What makes an open space become a home? For some people, it is as simple as a warm and cosy room to get back to after work. For others, it may depend on how much space is involved and how creative they can get with the decor. Different strokes right? Example, the fact you like vibrant colours in your space should not neglect people’s preference to keep things simple. What matters is that you make your home a safe haven, enough to actually anticipate returning to it every day.
This can be quite tricky though, especially with constraints of urbanisation and living in smaller apartments. The good news is, whether you are trying to maximise a large living room space, or you are trying to make a small bedroom space feel less so, these few tips can help you make the most of your home.
Minimalistic design
It is better to have a few large pieces of furniture than many smaller pieces for a less cluttered look. More importantly, using plain and neutral coloured fabrics helps create a blank backdrop for you to splash your personality across with more interesting accessories, such as Ankara patterned throw pillows or brightly coloured potted plants.
Doors and windows
Arrange your home in such a way that your doors and windows are open to unobstructed view. Apart from helping with cross ventilation, this will also let in more natural light, giving your rooms the illusion of more space.
Furniture with drawers
You can choose bed frames, sofas, and even coffee tables with drawers for storage. This helps you maximise spaces that would be otherwise wasted. Where you already have open spaces, use matching basket drawers for putting away everything from clothes and blankets to toys and remote controls.
Multi-purpose elements
A major space saver is a furniture that serves more than one purpose; a sofa that doubles as a bed, a corner table that doubles as a nightstand, a headboard that multi-functions as a night lampstand and mini bookshelf. You can choose wardrobe designs that utilise the spaces beneath your hanging clothes with shelves, shoe racks, and/or small chests.
Shelves and cabinets
This seems like a no-brainer until you realise the spaces you’ve never thought to put shelves in; like along the walls in your hallways, the spaces around your windows, and the spaces above and behind doorways. From books to random knick-knacks, shelves and cabinets help you put things away without clutter.
Lights!
However great (or not so great) your space already is, lighting is almost always a game changer still. Bright lights can open up a small space, and warm lights can make a large space feel cosier. Whatever you do though, do NOT use a chandelier in a small room.
Whether you are just moving into a new place, or you’re making a few adjustments to an old one, we hope you find these few tips helpful. Happy decorating!