How to make your living room more spacious: practical tips
The living room is more than a place to relax – it’s where you entertain guests, enjoy family time and show off your style. But what if your living room feels cramped and cluttered? To make your living room feel more spacious, you don’t necessarily have to knock down walls or move to a bigger house. With a few clever design tricks and some strategic rearranging, you can create a sense of openness and spaciousness in even the smallest space. Here’s how to make your living room feel more spacious and inviting.
- Clutter and simplification: the first step to making any space feel bigger is to declutter. Clutter can quickly make a space feel cramped and overwhelming. Start by taking a critical look at your living room and identifying unnecessary or misplaced items. Donate or store anything that serves no purpose or brings no joy. The goal is to simplify your space and leave only the essentials that contribute to comfort and style.
- Choose the right furniture: furniture plays a huge role in how spacious your living room feels. Choose furniture that is the right size for the room. Avoid oversized, bulky pieces that dominate the space. Instead, choose streamlined, multi-functional pieces. A sofa with legs, for example, creates a sense of openness by letting light pass underneath, making the room feel less cluttered. Consider furniture that can double as storage, such as ottomans or coffee tables with hidden compartments, to keep clutter at bay.
- Adopt a light and neutral colour palette: colour has a powerful effect on the perception of space. Light, neutral colours like white, beige, soft greys and pastels can make a room feel airy and spacious. These colours reflect light, brightening up the space and creating a sense of openness. If you like colour, consider adding accessories such as cushions, upholstery or artwork rather than large surfaces such as walls or furniture.
- Maximise natural light: natural light is your best friend when it comes to making a room feel bigger. It not only brightens the space, but also blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, creating a sense of spaciousness. Keep window treatments to a minimum – sheer curtains or fully retractable blinds – to let in as much light as possible. If your living room lacks natural light, install mirrors to reflect light and create the illusion of a larger space.
- Use mirrors strategically: mirrors are a proven trick to create the illusion of space. A large mirror on a wall opposite a window reflects light and makes the room feel brighter and more open. Even a small mirror can add depth to a room if positioned correctly. Mirrors with interesting frames can also function as decorative pieces, adding function and style to a room.
- Opt for open shelving: traditional bulky cupboards and closed shelving can make a room feel closed in. In contrast, open shelving provides storage while also creating a sense of depth. When used for decorative items such as books, plants or artwork, open shelving can make a living room feel lighter and more spacious. But be careful not to overcrowd the shelves – maintaining balance is key to making the room feel airy.
- Keep the floor clear: A cluttered floor makes the room feel smaller. Try to keep the floor as clean as possible by choosing wall-mounted shelving and furniture, using vertical storage, and limiting the number of rugs. If you do need a rug, choose the right size – too small and it will make the room feel disjointed, too large and it can overwhelm the space.
- Invest in multifunctional furniture: in small spaces, every piece of furniture has to work hard. Invest in multifunctional pieces such as a sofa bed, coffee table with storage. These items save space by serving multiple purposes and help maintain a streamlined, clutter-free living room.
- Create zones: if your living room serves multiple purposes – for example as a home office, entertainment area or reading corner, consider creating zones. Use rugs, furniture arrangements or lighting to delineate different areas. This organization helps make the room feel more spacious and functional, as each zone has a clear purpose, reducing the feeling of chaos.
- Hang curtains high: A simple trick to make your living room feel taller and more spacious is to hang curtains higher than the window frame, closer to the ceiling. This draws the eye upwards and gives the illusion of height. Floor-to-ceiling curtains also extend the space vertically, which also adds to the effect.
- Choose your decoration: It’s easy to pile up decorative items, but too many can make your living room feel cluttered. Be picky with your decor, choosing pieces that make sense and are in keeping with your design scheme. A few well-chosen objects can make a bigger impact than a room full of trinkets.
- Make use of the vertical space: Don’t forget to take advantage of your walls. Don’t overlook the use of your walls. Consider adding tall bookshelves, wall-mounted storage or hanging plants to draw the eye upwards and make the room feel larger. Just be careful not to overfill the space – remember, the goal is to keep things light and airy.
Overall: Creating a more spacious living room is about thoughtful planning and smart choices. By decluttering, choosing the right furniture and making effective use of colour, light and mirrors, you can transform even the smallest living room into a stylish, comfortable and spacious retreat. Remember, the key is to focus on simplicity and functionality. With these tips, you can create a space that feels both spacious and inviting – perfect for relaxing, entertaining and living your best life.
- Published in blog, interior design, tips
Tiles in the bathroom – Warm and inviting
When it comes to creating a relaxing and inviting bathroom space, few materials can match the warmth and beauty of wood. Wood paneling can give your bathroom a natural feel and make your home feel like a sanctuary. However, not all wood is created equal, and it’s important to choose wood that can withstand the high humidity in your bathroom.
