When you lease a space, may it be a posh condo unit or a room in an apartment building, there’s not a lot of flexibility in the level of improvements that you can introduce, especially when trying to address physically making your space bigger. Tearing down walls or removing furniture are typically beyond the allowable actions you can take in making your place bigger.
But if you do feel that your space is cramped, and you would like to do something to improve that, then there are actually some decorating ideas that you can follow to make your home feel larger than it really is. Here are some of them:
Play with light colors and contrasts
Making your space look bigger doesn’t always mean introducing more space. You can make your home feel bigger with more subtle changes in interior design for condo unit or apartment rentals such as through the use of lighter paint for your walls, and taking advantage of contrast so you focus less on the boundaries, leading to an illusion of space. Repainting your rental is likely within the improvements allowed by landlords, but this is best done before you move in.
Make use of mirrors
Mirrors are a staple in making rooms look bigger as it helps play with our depth perception. Mirrors also reflect light – may it be natural or artificial lighting – which makes a room look brighter and more open.
Introduce mirrors where possible such as in cabinet doors, or on the walls. Making use of floor mirrors is especially effective. Placing a mirror near a window also help reflect the outside world. There are lots of ways that mirrors can help make your space seem bigger than it actually is.
User fewer but larger decor
When introducing decorative pieces in your rental, it will be better to go for larger pieces but at a smaller quantity instead of going for a lot of smaller pieces. Having many items can end up feeling like clutter, and even making your space seem smaller. Try going for a large art piece, or go for a wall accent instead.
Allowing your space to breathe by having blank or empty space is a good way to make your space seem bigger so don’t overdo it with decorations.
Emphasize vertical space
Your space is not just your horizontal dimension. There’s also a vertical element to it that you can maximize.
One good way to highlight your vertical space is through the use of floor-to-ceiling drapes or curtains. In as much as heels make women look instantly taller, a long curtain will also instantly make your ceiling feel higher. But so that they won’t make your space look more cramped, use curtains or drapes of lightweight material that would allow some light to come in.
Making use of a tall shelf can also do the trick, but at the same time also offer additional storage space.
Keep your space organized
Decorating also involves keeping your space tidy and free from clutter. Also, make sure that you have decent storage, and best if they’re hidden such as through furniture that has hidden compartments.
Maximize the use of decorative storage pieces such as baskets and shelves as they are both functional and pleasing to the eyes when placed correctly, and used properly.
Making your rental bigger isn’t always about adding more space. There are decorating hacks that you can easily do so that your space looks and feels bigger, allowing you and your guests to feel more relaxed and at home.
So try out some of the above decorating ideas so you can make your home appear bigger than it actually is.
