Katie Thomas, Design Director of KTM Design and Regional Director of the Society of British and International Design (SBID)
As space is at a premium, I have put together some top tips on how to maximise space in small rooms:
Create Zones
Think about all the things you do in a space – work, sleep, relax, eat—and then establish separate zones for those activities. You can create “rooms” with a curtain, a strategically-placed table and chair, or paint.
Use Bigger (But Fewer) Furnishings
It may seem counterintuitive, but outfitting a small space with just a few large-scale pieces (rather than a mishmash of pint-size furniture) can actually make it feel grander.
Do Double Duty
Pieces that can serve multiple purposes are key. Find a table that can function as a desk and a dining table, get a deep sofa that can double as a guest bed, or buy cubes that serve as a coffee table and bonus seats when guests are over.
Trick Your Eye
It’s the oldest design trick in the book: mirrors will make your space feel larger, lighter, and airier.
Think Vertical
Exploit the often under-utilised space between the tops of furniture and a room’s ceiling with hanging or high-mounted elements. Try to take bookcases and cabinets all the way up — it’ll make the room feel higher.
Add Glass
Tear down walls, enlarge windows, or swap solid doors for glass to open up views and connect adjacent spaces.
Go Neutral
Calm, even-toned rooms fool the eye into thinking they’re more spacious than they are. Make sure to add subtle patterns and textures to keep the space from falling flat. If you use a neutral, tonal palette throughout all rooms, the boundaries of each room will appear to fade and the rooms will flow from one to the next, making the whole property feel bigger.
Make Every Piece Count
Choose furnishings that offer maximum functionality in minimal square meterage . For example, use two small round tables instead of one big coffee table. They’re better for traffic flow and easier to move.
For more information about how KTM Design can help you with Interior Design and Space Planning or to book your complimentary design consultation, please call 01202 069499 or email info@ktmdesign.co.uk
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