Feeling cramped but don?t want to move? There many ways to make small seem spacious. Embracing a ?less is more? mindset is even trendy, with micro homes attracting macro interest on social media and on TV.
Granted, your home is likely larger than a true ?tiny house,? which tends to max out at 400 square feet. But plenty of homes are less than 2,598 square feet, the average size for houses built in 2013, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Here are tips from top-rated interior designers, home stagers and real estate agents for how to make the most of small rooms:
Pick your palette: Consider neutral or light paint colors, which reflect light and can make a room appear larger. Using one main color alone or in a variety of shades can create a sense of serenity. If you introduce a secondary color, do so in small splashes.
Create a focal point: Keep color, pattern and materials simple, but introduce one bold or special element, such as an elaborate mirror, artwork or pendant light fixture. Another way to draw the eye is to paint one wall in an otherwise neutral room a bold or dark tone.
Keep it simple: Choose items with simple lines and shapes. Reduce visual clutter with a few larger pieces of furniture rather than multiple small items. You don?t have to stick with the typical sofa and loveseat arrangement. Consider pairing a small couch or loveseat with one or two chairs.
Clear the clutter: Remove excess items from any small room, including accessories that contribute to visual clutter. Avoid small artwork and d?cor items; larger pieces can make a space feel larger and make more of a statement.
Let there be light: Brighter spaces appear larger than dim ones. Uncover windows. Don?t block views to windows and doors; the farther you can see into a space, the larger and more open it seems.
Recessed lighting and sconces can be a space-saving way to shed light. In some cases, recessed lights may negate the need for end tables and lamps. Other lighting options include accent, track or under-cabinet fixtures.
Reflect on this: A large mirror ? or gallery of smaller ones ? along the longest wall of a room can make it seem wider. Other space-enhancing ideas: two mirrors across from each other, a mirror across from a window, an oversized framed mirror leaning against a wall.
Carve out space: Consider furniture that serves multiple functions. A headboard can double as a bookshelf. An ottoman can provide hidden storage and work as a coffee table.
Add storage by recessing shelving into a wall, or extending bookshelves to the ceiling. To create the illusion of more space, paint the inside of shelves a deeper shade than the wall color.
Boost your bathroom: One of the best ways to make a bathroom seem more spacious is to trade a traditional cabinet vanity for a pedestal sink. Install a medicine cabinet for storage. If you keep a cabinet, consider one with legs or open shelves. Another tip: Swap your shower curtain for a glass door or, more affordably, a clear curtain.
Source: MCT Information Services
