Tips to Make Your Rooms Feel Bigger
Article originally posted on Globewest
As we spend extra time at home, adding virtual work and study zones, space feels like a precious commodity whether you live in an apartment, townhouse or larger residence.
"We’re constantly changing the way we’re living but downsizing your square footage doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style." Says accomplished Interior Designer, former magazine style editor, and House of Style podcast Co-host Jono Fleming.
Here are his tips and tricks to make the most of your reduced space:
Double Duty
There’s a reason we love a modular sofa, nothing beats sprawling out and having a good relax, but when space is limited, the ‘L’ extension can often block pathways and take up space. Stick to your regular linear sofa but get a small poof or ottoman. They’re great to kick your feet up and can double as extra seating if you have guests, small enough to tuck away but functional enough to stretch the legs. For a larger ottoman, add a tray and it can double as a coffee table.
Pictured: Hills Entertainment Unit, Kennedy Beckett 3 Seater Sofa, Artie Coffee Table, Rufus Asymmetrical Block, Tepih Neptune Rug (in Dove Grey), Rufus Etch Marble Vessel, Marble Link Sculpture and Lip Marble Bowl
Looking Up
When you’re choosing storage pieces, don’t forget about your walls. Using vertical space means you can invest in taller shelves and affix things to the walls without sacrificing floor space. Playing with the height of your storage helps add depth and layers to your room rather than all the furniture being low to the ground.
Pictured: Bruno Totem Dining Table, Nixon Dining Chairs, Rufus Step Marble Vessel (sold out, click here for similar) and Rufus Curve Marble Vessel (sold out, click here for similar)
Mirror Mirror
It’s an oldie but a goodie, mirrors will help make a space feel larger and brighter. Mirrors come in all shapes and sizes now so play around with it, pill shaped, circle or even more decorative pieces can add lots of personality to your room whilst being super functional.
Pictured: Charleston Buffet, Kennedy Wrap Occasional Chair & Button Ottoman, Verona Ribbed Mirror, Rufus Tri Chamfer Side Table & Etched Marble Vessel, Lorne Ball Table Lamp, Ridge Round Marble Bowl and Tepih Dune Rug (in Oatmeal)
On Purpose
Make sure every piece you choose is practical and has a purpose. If you’re selecting large pieces of furniture, it’s important to make sure they add storage, surface area, functionality, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice design. A beautiful buffet or entertainment unit can inject heaps of style into your room but hide any clutter behind closed doors for example. Really think about the way you use the room before investing in those key pieces.
Pictured: Jagger Buffet & Kennedy Swivel Occasional Chair
Keep it Clean
The best styling tip for small spaces is to remember to edit yourself. You don’t need to have every item you own on display. Too many things will create visual and mental clutter. Pick your small moments to style, group items together on shelves and storage to create separate vignettes. It’s the easiest way to maximise your space but still have it reflect your style.
Pictured: Sketch Tathra Dining Table, Sketch Poise Arm Chairs and Rufus Etched Marble Vessel
Enjoy Jono’s Tips?
Get to know Jono in our ‘5 Minutes with’ interview series here.
Visit our House of Style podcast library to enjoy Jono and Co-Host Kerrie-Ann Jones’ conversations with prominent female personalities in design.
