We all know how certain outfits or hairstyles can accentuate – or play down – different elements of our appearance, but perhaps less attention is paid to the way that subtle visual clues can alter our perception of rooms in the home. There are many reasons we might find ourselves in smaller rooms. Practically, they’re often cheaper and easier to heat. Or perhaps we’ve chosen to divide the room, or just have a preference for cosy spaces. But nobody likes to feel cramped in their own home, so it’s useful to know a few simple cheats that help to make a room look bigger.
The first obstacle is furniture. Too much furniture will make a room feel tight, but there’s a few tricks you can do that help to free up space so that you can keep in the pieces you want. Moving furniture away from windows connects the room with the world outside, whilst placing furniture a couple of inches away from the wall, though it may feel counter-intuitive, can actually create a feeling of openness. .
Colours and patterns also have a part to play in making a room feel more expansive. Resist the urge to match everything –unifying the look limits the room. Instead, try mismatched cushions and throws to break up the repetition. As sophisticated as dark walls can feel, painting a whole room in darker tones will absorb the light, shrinking the apparent size of the space. Additionally, two or three lamps dotted around the room will help to ‘zone’ it, giving even the tightest nooks a sense of character and purpose.
Decorating is a great opportunity to express yourself and create a room that reflects your tastes, so make sure to check out these tips to make the most of your space.
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