We’d all like all the areas of our homes or investment properties to be as large as possible, but the reality is that most places have at least one room that’s smaller than preferred. Is this the case with you as well? Yes, I already knew it. The same goes with a lot of other people as well.
To maximize this part of the abode, you need to make smart decisions about décor. These must be based upon certain technicalities and skills along with huge practical experience. To do that, avoid some of the most common small space decorating mistakes. Doing so will definitely help you achieve your desired overall look of your small space.
Not Making Bold Choices with Color or Pattern
Many people get their design ideas wrong in compact areas because they think it’s imperative to play it safe and keep things simple and neutral. However, limited square footage doesn’t require you to be bland and avoid making bold choices in some ways. You’ll actually find that choosing interesting patterned wallpaper or brightly colored wall paint and adding some look-at-me hued accents will bring more interest and create focal points that distract visually from a lack of space.
If you love color, you don’t have to avoid it in smaller spaces and can instead get creative with how you use it. Note, too, that some nooks, such as teeny seating, office, or reading areas, work perfectly when set up in dark colors to make them cozy and inviting and add more dimension to the space.
A Lack of Light
The light available in compact rooms makes a big difference, too. The more illumination you have, whether natural or artificial light, the more welcoming and appealing a space will come across. Unfortunately, though, many small areas have fewer or more restrictive windows than big rooms or get less light leaking in from other, nearby parts of the home. Many people make the mistake of failing to address this limitation. You, however, can take steps to add light as needed.
For example, consider installing one or more skylights in a space to let in more natural light. You can also install a chandelier ceiling fan or another fan with a light option and put in plenty of downlights, pendants, and floor or table lamps to add more layers of illumination. Also, use decent-sized mirrors to reflect light in smaller rooms and make them feel bigger, or put in some LED lighting strips along drawer hinges or open shelving.
Failing to Utilize Vertical Space
As you go to decorate your minimal room(s), don’t make the mistake of failing to utilize the vertical space you have to play with. Enhance the area’s visual appeal by drawing the eye up where possible. For example, utilize wall space with handy tall cabinets or floor-to-ceiling shelving units rather than short, squat ones. Store things above doorframes and window frames, add built-in seating, and otherwise maximize functionality as much as you can. Remember, failing to do all this will make your small space present an even smaller look. The more you are efficient to use the vertical space, the wider look your available space will give to the onlookers.
Having Too Much Stuff in the Space
One of the most common small space decorating mistakes is simply keeping too much stuff in a room. A pile of clutter in a compact area is much more noticeable than one in a large, open, airy part of the home. You want to avoid placing too many small furniture pieces and accents in a tight space and steer clear of letting papers and other small bits and pieces add up too quickly. Comparatively less number of items placed in a small place soothes your eyes and you never get irritated.
Try to keep all floors and other horizontal spaces in a small room as clear and streamlined as possible. It pays to get into the habit of picking up and throwing away or clearing out the clutter every day so it doesn’t turn into a mountainous pile you have to tackle. Otherwise, the whole space will get too disgusting and congested for anybody to sit or stay there.
Failing to Consider Traffic Flow
Many people mistakenly fail to consider traffic flow in a room. In small spaces, you can’t afford to have furniture in the walkways get in the way as people try to come in and out of the room and move around it. Instead, consider the flow of the space and where you need to leave room for people to walk. It pays to design a floor plan for the room and note features such as windows, doorways, and narrow passageways before buying furniture for a compact area.
You want to play around with the layout to find what will give you the best traffic flow and make it accessible for people to flow through. Ensure there aren’t any unnecessary furniture roadblocks, such as a large sofa that blocks the entranceway. If you do not keep in mind the ratio between the available space and the various articles you want to adjust there in, there will be a hazardous situation all around.
Choosing Too-Bulky Fixtures and Fittings
Other design errors to avoid when working on small rooms are choosing too-bulky furniture and fixtures and fittings, not bothering to take advantage of multifunctional pieces, placing furniture against all the walls, and having a disjointed style. This very mistake never allows your small space to impress both your inmates and occasional visitors.
The Final Wording
Follow these tips to help yourself create a beautiful, fun, and attractive place to chill out in this year, even if it’s not the biggest. However, if you play lose, you will not be able to handle the things properly and your home decor will never be attractive and charming. Now it is all up to you how you make your small space look capacious and appealing to all.