Thanks to American television shows and social media, the tiny house movement and small living lifestyle have continued to capture the imagination of fans who are drawn by its simple living ethos.
Tiny homes, presented initially as a solution to California’s housing crisis, have been embraced by those seeking affordable and functional starter nests that do not come with heavy financial obligations. What’s more, these homes are admired for being space and energy efficient, as well as low maintenance.
Singaporeans are no strangers to the concept of small space living. In comparison to most Western countries, properties here are generally more modest in size.
If there’s one takeaway for Singaporeans from the tiny house craze, it is probably the inspiration to adopt creative ways to make space where there is hardly any.
How to make your space look bigger
Here are seven clever interior design tips to make your space look bigger than it actually is. From colour techniques to mirror placement, these may just be what you need to enhance the aesthetic of your sanctum.
#1: Keep clutter out of sight
Ever wonder why high-end hotels or homestays feel spacious even if those don’t really have the requisite square footage?
Yes, it’s because there’s no clutter in sight.
While this advice is practical for both large and small houses, its impact is more apparent on smaller abodes.
That’s because, in a smaller space, visual clutter is more prominent and can make any home feel smaller than it actually is.
The solution? Get rid of furniture you no longer use or tuck away household items in storage units. Doing so opens up your space and keeps your home neat and organised.
To give you a visual example of what this may look like, take a look at the Zion Road Project by Ohmyhome Renovations.
No clutter! By incorporating functional yet modern storage units in the living space such as this project’s floor-to-ceiling, built-in storage cabinets, it looks effortlessly spacious.
#2: Incorporate creative storage solutions
Unlike large homes, small spaces don’t have storage rooms. Given this, it’s crucial to have storage solutions that serve two main purposes: minimise visual clutter and organise your items. Not only will these make your space look neater, but they will also streamline your daily routine.
Planning how you store things in your home may sound off-putting, but it doesn’t have to be. This is an opportunity to get your creative juices flowing!
Start by viewing your space in three dimensions rather than a simple floor plan. If you live in a cosy loft apartment, hollow out the stairways and use them as makeshift drawers. Think of wall-mounted shelves or overhead cabinets, too.
Exploring modular storage systems, which are usually made up of different shelves, units, doors and components, can also provide you with different configurations that are tailored to your space and personal preferences.
#3: Make use of the wall space available
Speaking of wall-mounted shelves, making use of the wall space available is a great way to maximise the living area in your home. When you have a limited floor area, think upwards.
Instead of buying furniture that takes up floor space, such as standing fans and floor lamps, opt for mounted lights and ceiling fans to save space.
Another great tip is to consider wall-mounted tables. Whether it’s placed in the dining room or study area, these tables are the ultimate space-saving solution as they can be folded up when not in use.
#4: Buy multi-functional or custom-made furniture
In smaller homes, the living and dining spaces are often combined to maximise space.
As the living room is generally the first thing you see upon entering your home after a long day’s work, your choice of furniture anchors the overall vibe of the living space.
For example, anyone living in a studio apartment will quickly realise that a standard four-seater dining table will take up a lot of space. The solution? Buy a compact multi-purpose table.
If you can’t find multi-functional furniture that fits your space, choosing a custom-made one might just do the trick.
#5: Opt for lighter colours and textures
In the design world, everyone knows the role that colours play in a space. Dark tones tend to absorb light and make a room feel smaller, whereas lighter shades reflect light, ultimately making a room look bigger and brighter. Since light-coloured walls are more reflective, it maximises the natural light’s effect and illuminates the spaces in the room.
To take this illusion even further, stick to lighter textiles, such as sheer and soft fabrics, which allow light through. And this doesn’t only apply to curtains but covers and bed skirts too.
#6: Let the light in
In this mission to make your space look bigger, lighting is your best friend. Together with light and bright walls, natural light can open up the space and make any room feel more open and airy.
For those who aren’t blessed with the wonders of natural light, artificial lighting is also a great and effective alternative. Installing pendant lights or recessed lighting fixtures aren’t just easy to install and visually appealing, but it also bounces light where you need it.
Try it and get ready to be blown away by how much of a difference this can make.
#7: Make use of reflective surfaces
Have you ever wondered why some department stores feel more spacious than others? Chances are, these stores have utilised mirrors effectively. Use the same principle at home.
Anything that reflects light in your house, such as mirrors, can easily create the illusion of more space. Choose a focal point and angle your mirrors toward it. Doing so will give the illusion of depth and instantly expand a room.
A neat place to mount a wall mirror would be near your home entrance. Doing so not only creates an illusion of space the moment you enter your home, but also lets you check your appearance before heading out.
Need some help with your home space?
When designing the interior of your dream home, remember that these small details can have a huge impact on the overall vibe of your home.
If you’re ready to embark on your next DIY design project but need help along the way, our team of in-house interior designers can advise and provide you with unique designs to elevate your space.
Call +65 6886 9009 to get started today!
Contributed by Hannah Grey.
