Big is beautiful when it comes to housing but small can be pretty great too if you follow some basic tips.

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The Burbank Group of Companies displays presentation co-ordinator Jacqui Mallia says there are “many tried and tested techniques” that can enhance the sense of space in your home without the need to spend a small fortune on renovations.

De-clutter

Ms Mallia says making a room seem bigger can be as simple as de-cluttering the main communal living area.

“Two of the key pointers when minimising clutter are to have just a few larger ornaments on display rather than lots of smaller ones and to colour match any groups of knick-knacks to create a more streamlined appearance,” she says.

The interior designer says householders who can’t bear to throw older or less-used pieces out should consider how they can be stored without taking away too much living space.

“Vertical storage such as floor-to-ceiling cupboards will draw the eye upward and extend the height of the room,” she says.

Lighten up

Another way to create spacious vibe and to brighten cramped areas is “to make them feel more open and airy”.

Light colours, like those featured in Scandinavian design, reflect and amplify light. Photo: Shutterstock

“Lighter colours reflect and amplify light whereas darker colours will absorb it, often creating a more closeted atmosphere,” Ms Mallia says.

“Many people are aware that opting for light- or neutral-coloured walls and floors will help give the impression of greater space. But another clever idea is to choose furniture within one or two shades of the wall colour to make it blend in with its surroundings and take up less visual room.

“If you’re not keen on matching your furniture to your beige walls, look for pieces made of glass, Lucite or other transparent materials which will blend more seamlessly into a room and heighten its sense of space.”

The interior designer suggests that maximisation of natural light can also create a feeling of space. But she warns this can be harder to achieve because it depends on the room’s structure and orientation.

“Wall mirrors are an effective way to open up a room because they reflect light and make any space feel instantly larger,” she says.

Pick your patterns

Ms Mallia points out that while a light or neutral colour palette “can work wonders in a small-sized house, the prints and patterns in a room also play a role in how spacious it feels”.

She recommends employing striped patterns and large floor tiles to help lengthen the appearance of a room.

“Stripes and large tiles will go a long way in making an area feel bigger. But going overboard with prints can backfire and make a small room feel claustrophobic. Experiment instead by adding texture in rugs and throws to build a perception of depth.”

Get Scandinavian

And, finally, when selecting furniture opt for light, airy pieces over heavier or bulky items.

“Scandinavian-inspired pieces are ideal in small spaces with their light structure and tapered, exposed legs,” she says. “Not only are they on trend but they also allow great leg room and will help showcase your room in its most spacious light.”

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