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The magic of design: 10 ways to make a small apartment look bigger

29 December 2023
Interior design
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Marusia
Marusia
Author
Even the most miniature apartment can exude charm and warmth, enveloping its residents in a comforting embrace. But with the wrong interior design, it can become cramped and suffocating. However, there are a few simple tricks that can help visually expand a small space, filling it with light and air.

1. Light is your main ally

Credits: Pinterest
Credits: Pinterest

Forget about heavy curtains, let the natural light pour in. If possible, allocate a large part of the wall for windows, which will immediately create a sense of spaciousness. And if the layout does not allow it, add artificial light sources: pendant lights, spotlights, and sconces - they visually unload the space and create cozy corners.

Desk lamp Tarciso
Desk lamp Tarciso
from $120
Floor lamp Bombyx
Floor lamp Bombyx
$377
$189
Wall lamp Tarselli
Wall lamp Tarselli
$70

2. Color palette

Credits: Pinterest
Credits: Pinterest

Light shades - beige, ivory, pastel tones - do an excellent job of expanding the space. They reflect light, creating an effect of airiness. But don't be afraid of dark accents either. A well-used deep blue or graphite can visually deepen the room. The main thing is to maintain a balance.

3. The art of choosing furniture

Credits: Pinterest
Credits: Pinterest

Massive furniture consumes a substantial part of the space. Choose compact, functional items: folding tables, poufs instead of bulky chairs, and beds with drawers for storage. Refuse the extra, bet on multifunctionality!

Wardrobe Commutatione
Wardrobe Commutatione
$11,557
$5,779
Sofa Nuala
Sofa Nuala
from $1,185
Shelf Zayit
Shelf Zayit
from $424

4. Order in everything

Credits: Pinterest
Credits: Pinterest

Chaos creates visual noise that simply absorbs the room. Organize a complex storage system: hanging shelves, built-in cabinets, and wicker baskets. Hide the little things and leave only functional and beautiful decorative elements on display.

5. Mirror illusions

Credits: Pinterest
Credits: Pinterest

By properly positioning the mirrors, you can add additional square meters. Place them opposite the window to reflect light, or on a narrow wall to visually expand it. But don't overdo it - too many reflections can cause a feeling of anxiety.

Mirror ROBERTO CAVALLI Sahara
Mirror ROBERTO CAVALLI Sahara
$6,650
$5,320
Mirror Novira
Mirror Novira
$288
Mirror Zabel
Mirror Zabel
from $221

6. Vertical lines

Credits: Pinterest
Credits: Pinterest

Tall cabinets, shelves to the ceiling, hanging lights - use the vertical to the maximum. These elements "pull" the room up, creating the impression of a higher ceiling.

7. Transparent surfaces

Credits: Pinterest
Credits: Pinterest

Glass tabletops, acrylic chairs, and open shelves are the perfect choice for small apartments, where it is important to preserve the sense of spaciousness. They do not block the space and allow light to freely enter the room. In addition, their unusual design will help to make unobtrusive accents in the interior, distracting from the miniature dimensions of the room.

Dining table KNOLL Platner
Dining table KNOLL Platner
from $339
Shelf Rimbalzo
Shelf Rimbalzo
$406
Kitchen chair DAINTE Crystal Waterfall
Kitchen chair DAINTE Crystal Waterfall
$5,929
$3,854

8. New perspectives

Credits: Pinterest
Credits: Pinterest

Another way to expand the space is to paint it. You can choose one wall for this and hang photo wallpaper on it. It is better to avoid large patterns and ornaments and instead give preference to images with perspective: views of nature or cities are perfect for this role.

9. Simple floor

Credits: Pinterest
Credits: Pinterest

Colorful tiles and multi-textured floors are best left for other interior projects, despite their beauty. Such floors absorb the already small space to the maximum. Instead, it is better to choose solid, light shades, such as beige, white, and gray. You can even choose something brighter and more saturated - the main thing is that the chosen color does not contrast too much with the furniture and walls.

10. Decor - an accent on individuality

Credits: Pinterest
Credits: Pinterest

Properly placed accessories can become the finishing touch in creating a spacious interior. Use small paintings, family photos in thin frames, flowers, and books with aesthetic covers. But, please, give up massive vases and figurines - they are too ponderous.

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