Plan Ahead
When working with a petite internal area, identifying the functionality of your room is a fundamental step in space creation. Consider the purpose of your room – is it for sleeping, eating, working, lounging or washing? The primary purpose of the space you’re working with should be prioritized in your interior design.
From here, furniture selection and décor that supports this purpose should be selected with this in mind, in order to avoid potentially impractical design choices.
Clutter, be gone
To maximize the efficiency of an existing space, some decluttering may be in order. Not only should personal items in this room be sifted through, (see guru Marie Kondo for assistance in this area) but the configuration of larger, permanent items should also be studied.
Are curtains necessary? Installing outer shutters or fully retractable internal blinds will make the windows appear larger and allow more light to enter. If curtains are a must, hang them as high as possible and slightly wider than the frame to suggest a larger window.
Do you have appropriate, realistic storage? Having a location for items in a designated zone will create order in a limited area, but also determine whether you will actually return them to this location when not in use, otherwise, the functionality of your storage will be diminished.
Mirror, mirror, on the wall
Mirrors not only reflect but when used cleverly, can create depth and refract light which opens up a smaller space. Good placement may include those opposite a window, mirrored splashbacks for kitchens, floor to ceiling mirrors to add height to a room, and placing a mirror over fireplaces. These will all enhance your room’s space.
A windowless room can also benefit from a mirror when a lamp is placed in front or in its sightline to spread light around the room.
Consider your palette
Colour plays a vital role in defining space. Especially if your room also lacks light, a reliable interior design technique is selecting lighter shades for walls, flooring, and ceilings.
This minimalist colour use is essential to directing how the eye moves around the room so once your neutral base is established, add colour accents via small furnishings or perhaps artwork. However, only incorporate a few colours so the room does not become busy and appear cluttered.
If lots of colour is unavoidable, you can opt to group shades together. Their organization will overcome the colour clashes that jostle for attention and overwhelm the space.
Mount it up
Having less furniture will increase your floor space so mounting your television, speakers and other devices will eliminate the need for a TV unit. The wireless capabilities of many electronics reduce the number of cables and wires once required. Minimalist floating shelves can also be incorporated to house any related items that need a home.
Similarly, installing high shelves will also rescue floor space back from a traditional bookcase and draws the gaze upwards, which also gives the perception of more height in a smaller room.