Easy tips that trick the eye
Living in a small apartment does not mean you have to live in a cramped space. With just a few interior design-inspired hacks you can completely transform your place. Beyond basic things like clearing out clutter and keeping things clean, the following tips cleverly create the illusion of more space. This way you can keep the many benefits of a cozy space while having the feeling of an expansive interior.
1. Refined Furniture
Visually heavy furniture oftentimes blocks the view and closes off a space. Look for pieces that have clean lines and are lifted off the ground: by clearing the floor, you allow the eyes to wonder further across the room, creating the illusion of more space. Beyond shape and scale, the material is crucial: transparent pieces made of glass or lucite will make everything beyond the piece seem further away, plus they give the room a light and airy feel.
2. The magic of mirrors
It’s an old trick, but strategically placing large mirrors in tight areas of a room generally creates the illusion of more space. Especially floor to wall ceilings instantly make ceilings appear higher. A great way to bring more light into your space is to place mirrors across from a window, this way sun rays bounce around the room and open the space up.
3. Minimalist window treatments
Light and airy material is key when selecting window treatments, so avoid heavy drapery and opt for textiles such as linen, silk or sheer cotton when selecting curtains. A clever trick to make your curtains seem longer is to set your curtain rods high above your windows. Further clean, minimalist options include roman shades or cordless blinds, anything you go for should come in light colours that blend in with the surrounding walls.
4. Layered lighting
If you’re in a small space, chances are high that you have low ceilings. This means you should avoid ceiling lights, which pull the ceiling downward. Focus on a multitude of different light sources such as floor lamps, table lamps and wall sconces that will bounce light around the room. Vertical wall sconces are particularly beneficial as they cast light up and down the wall, creating the illusion of a higher ceiling.
5. Bright and monochromatic colours
Light and bright walls are more reflective, making a space feel open and inviting. But beyond using such colours it is just as important to use the same colour in continuation: Paint your ceiling the same colour as your walls for example, this allows the gaze to continue upwards with no interruption. Contrasting elements or paint can be used sparingly to establish depth, however too much dark colour creates visual breaks in a space, making it appear smaller.
