When space is a constraint, you need to remove the shackles from creativity and find ways to maximise functionality without compromising on the style quotient.
LESS IS MORE: The biggest fallacy is that it is necessary to use small pieces of furniture. In fact, a couple of big pieces would be far more effective and make a room look a lot less cluttered.Introducing pieces that are versatile in their use would be more appropriate.
LIGHTING: As I always stress, lighting is the key to transforming a space. Using the proper kind of light to highlight the various aspects of the room is essential in any room, but especially so in a small one. Accent lighting for art work, the use of table and floor lamps, appropriate wall fixtures and recessed lighting can completely redefine a space. Not only does a room look more inviting, it also eliminates shadows and brings in depth and drama.
OFF THE FLOOR: Maximise the view of the floor, which means keeping the items off the floor and with sleek bases. Keep the floor as bare as possible. A reflective or highly polished floor is better than a dull one. One colourful rug should suffice to liven up the floor.
REFLECTIVE SURFACES: A limitation of space inevitably means you need to focus on elements that will give the illusion of are. Reflective surfaces do this most effectively. Whether it is a well-positioned mirror or a glass top table, both will draw in light and vision. Using mirror top tables or even steel will increase the depth of the room. While choosing accessories, try to focus on things that are made of crystal, have highly polished surfaces or glass to invigorate the play of light in the room. In a small bedroom, using mirror panels on the wardrobes would be a good way to increase the sense of space. Even an interesting ceiling with reflective faux finish will add to the square foot area.
MULTI PURPOSE FURNITURE: Creative use of furniture for storage and use will go a long way in opening up your spaces. Using a sofa that converts into a bed is ideal for a small room that needs to double up as a guest room occasionally. Chests as coffee tables and tall drawer units can be used to store items and for display. An extendable dining table that can also be used as a work desk, with stools that can be tucked away at the base would be better than a conventional six seater with chairs. For seating, consider using ottomans that have storage and can also be put away when not in use. In a kids room, use a trundle bed and storage cabinets with a drop leaf that can be used as a desk. Tall storage units which can have slim shelves in the front instead of door panels will give you a lot of ‘hidden’ storage and also serve their utility for books.
SLEEK LINES: All furniture should be as sleek as possible. Keep the legs and base sleek and slim. Use armless sofas and stools or a bench for seating. Not only does it look lighter, it also allows for easy repositioning and adds to a feeling of expanse.
VERSATILITY: Keep in mind that the more versatile a piece of furniture is, the more options you have in the use of the room. As long as it can be moved around easily, you will be able to redefine the space for virtually any need. Keep all drawer units on wheels and maintain minimum dimensions to maximise functionality.
COLOUR: A monochromatic tone works best for a small space. If you want to introduce colour keep it to one element, whether a rug, an interesting artwork or decorative pillows. Basically, as long as the room the eye to absorb without finding too many elements to hinder a composite view, your purpose is achieved.
POINT THE ARROW UP: In a small room, push the vision as far up as possible. Take the drapes all the way from the ceiling to increase the vertical. Make storage panels slim, but take them all the way up to the ceiling and ensure that they blend in with the walls as far as possible. Placing shelves high up on the wall and using them for display is another way by which you can increase the feeling of space and draw the eye upwards.
LIVING OFF THE WALL: The biggest mistake in a small room is to line all the furniture against the walls. Think out of the box and position furniture so that it does not accentuate the walls. Bring the focus to the centre or to a certain element in the room. . An interesting screen placed in the corner with a floor lamp and a stylish chair will bring in the necessary drama to a room
HANG IT: Use wall space for storage panels that are positioned at different levels and use the same for display as well. It is better to have 5 small pieces used for storage than one big piece. Mount media units on the wall, thus allowing for ample storage but keeping them off the floor. Use interesting artefacts on the walls to draw attention to the accessories and take the focus away from the size of the room. Try and ensure the accessories and furnishings coordinate well so that the various elements add to the warmth and character but do not detract from the overall visual enterprise. Do remember that all artwork needs to be positioned at the correct height and cannot be taken high up.
PARTIONING: Use partitions as a room divider in place of a wall. You could use the entire partition as a storage element and have it serve as a wall. Wardrobes in a small room need to give you maximum storage but not make the room smaller than it already is. The basic rule of cabinetry - the bigger it is, the more you need to make it blend in with the walls.
BREAK THE RULES: Be innovative and the less you conform the more likely you are to see your perceived limitation as unexplored possibilities. In a bedroom, don’t opt for the conventional bed. Get one to suit the dimensions and optimise the use of space while retaining the need for design. You do not need to have things in pairs or sets. The more you try to create uniformity the less likely you are to be creative.
Once you decide to see your space in a creative way you will realise that no matter what the limitations, you can cater to all your needs and still make it make the space aesthetically pleasing. The square foot visual will stretch as far as your imagination.
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