| Oct 28, 2020
Square footage has become among the most-coveted features in a home. Aside from having more room to move and live, there’s something inherently appealing about “free” space. Free of artwork, free of furniture. Just clean simplicity. Openness has certainly become something to celebrate, whether you live in a small city condo or a sprawling suburban estate. To that end, here are some of my favourite ways to maximize every inch of your home.
Step one: de-clutter. This is the first step to redecorating and refreshing a home, and a fail-safe way to make any space appear its largest. Clear out the knickknacks and showcase those sleek, streamlined surfaces. By removing the clutter, your eyes are free focus on the silhouettes of your furnishings and the straight lines of room openings, making the space feel larger.
Wall colour also affects the perception of size. Light, neutral colours can instantly open up a space and achieve a feeling of airiness, by making the walls visually recede. On the flip-side, stronger hues make the walls stand out. Using the same light, neutral colour all throughout the home will create a sense of continuity and enhance the illusion of size.
Aligned with this same principle, have you ever noticed that dark spaces feel smaller and more cramped, while well-lit ones appear larger and fresher? Take down those heavy drapes and let the daylight shine in! If you require window coverings for privacy, consider clean-lined blinds or simple white sheers.
Believe it or not, furniture occupies visual space in your home and can block light and traffic flow, compromising a home’s sense of space. Before bringing any new furnishings home, ask yourself: Is it necessary? Is it beautiful? Do I love it? If you answered “yes” to all three, then you have permission to go for it.
Just one last thing before you buy: never eye-ball it. Most furnishings appear smaller in the showrooms because of the huge floor space, high ceilings and lighting of the shop, so be on the safe side and bring the tape measure!
TRY THIS: Position your sofa facing the living room entrance, to instantly increase the room’s sense of space and create a welcoming ambiance.
Mirrors are another tried and true great trick of the trade to enhancing a room’s sense of space. Big mirrors create the impression of added space by tricking the eye into seeing double the area. Mirrors can also visually double the light in a room, and by positioning a mirror opposite a window, it can also double the view!
Designers and decorators know that square footage really doesn’t matter as much as how you use it. Armed with the right design principles and a little flair for fashion, or at least a good idea of what appeals to you, your home can become your castle, regardless of its size. If looking for help to getting your home ready to market for the coming year connect with us to find out how we can help you find your forever home!