5 Simple Design Ideas That Make Small Spaces Feel So Much Bigger

The conventional advice for small-space decor is to get rid of all the excess stuff that’s in the way in order to make more room. Though you’d be hard-pressed to find an expert who would recommend holding onto clutter, it’s not really the little odds and ends that are making your home feel so confining — it’s the overall design of the area in question. Here are a few simple tricks for making the most out of tight quarters, so that you never feel like you have to part with a beloved knickknack again.

Brighten Up Your Floor With a Light Rug

Hi Sugarplum dining room — *Image Credit: Hi Sugarplum*

A dark floor may be stylish, but it draws the eye to its confines. The simple solution? Cover it up with a light-hued rug, like the one in the dining room of Cassie from the Hi Sugarplum! blog. Her choice of clear dining room chairs also helps make space feel more open.

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Turn a Corner Into a Nook

Corner Nook A New Bloom — *Image Credit: Erin Kelly, A New Bloom*

If you live in a studio or have an open floor plan, a corner nook carves out a “dining room” or office from an unused area without disturbing the layout’s flow. In this nook, blogger Erin Kelly of A New Bloom even added extra storage by creating bench seats with cubbies underneath.

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Keep Focal Points to a Minimum

Tamara Magel Interior Design — *Image Credit: Tamara Magel*

Whether you keep walls white or go for color, use art sparingly in a smaller space. It’s all about the focal point: one is fine, but having too many can often lead to a claustrophobic effect. The standout art piece in this interior by designer Tamara Magel makes a statement without appearing like a distraction.

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Install Floating Shelves

Homepolish Pasadena home — *Image Credit: Tessa Neustadt for Homepolish, Homepolish designer Kristen Montero*

Placed above a table, the high shelves in this space by Homepolish designer Kristen Montero increase storage options for a variety of cooking necessities or pretty accessories. It’s also a great tip for those with kids and pets who want nothing more than to put their hands (or paws!) into small houseplants or all over that delicate vintage bowl.

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Select Accent Furniture That’s Easy to Move

A Beautiful Mess Living Room Makeover — *Image Credit: A Beautiful Mess*

Yes, the butterfly chairs in the lovely living room of country star Kacey Musgraves add extra seating. But the ingenious aspect of this design by Elsie Larson of A Beautiful Mess is that they are lightweight enough to move out of the way when not needed.