Making Your Small Place Feel Like a Big Space

Few of us are fortunate enough to live in a home as big as we might like. It’s the sad reality most of us live with but that doesn’t mean we can’t do anything about it. No matter your place, there are a lot of simple yet effective techniques and tricks you can use to make that space feel much bigger. Though you won’t gain any square footage, you’ll find yourself feeling less cramped and claustrophobic.

For example, going with a monochromatic color palette will help a room feel more open and airy as opposed to a room with lots of contrast. Choosing accents such as curtains made of light fabrics and furniture with long, thin legs can also contribute to the impression that the space is a lot larger than it really is. Walls and floors can be accentuated with striped elements that help guide the eye horizontally or vertically to create the feeling of additional height or width, as well.

Accepting your small space doesn’t have to mean feeling like you’re always trapped in a phone booth. Mastering some simple elements of design and using psychology to your advantage can help small spaces feel much larger — ultimately making you more comfortable in them. The accompanying guide contains many ideas for making a small space feel bigger. Apply them to your home and it will feel much closer to the dream space you’ve always wanted.