There are so many benefits to small homes. They’re easier to maintain, help you reduce your ecological footprint, encourage you to get rid of clutter, are easier to decorate, and of course, they’re less expensive!
If you live in a small home, or you’re buying a home or condo, you might be in search of some small home decorating ideas. San Diego real estate has a lot of smaller home options. But with a few tips from experienced real estate agent Mike Myers, that quaint condo can feel huge.
Are you looking for some small living room ideas? Or maybe you want general tips on how to make a small room look big? Either way, keep reading!
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Cull Your Clutter
Do you want to know the secret to make a small room look big? Own fewer things.
Clutter is a common problem for downsizers who had more space to store their stuff. If you moved from a larger home to a smaller one, it might be difficult to part with some of your things. So instead, you try to fit everything into a smaller space.
However, getting rid of unnecessary stuff will make your small space appear much bigger. When your home is less cluttered, and more floor and wall space is clear, your rooms will feel significantly more spacious.
Plus, decluttering can have great benefits for your mental health! Decluttering can make you feel more energized and happier. And you might just find that great jacket or favorite book you’ve been looking for.
Free up some time and sort through your belongings. When you are not sure if you want to get rid of an object, ask the following questions:
- Do I love it?
- Have I used it in the past year, or will I use it in the next year?
- Would I replace this item if I lost it?
Once you have cleared your clutter, enjoy how much bigger your home feels.
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Maximize Storage Opportunities
Open shelving and statement furniture can be a creative way to decorate your home. But if you want to maximize space, you need to plan and be deliberate with your storage options.
One-level coffee tables can be aesthetically pleasing, but they do not provide a lot of storage. Instead, opt for a coffee table with multiple levels, drawers, or sliding cupboards.
Built-in furniture is perfect because it uses all your wall space and makes your ceilings look higher. Or, get creative with it! Think fold-down desks, hanging bike racks, and convertible furniture.
Essentially, think about furniture that doubles as storage and storage or furniture options that can be mounted to clear floor space.
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Think Light, Bright, and Reflective
The more light that fills your small space, the bigger it will appear. Natural light is ideal, so make sure you open curtains during the day. And don’t obstruct your windows or sunlight coming in with any furniture.
If you don’t have a lot of natural light, or for cloudy days and evenings, you can achieve this with strategic lighting and mirrors. Choose bright but not harsh lighting. And make sure your space is evenly lit. Don’t forget about dark corners and hallways.
Try a long hanging lamp. This will help illuminate your whole space, and utilizing vertical space can make your small space seem bigger.
Last but not least, mirrors can make a huge difference in your space when they’re strategically placed. A large mirror is great, but pick one with a dainty frame. That way, your surface area is used to reflect and not made to feel more cluttered with a bulky frame.
Hang mirrors at eye level and think about pairing them with a light source to maximize the illusion of more space. And if you love this idea, you can even mirror a whole wall of your home.
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Bigger (and Bolder) Is Better
Many runners, rugs, and wall art can give a home personality and make it look cozy. But, as we said earlier, a lot of items can make a room look smaller.
Instead, stick to statement pieces. One larger painting will add more to your space (and make it feel larger) than many smaller posters. This is because it draws the eye to one focal point instead of cluttering the eye line.
One of the great things about small spaces is they make you more thoughtful about each item you own. Less is always more, and a few beautiful, bold pieces of furniture will do wonders for a small room.
Bold items, like a large painting, creative lamp, or textured rug against a subtle color scheme, do wonders for small spaces, and take us to our next item on the list!
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Paint for Small Spaces
Rooms with lots of different colors can create a feeling of clutter without physical objects. But that doesn’t mean everything has to be monochrome.
A light, neutral color palette can make a small space appear bigger. But if that’s not your taste, don’t worry! Accents of color can add a spacious feel to a small room. Think about painting an accent wall. Or get wild with some stripes or patterns.
If you’re feeling ambitious, use different shades of the same color to make a room appear larger. When your couch matches your vase and your chair, it pulls the room together without making it feel cramped.
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Use Visual Tricks
When tackling small home decorating, it’s all about creating the “feeling” of more space. There are a lot of visual tricks you can use to achieve this.
Hang drapes higher than your window frame to make your ceilings appear taller. Choose drapes in the same color as your walls or a little bit darker.
Opting for furniture with legs also gives your home the illusion of more space. This is because you can see the floor underneath the furniture.
You can also play with pulling your furniture an inch or two away from your walls. And this is a great way to fit some sneaky behind-the-couch storage in as well.
Finally, use stripes to elongate the space. You can do this by painting an accent wall or getting a striped rug.
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Keep Things Simple
The most important thing to keep in mind when styling a smaller home is to not overthink it. Overthinking leads to buying more furniture, wall art, and cluttering your space with stuff and colors.
If you’re still deciding how to decorate, go minimalistic. Stick to natural materials and plain or minimal patterns. Not only will your rooms look spacious, but the design is less likely to go out of fashion any time soon.
You can always add more furniture and decor as you go, but it’s harder to part with items you already own. Keep this guide in mind when decorating, and go with your gut.
How To Make A Small Room Look Big
All of these tips can make a small space look bigger, but go with your gut. If you’re not a fan of stripes, don’t use them. If you prefer decorating with lots of items, go that route instead. Decorating your home is all about making it feel comfortable for yourself.
If you’ve just bought a new home, congratulations! If you’re thinking of selling or buying a home in the San Diego area, contact Mike Myers.
Mike Myers treats every home sale like his own. His clients use his services again and again because of his personable touch, attention to detail, and commitment to getting them the best possible offer or price for their home.
If you’re ready to look for your next home or sell your current home, contact Mike at (619) 980 2378 or [email protected].
