Melbourne’s competitive housing market means more and more first home buyers are opting for smaller slices of the pie to get their foot in the door. But how do you make good use of space in what is a growing trend of smaller apartments? These quick design tips cover some of the tricks interior decorators and designers use to make your small space feel bigger.
Paint smaller rooms in softer, lighter colours.
The living room above is a great example of how to maximize small living spaces. A room of this size has the tendency to seem cramped, but the large windows, light coloured walls and ample use of mirrors not only reflect the natural light pouring in from the doors and the windows but the use of mirrors also gives the optical illusion of space, making the room seem larger than it actually is. Conversely, darker colors will make a room feel smaller. Even with the abundance of natural light and the strategic placement of the mirrors, this room in a darker shade would have a more boxed-in feel to it.
Use decorative mirrors to add more light to your space
mirrors can also be used to make a small space feel larger. For larger rooms or any room with a more limited amount of natural light, mirrors placed directly across from the windows, will add instant light. Decorative mirrors can also be used in lieu of art to fill empty wall space. Large or small, mirrors add light and dimension to your living space. Cleaning windows regularly and allowing natural light to invade your space is also another way to make a small area feel more light and airy. The more extreme solution would be to install a new front door with frosted glass to allow for this as much as possible, whilst still retaining privacy.
Add a hanging potholder to your kitchen
Kitchens are meant to be warm and inviting. We spend much of our time in them whether it be for preparing meals, serving meals or entertaining. A hanging pot rack is a useful elegance. Kitchens are meant to feel as though they are in constant use and a hanging pot rack certainly makes one feel this way. In addition to looking so wonderful, (there are many sizes and styles available) additional cupboard space below is now freed up to store other items. Seldom has anyone complained of having too much storage.
Use area rugs to denote space in main living areas
Many designers use floor coverings to denote different living spaces and to put invisible walls in different spaces to ensure your guests know where they are in the space you create.
Throw rugs give warmth and can add great texture, colour and personality to your living space. Hardwood floors are beautiful and easy to maintain but they lack the comfort that carpeted floors offer, especially in the cooler months. Area rugs can add fun and functionality to your living space. Use several of varying patterns and fabrics together to showcase your character. Or add several rugs of the same pattern and fabric, or different textures but the same colour. The possibilities are endless. You can change your area rugs to reflect the seasons using warmer tones and fabrics for cooler months and lighter ones for the warmer days of the year. There is many lovely cotton, washable area rugs that are ideal for those homes with children. There really is no reason why a home with young children cannot also be a stylish one.
Furniture and Storage solutions that work for your spaces
It is a bane of good design when a space is not utilised correctly. Space saving furniture can be a Godsend, with options such as under the bed storage, tables that fold and collapse to enable wider spaces, manufacturers are starting to recognise the need for space-saving ideals when creating modern and unique furniture. Making use of underutilised spaces is also a great idea for the modern apartment, door hanging hooks, and shelving units that make use of dead spaces are both practical and can really tidy up a space.
Now when you are apartment hunting for your first or next purchase, with these tips you can buy with confidence as you can maximise and carve out your space in a manner that works for your lifestyle.
