How to Make a Small Space Feel Bigger: Expert Interior Design Tips
Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style or functionality. With smart interior design strategies, you can make even the tiniest apartment feel open, airy, and inviting. Here are our top tips to help you maximize your space while keeping it beautiful.
1. Choose the Right Furniture
Opting for furniture that fits the scale of your space is crucial. Oversized pieces can make a small room feel cramped, while well-proportioned items create a sense of balance.
What to Look For: Slim, multi-functional furniture like a sofa bed, nesting tables, or a foldable dining set.
Bonus Tip: Invest in pieces with built-in storage, like ottomans or beds with drawers, to minimize clutter. Modern interior design emphasizes functionality without sacrificing style.
2. Use Mirrors to Create Illusion
Mirrors are a small-space design hack that instantly makes a room feel larger by reflecting light and creating the illusion of depth.
Placement Ideas: Hang a large mirror opposite a window to amplify natural light or use mirrored furniture to subtly reflect the space.
Style Tip: Interior designers often recommend statement mirrors with decorative frames to double as wall art.
3. Keep It Light and Bright
Light colors make spaces feel open and airy, while darker tones can shrink a room visually.
Paint Palette: Stick to whites, soft grays, or pastel shades for walls and ceilings.
Layer Light: Combine natural light with layered lighting (like floor lamps and sconces) to brighten the space. This is a hallmark of modern interior design styles seen in Brooklyn apartments.
4. Declutter and Organize
In small spaces, every item counts. Decluttering can instantly make your home feel bigger and more functional.
Storage Solutions: Use vertical storage like shelves or pegboards and keep surfaces clear of unnecessary items.
Mindset Shift: Adopt a minimalist approach, focusing on quality over quantity—a technique often championed by expert interior designers.
5. Think Vertically
Maximizing vertical space is key in small homes.
What to Try: Install floating shelves for storage, hang curtains higher than the windows to elongate the room, or use tall bookcases to draw the eye upward.
Design Tip: Add visual interest by using a bold color or wallpaper on an accent wall—a trick popular among interior designers in Brooklyn.
6. Create Zones
Even in a small studio apartment, you can create distinct areas for sleeping, eating, and relaxing.
How to Divide: Use rugs, screens, or open shelving to separate spaces without blocking light.
Pro Tip: Keep the overall design cohesive by sticking to a consistent color palette across all zones, an approach interior designers swear by.
7. Invest in Custom Solutions
Custom furniture and built-ins are a game-changer for small spaces, as they are designed to fit perfectly and maximize every inch.
Examples: A built-in desk that doubles as a dining area or a custom banquette with hidden storage.
Need Help? Working with a 3D interior designer can help you visualize these solutions for your space. Interior designers in Brooklyn often offer this service to tailor designs for city living.
8. Opt for Multi-Functional Decor
When space is limited, every piece should serve more than one purpose.
Ideas: Use a decorative ladder as storage for throws or magazines, or a bench with hidden compartments for both seating and storage.
Style Tip: Choose items that blend form and function to maintain a polished look that suits modern interior design.
9. Go for Minimal Window Treatments
Heavy curtains can make a room feel smaller. Instead, opt for lightweight treatments that let in plenty of natural light.
Options: Sheer curtains, roller shades, or even no curtains at all if privacy allows.
Pro Tip: Match the color of your curtains to the walls for a seamless look that enhances any interior design style.
10. Add Personality with Decor
Small spaces shouldn’t lack personality—just be intentional with decor choices.
What Works: Opt for a few statement pieces, like bold artwork or patterned cushions, rather than filling the space with many small items.
Final Tip: Plants are a great way to add life and warmth without taking up too much space. Interior designers often recommend them for an instant upgrade.
Conclusion
A small space can still feel grand with the right design tricks. By focusing on light, functionality, and smart storage, you can create a home that feels spacious and stylish.
Ready to Transform Your Small Space? At SidlerDesigns, we specialize in maximizing small spaces without compromising on design. Whether you’re looking for a 3D interior designer or guidance on modern interior design styles, our team of experienced interior designers in Brooklyn is here to help. Let us create a home you’ll love—schedule a consultation today!
