As the dust of the new year starts to settle and the weather outside is cool, people tend to stay inside more often. You may sometimes feel compelled to stay busy, whether that means redecorating, organizing or being active. Your home may start to feel cramped–like the four walls are closing in on you. If you’re looking for ways to make your space look larger than it is, while simultaneously refreshing it, we have tips for you!
#1 Reach New Heights Inside
You may find yourself wishing that you had taller ceilings. Unfortunately, increasing the height of your ceiling comes with a hefty price tag. To make your space look larger, consider using draperies! A great way to do this is by installing them higher than your windows. You will be adding height and making your space look larger. A rule of thumb is to move them up four to six inches higher than you would expect to create an elongated look.
#2 Group Your Furniture
In an open floor plan, it can be hard to determine how to make the most out of the space without it feeling cluttered. Begin by grouping your furniture together. If you add conversation seating, your space will begin to feel open and welcoming. This brings us to our next tip…
#3 Free It Up
In a smaller space, it can be easy for your belongings to take up a lot of room. The important thing is for you to remember the effect this has on your home. It will make your room feel smaller and detract from the overall look and feel of the space. Make sure that you have established a clear path to navigate freely around the room. While you are not physically adding more square footage, it gives the illusion that you have gained more!
#4 Downplay the Decor
In interior design, less is more. Keep this in mind as you are evaluating the decor in your home. If you feel like your space is cluttered, unwelcoming and in need of a refresh, start by creating two piles. One pile will be for items that hold little value to you and do not represent your current style. The second pile will be for items that you treasure and want in your home. After you have separated these items and donated the pile that holds little value, you will have a better idea of how your space will be laid out.
#5 Blending is Best
Paint color is a great way to make your space feel larger. While darker colors like navy, charcoal and red make a room feel smaller, neutral colors like white, tan and light gray make a room feel larger. As for furniture, continue to blend your wall colors and the color of your furniture. This further gives the illusion of a bigger space. If you are itching to do more, add different textures that will continue to blend. It adds some visual weight to the room.
#6 Incorporate Wall Features
If you are soaking up these tips and looking for more ways to make your space look larger, add in a wall feature! By incorporating horizontal lines, you will make a narrow space feel wider. Adding vertical lines, the room will feel taller. These lines will draw the eye exactly where you want it to go. Thus, giving the illusion of more room.
#7 The Magic of Mirrors
Have you ever wondered if mirrors can make a space look bigger? If so, the answer is yes! By placing a mirror towards a focal point, it looks like there is more depth to the room. Try this by hanging mirrors around your home. Bonus tip: if your home feels darker, adding mirrors will reflect light and make it feel brighter than before.
#8 Simple Window Coverings
Window coverings do wonders for a home. If you are wanting to make your space feel cozy or make it feel larger, we know just what you need. As you explore your window treatment options, look for some that blend in with your color scheme and are functional for everyday use. You can always choose a base shade that will remain close to the windows and then add draperies to add height. By doing this, you are creating low-profile window coverings that will make your space look larger.
#9 Natural Air All the Way
The last tip is heavily dependent on the weather outside and the time of day. We recommend opening the windows and letting fresh air in! If you do this, you are making your home feel more open with natural light flooding in and clean air all around. This will keep you loving your home throughout the day!
At Austin Window Fashions, our designers are ready to help make your space look larger with our variety of window treatments! Contact our team today to schedule a FREE in-home consultation. Let us start helping you create a space that you will love to come home to every day.
