushions in exclusive European fabrics available now in the showroom.
Charcoal Interiors. 41 Brookes Street. Fortitude Valley. Brisbane.
Charcoal Interiors Project
2. Keep the wall colours light and bright.
Dark colours tend to inhibit, whilst brighter and lighter tones bring an air of space to a room.
Photo credit via http://forum.xcitefun.net/
3. Box up those trinkets. Grans spoon collection is wayyyy last century, so it's time to box it up and keep in storage or donate. If there is one thing that inhibits the spacious feel to a room its too many trinkets and knick knacks.
Charcoal Interiors Project
4. Prints and paintings. Keep it to one large piece of wall art per room rather than lots of small groupings. The eye is drawn to one statement piece creating the illusion of space. The above photo is a classic example of this.
Charcoal Interiors Project
5. Mirrors. When knocking down walls just isn't an option, mirrors can be a solution for expansion visually in small spaces.
Image credit Restorationhardware.com
Tip: Ensure your mirror is angled towards a focal point to give the illusion of depth.
Charcoal Interiors Project
Photo credit Eye Swoon
Mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light to make a room brighter both day and night.
6. Space your furniture. As tempting as it is to push all your furniture up against the walls to make more space, its actually better to space the furniture slightly back from the walls. breathing room around your furniture gives the appearance of more space.
Charcoal Interiors Project
7. Multi-functional pieces. Another savvy idea when it comes to maximising on your smaller space is to opt for Multi-functional furniture pieces.
For example, a quality Ottoman serves 2 purposes. 1. Somewhere to sit and as a Coffee Table.
Charcoal Interiors Project
Choose Bedside cabinets with lots of storage space like the example shown above with drawer space and a section below for storage.
Charcoal Interiors Project
Clever Shelving. Our client used up loads of space with all his books, awards and treasured finds from overseas trips. We built customised shelving (above) to suit his needs, keeping it streamlined and space-savvy.
Custom Made Extension Tables by Charcoal Interiors
Consider a dining table with leaf extensions. That way you can still extend the table out for seating larger crowds, but keep it compact and smaller for every day use and less encroachment on your space.
We offer endless options when it comes to table design in our on-site workshop.
Contact us today for more information on our services.
Visit Our Website For More Information and Project Photos
Charcoal Interiors Project
8. Keep it Monochromatic. Monochromatic tones (Monochrome - where all colours are close in tone and value) do a great job of expanding a room visually.
Charcoal Interiors Project
Charcoal Interiors Project
The eye moves over the space uninterrupted, which creates the illusion of added space.
Monochromatic palettes overall, create a mood that is sensual and restful.
9. Skip the heavy drapes. Heavy drapes and curtains can leave a small space feeling hemmed in, claustrophobic and dark. So, bypass the heavy drapes and go for roman blinds or a light gauzy drapery which will add depth to the space.
We offer a customised drapery service. Contact us today for more details.
Charcoal Interiors
Charcoal Interiors Project
10. Statement Piece. Don't be afraid to add a Statement piece with personality to your small living space. Don't limit yourself to just using a large mirror to make a statement or focal point. These ideas also work well.
We chose this imposing statue (see above) for maximum impact for our client, and it worked perfectly.
Contact us today for more information on how to create a truly remarkable home space with our Interior Design service.
We are committed to design excellence.
Phone - 07 38526002
Showroom - 41 Brookes Street. Fortitude Valley. Qld 4006