The high humidity in the bathroom can cause some wood species to rot or rot over time, so it’s important to choose wood that is resistant to moisture. Teak, cedar and larch are all popular bathroom timbers due to their natural moisture resistance. However, even these wood species require special treatment to ensure their longevity. One treatment option is to seal the wood with a waterproof coating, which not only protects it from moisture but also makes cleaning easier. Another option is to treat the wood with a natural oil, such as linseed oil, which penetrates the wood’s fibres, making it more resistant to moisture while giving it a natural shine.
Wooden planks can be installed in different patterns, ranging from herringbone, vertical or horizontal planks. You can also combine them with other materials, such as stone or porcelain, to create a unique and visually interesting look. In the bathroom, its biggest advantage is that it can add warmth to an otherwise sterile environment. White tiles and fixtures can look stark, but wood can add comfort and cosiness to the space. It is also versatile enough to fit a wide range of rustic and modern decor styles.
In addition to its aesthetic appeal, there are many practical reasons why wood cladding is a popular choice for bathrooms. Wood has natural insulating properties, which means it can help keep the bathroom warm and reduce energy bills. It also has sound absorbing properties, which can help reduce noise levels in the bathroom. Wood is also a renewable resource, making it a sustainable choice for bathroom design.
When choosing wood for your bathroom, it is important to choose wood that has been sourced and harvested sustainably. This means it has been harvested in a way that ensures the long-term health of the forest ecosystem. It can also be used to create storage solutions in the bathroom, such as a wooden shelf above the sink, or wooden cabinets and drawers under the sink for additional storage.
When designing a bathroom with wood panelling, it is important to consider lighting. Natural light can enhance the beauty of the wood, while artificial lighting can create a warm and inviting atmosphere. You can adjust the lighting to the desired level by installing dimmer switches. Finally, it is important to note that wood is not suitable for all areas of the bathroom. Areas that are likely to get wet, such as the shower cubicle, should not be covered with wood. Instead, you can use tiles or other waterproof materials in these areas. To keep your tiling looking its best, it’s important to clean and maintain it regularly and avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the surface. Instead, use a mild soap and water solution or a specially formulated cleaner.
- Published in blog, interior design
Why should you ask a decorator to help you renovate your home?
Renovating a home is a major undertaking, often filled with excitement and anticipation. But it can also be overwhelming and stressful, especially when trying to balance aesthetics, functionality and budget. While many homeowners may be tempted to embark on a renovation project themselves, the expertise of a professional interior designer can be of immense value. Interior designers have a wealth of knowledge, creativity and practical experience that can transform a simple renovation into a beautifully transformed space. Here’s why you should consider hiring an interior designer to help you renovate your home.
- Expertise and vision
Decorators have a trained eye for design, honed by years of experience and education. They can visualize a space in a way that many cannot, and see possibilities that the untrained eye might overlook. A professional interior designer understands how different elements such as colour, texture, lighting and space work together to create harmony in a room. They have an in-depth knowledge of design principles, from balance and proportion to contrast and rhythm, and can apply these principles to make a space not only look beautiful, but feel cohesive.
The interior designer can also help you to develop a clear and coherent vision for your renovation. Whether you’re aiming for a modern minimalist look, a cosy rustic retreat or something completely unique, a decorator can guide you towards a style that suits your personal taste and complements the architecture of your home. Without an interior designer, you may find it difficult to define your vision, leading to a mismatched end result.
- Access to resources and skilled professionals
A major advantage of working with an interior designer is the network of resources and industry contacts. Interior designers often have access to commercially available showrooms, custom furniture and exclusive materials that are not available to the general public. They know where to source high-quality products at competitive prices that can elevate the final look of your home without breaking the bank.
In addition, interior designers often work with a network of skilled professionals, including contractors, painters, carpenters and electricians. This network ensures that the renovation is carried out to the highest standard. Decorators can also coordinate these professionals, streamlining the renovation process and reducing the likelihood of delays or misunderstandings.
- Maximising your budget
Contrary to popular belief, hiring a decorator can be a cost-effective decision, even if you are on a tight budget. An interior designer’s expertise allows them to maximise your budget by spending on the elements that will have the most impact. They can help you avoid costly mistakes such as choosing the wrong paint colour, buying furniture that doesn’t fit the space or making unnecessary structural changes. Decorators also know where to cut corners. For example, they may suggest investing in a high-quality sofa that will last for years, but they can also recommend budget-friendly options for accessories such as decorative cushions or curtains. Their ability to navigate these choices will ensure that you get the most for your money, resulting in a finished space that offers a sense of luxury without going over your budget. - Personalisation and customisation
Your home should reflect your personality, lifestyle and preferences. An interior designer can help you create a highly personalised space that feels unique. They work closely with you to understand your needs, preferences and how you use each room. This level of customisation goes beyond choosing colours and fabrics; it involves creating a space that suits your daily routines, supports your hobbies and improves your overall quality of life.
