5 tricks to make a small home appear bigger

Living in a small home can be tough. There seems to be stuff everywhere at all times, and if, like me, you live in a modern house with a grand total of two storage cupboards, things can start to get challenging. 

There are, however, a number of fairly easy ways you can trick the eye into thinking a room is bigger than it is, creating a feeling of space, and getting your clutter under control.

So here’s 11 simple ways to make a small home appear bigger than it really is…

1. Trick the eye using paint 

There are lots of sneaky ways you can trick the eye into thinking a room is bigger than it really is. Painting your ceiling and skirting or base boards the same colour as the walls, will blur the edges, giving the illusion of more space. If you’re feeling brave, wallpapering the ceiling will draw the eye up, and create a really cool little feature too!

2. Draw the eye wide 

Choose the biggest rug you can afford, one that fully extends under your furniture. This way your eye will be drawn wider, again creating an illusion of space.

3. Leave shelf space clear 

When styling with accessories, you don’t need to fill all your space. Leaving some areas clear will create an airy feel, and prevent it looking cluttered. For example, don’t fill every inch of a shelf. Leaving gaps will create what’s known as ‘negative space’.

4. Keep furniture simple

Furniture such as sofas and cabinets on legs will enable you to see more of the floor, and give an illusion of space. It’s also a good idea to stay away from ‘bulky’ large furniture that take up a lot of room. Instead choose a few simple pieces to free-up all important floor space.

5. De-clutter regularly

It’s funny how quickly you can ‘fill-up’ a house, but do you really need all the stuff you’ve accumulated over the years? Regular clear-outs can enable you to use the space you have as effectively as possible.

Ask yourself – would you buy that item now? If the answer is no, then it’s got to go – being ruthless is essential! I’ve previously shared easy ways to declutter your home, and make sure to carry out a brutal spring clean once a year.