No matter what kind of home you have, the chances are you don’t have enough space, particularly if you live in or around London. So we turned to designers Athina Bluff and Amy Brandhorst from Topology Interiors to give us an insight into how to make the most of a small space – and how to make it feel twice as big.
From: Harper’s BAZAAR UK
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https://www.harpersbazaar.com.sg/gallery/how-to-make-room-look-bigger/
9 Decorating Tips To Make A Small Space Look Bigger
Use a professional
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Don't think you can afford an interior designer? Think again. Design professionals – like us – now come in many forms. We offer an e-decoration service, starting at just £75 per room, where we can work with you one-on-one to help create the home of your dreams. To find out more, visit topology-london.co.uk. Photo: TOPOLOGY LONDON
Separate your space using rugs
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If your room needs to be multifunctional, you can define different areas by positioning rugs under or alongside furniture. For example, place a mini rug under the desk of the home office or a larger more comfortable rug under a sofa that needs to doubles up as a guest bed. Photo: Instagram
Think upwards
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If you don't have the space to go sideways, go upwards! Your room doesn't stop at eye level – make the most of the whole wall space and introduce some high shelving. Display framed prints, books and metallic accessories or even designer shopping bags that can be displayed and bonus, used for hidden storage. As well as providing a practical out-of-the-way storage solution, this draws the eye upwards to another area of the room, highlighting the extra space. Photo: Instagram
Combine two items into one
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An ingenious way to get the most out of your small space is to use items that can double up as something else. Pile up books neatly on a stool and place a lamp or vase on top. This functions as both book storage and a side table, and shows off your literary prowess at the same time. Tip: the bigger and chunkier the books, the better. Photo: FLAT15
Opt for oversized feature pieces
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It's a myth that small rooms deserve equally small objects. By using small pieces, you're actually shrinking the appearance of the room and making it look even smaller. Instead, add oversized floor lamps, pendant lights, plants or wall art. Photo: TOPOLOGY LONDON
Make rooms multifunctional
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With city living space becoming smaller and smaller, the need for rooms with purpose is increasing. So, instead of turning that second bedroom you use for guests into the office you've always wanted, how about utilising the extra space you may have in another room? Create the work space in your living room, kitchen or bedroom. Or perhaps you don't have have a second bedroom but want friends and family over? Turn your living room into a make-shift guest bedroom with the help of a sofa bed. Photo: TOPOLOGY LONDON
Don't underestimate the power of a mirror
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If you're lacking in space, mirrors are the perfect addition to any room. Not only can they be placed on the wall, meaning you avoid taking up precious floor space, they also reflect light to make a space appear bigger. The best place to position a mirror is opposite a window to reflect the most light possible. Photo: TOPOLOGY LONDON
Use transparent furniture and accessories
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Opt for homewares or furniture which are transparent. If you can see the room around the object, your eye will view more of the space and trick the brain into thinking it's bigger than it is. Photo: TOPOLOGY LONDON
Ditch unnecessary furniture
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Having chunky furniture is a luxury someone with small rooms cannot afford. So if you do not have the space for a proper chest of drawers or a wardrobe, swap them out for a clothes rail instead. This will free up precious space but still create a well designed look. Photo: TOPOLOGY LONDON