1. Use of light colours

Light colours are a key element in creating a sense of airiness and openness. They fill the space up with light and visually enlarge it - the lighter the colours, the more light they will reflect. This surely makes the colour white the eternal winner. For a somewhat warmer feel, you can chose a slightly tinted, almost white shade, for example light grey, creamy white or other soft pastel shades.

Avoid dark colours, like black, dark brown and dark blue, which absorb a large quantity of light and visually reduce the size of a space. If you’re a fan of darker shades, use them as small accents on a smaller portion of the wall. By combining light and dark surfaces, you can bring a little more variety into your space and visually correct its imperfections. You can create an illusion of a higher ceiling, which should be the brightest surface in the room, or widen narrow hallways by choosing a lighter shade for the two walls closest to each other, and opt for a colour a few shades darker for the ceiling and the wall at the end of the hallway.

2. Monochromatic harmony

In a monochromatic colour scheme, you chose one base colour and complement it with at least two shades from the same colour tone. The larger areas should be painted with the lightest shades, while you can be a little more daring with the smaller surfaces and paint them in darker and more vibrant colours. For example, you can choose soft and light shades for the walls, a slightly darker shade for the furniture, and accentuate other accessories and textiles with the darkest shades. A monochromatic palette strikes the perfect balance between elegance and spaciousness, at the same time making the space appear less crowded by reducing the number of different colour shades.

3. Shiny surfaces that create reflections

Mirrors are an excellent trick for visually enlarging a space. You can place them opposite windows, so that they reflect natural light an make the space feel more airy, and they can also be very useful in cramped bathrooms and dark hallways with little daylight. The mirror can take up a large portion of the wall or it can be placed on the opposite side of the door, which will create the illusion of a longer space. Avoid using a large number of small mirrors, as they can create a cramped appearance in a smaller space.

When furnishing, use materials with a higher gloss level, for example for counters or coffee tables, choose ceramic tiles with a higher gloss and metallic accessories that will reflect light and diffuse it back into the room. Glass is also a great material to use in smaller spaces, as it does not close off a space, but allows the eye to travel across the space and visually enlarge it. Make sure you have good lighting as well, as it is key to giving the impression of an open and bright space. As the amount of natural light you have is often limited, make sure you also have a variety of artificial light sources. A single wall or ceiling light will certainly not be enough. Choose the main source of strong light and complement it with smaller ambiental lights.

4. Choice of furniture

Choose appropriately sized furniture to match the proportions of the room. Large and massive furniture will make a small space too cramped. On the other hand, a large number of smaller pieces will quickly make the room seem cluttered and disorderly. Choose a small number of larger pieces of furniture, but make sure that there is enough space to move between them. Move larger pieces of furniture a few centimetres away from the wall, which will give the space more visual depth. Avoid large patterns on the furniture and walls and opt for single-colour pieces. A combination of different patterns can quickly overwhelm a space. Lower pieces of furniture are more suitable for smaller rooms – to ensure adequate airiness, leave as much empty space as possible at eye level.

You can also use open cupboards and shelves that don’t block the passage of light through the room, creating a feeling of airiness, but make sure they are not overly cluttered. They should be vertical and narrow, positioned higher on the wall, creating the feeling of a high ceiling and simultaneously opening up the lower part of the room. You can create a similar feeling with light curtains and tall, narrow floor lamps.

Choose multifunctional furniture that offers storage, such as a sofa or a bed with built-in drawers, an ottoman that also provides storage space, a pull-out bed that folds into a wardrobe or a fold-away table that can be removed when not in use. This way, you can make clever use of even a small space and adapt it to suit your needs throughout the day. In both smaller and larger spaces, it makes sense to limit the number of larger pieces. 

5. Minimalism

The idea that minimalist spaces are cold and uncomfortable is incorrect. A minimalist approach can highlight the simplicity and openness of a space, while still bringing warmth and comfort through thoughtful use. Avoid a large number of decorative elements and remove unnecessary pieces that you don’t need to have close at hand by storing them in cupboards, drawers or decorative boxes. Pick fewer items and thoughtfully arrange them in the space. Open shelving should not be overcrowded with objects, but should have enough space to emphasise only select pieces. You can change the decorative elements over time, but adhere to the following rule: for each new item that is added to the shelf, one should be taken away. This way it will be easier to keep the space tidy and organised.

Don’t let the small size of your space limit your imagination. Even the smallest spaces always allow room for creativity. By following this advice and with a little ingenuity, you can transform even the smallest room into a comfortable and functional home.