For example, if you have a passion for cooking, an interior designer can design a kitchen that maximises functionality, with the perfect layout, storage solutions and high-quality materials to make cooking a pleasure. If you love entertaining, you can create a living space that flows seamlessly from indoors to outdoors, with stylish seating, mood lighting and a cohesive colour scheme.
- Stress reduction and time management
Home renovations are notoriously stressful. From choosing materials and managing the budget to coordinating contractors and dealing with unforeseen challenges, the process can be overwhelming. A home renovator acts as a project manager, taking on much of the logistical burden so you can focus on enjoying your home remodel.
Decorators are skilled at managing schedules, coordinating with tradespeople and scheduling projects. They anticipate problems before they arise and solve them quickly and efficiently. This means fewer headaches for you and a smoother renovation process overall. With an interior designer on board, you can rest easy knowing your project is in capable hands.
- Future-proofing your home
A good interior designer doesn’t just think about what looks good today – they consider how the space will age over time. They can advise you on timeless design choices that will stay relevant for years to come, avoiding trends that can quickly look dated. What’s more, they can help you prepare for future needs, such as designing adaptable spaces that can grow with your family, or incorporating energy-efficient solutions that will save you money in the long run.
Conclusion
Renovating your home is an exciting opportunity to create a space that reflects your style, meets your needs and adds value to your property.
However, the process can be complex, time-consuming and challenging.
By enlisting the help of a professional interior designer, you can make the most of all the renovation has to offer.
From expert design advice to project management and a perfect finish to every detail, a decorator has invaluable expertise to help you achieve the home of your dreams.
Whether it’s a minor refresh or a complete makeover, a decorator can bring your vision to life with style, efficiency and style.
- Published in blog, interior design
Avoid these common home renovation mistakes!
Home improvement projects can add significant value to your property and make your living space more livable. However, even well-intentioned renovations can go wrong if some common mistakes are not avoided. To help you get the most out of your efforts, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 home renovation mistakes to avoid, along with tips on how to avoid them.
- Skipping the planning phase
One of the biggest home renovation mistakes is to throw yourself into a project without proper planning. Whether it’s a kitchen remodel or a bathroom renovation, a lack of planning can lead to overspending, delays and unsatisfactory results. Always start with a detailed plan that includes a budget, materials and a schedule. - Ignoring permits and regulations
Many homeowners overlook the importance of obtaining permits for their projects. Failure to do so can lead to fines, project delays and even the cancellation of the work. Always check with your local building department to make sure you are in compliance. - Underestimating costs
Underestimating the cost of materials, labour or unexpected problems is a common mistake that can derail a project. To avoid this, always add at least 10-15% to your budget for unforeseen expenses. - Choosing the wrong renovation materials
Using the wrong materials can result in poor quality, non-durable work. For example, choosing interior paint for an exterior project or cheap flooring can lead to costly repairs later on. Invest in quality materials that meet the specific needs of the project. - DIY mistakes at home
Overdoing DIY at home can save you money, but it can also be a serious pitfall if you don’t have the necessary skills. Complex tasks such as electrical work, plumbing or structural changes should be left to professionals. Know your limits to avoid costly mistakes. - Neglecting functionality in interior design
A common mistake is to focus solely on aesthetics without considering functionality. For example, an open-plan kitchen can look stunning, but may be impractical if it lacks storage or counter space. Make sure your renovation improves both form and function. - Over-personalising your space (home renovation for sales value)
While it’s important to bring your own style into your home, going too far can damage the resale value of your home. Over-customising features may not be attractive to future buyers, making it harder to sell your home later. Stick to neutral colours and timeless patterns. - Ignore energy efficiency (reduce your energy bill)
Ignoring energy efficiency can lead to higher utility bills and reduced home comfort. Invest in energy efficient windows, insulation and appliances. These improvements not only save money, but also appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. - Picking a poor contractor
Hiring the wrong contractor can be disastrous. Always do your research, check references and ask for multiple quotes before you choose. A bad contractor can lead to poor workmanship, delays and extra costs.
Conclusion
Avoiding these common home renovation mistakes can save you time, money and stress.
By planning carefully and wisely, making informed decisions, you can achieve your dream home without the headache.
Remember, a successful renovation also adds to the beauty and functionality of the space.
- Published in blog, renovation
