5 ways to make your home feel more spacious (while self-isolating)

So you're stuck at home self-isolating and wishing that your home was bigger than it is. Here are 5 tips and tricks from interior designer for how to make a small space seem larger.

Read the full, original article at Watermark Homes for even more tips and suggestions.

1. Purge To Create Space

The less clutter on show, the larger your space will look. One fix for this is clever storage (see below), but a better solution is simply to remove anything that you no longer want or need. This particularly applies to clothing, papers and books. Take a look at our blog post on how to declutter your home for a happier life or try the KonMarie method to find what ‘sparks joy’.

2. Get Creative With Storage And Shelving

Choose multi-purpose furniture where possible. Items with hidden storage, such as ottomans are perfect for small spaces.

A large trunk or chest can be used for storage of towels or bedding and double-up as a window-seat or bedside table.

With open shelving, where your items are visible, try to group and organise your items in a way that is pleasing to the eye. Arranging things with intention will give your shelves structure, giving an impression of spaciousness.

Colour-coded bookshelves may be a step too far for most, but there’s no denying that they look striking.

3. Trick Of The Light

Lighting can completely transform your room. More light creates a sense of depth.

Use lighting to open up a room by illuminating different areas. Always opt for more than one light source. Side table and floor standing lamps will draw attention to different areas of the room, while overhead lighting can be harsh.

Consider illuminating corners and recesses. One lighting trick to make a room seem wider is to light up the spaces either side of a chimney breast.

Pay attention to natural light. Where possible, leave windows undressed and CLEAN them regularly. Allow natural light to move through your home by replacing doors with glass or opting for open shelving. Open shelving will also incentivise you to declutter and stay organised.

4. Mirror Mirror On The Wall

As we’ve learned, depth gives a sense of spaciousness. Mirrors make your home feel more spacious by reflecting light and giving an illusion of extra room. The best way to achieve this effect is by placing a large mirror opposite a window, but do check that the reflection is a pleasing one (i.e. a park or garden rather than a fence or wall)!

5. Best Position – Furniture Placement

Move furniture away from the wall to make your home feel more spacious and less cramped. By doing this your room will look more open and just a few centimetres can make all the difference. If you’re worried about wasting this space, place a slim console table behind the sofa. This can double up as a place to rest your cup of coffee and tuck away other items such as magazines underneath.

Whenever possible, face your seating, especially your sofa, towards a window, gracing whoever sits there with both natural light and a view. If you need help figuring out the best furniture layout for your room, take a look at this guide from The Spruce for some helpful ‘rules’ to follow.

Read the full, original article at Watermark Homes for even more tips and suggestions.