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Vegemite Villa
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  1. Home
  2. Decorating

10 terrific tips for making a big impact in small spaces

It may not be what you expect! - by Dora Papas
  • 19 Dec 2018
10 terrific tips for making a big impact in small spaces
Tashima Gibson

When space is precious, you have to pull out every trick in the decorator’s handbook to help make a room feel large.

1. Paint the entire room the same shade of white

Not only your walls and ceiling, but the skirtings, architraves and ceiling cornices. Basically, you want these to disappear into the room rather than highlight them which may make the room feel smaller.

2. Be consistent

Go for a unified colour scheme for your furnishings, textiles and light fixtures.

Dining room with round table
Tashima Gibson

3. Make a statement

It’s okay to decorate your room with one large statement piece such as a king-size bed in the bedroom or an extra-wide sofa in the living room.

4. Be playful

Hang an eye-catching light fitting to infuse your room with personality.

Kitchen with black cabinetry
Tashima Gibson

5. Extend kitchen cabinet storage to the ceiling

Avoid the use of cabinet knobs, handles or pulls to reduce visual clutter.

6. Layer texture

Look for ways to add texture and interest, perhaps a herringbone tile or wood floor. Or include a beautiful rug.

Chair with a table and a plant on top
Tashima Gibson

7. Go big

Trick the eye into thinking small spaces are more open. A large photograph of an ocean or mirrors will provide a sense of window-like depth.

Living room with blue sofa
Tashima Gibson

8. Go transparent

Choose your dining, coffee or side tables carefully with regard to size. Two smaller coffee tables may give you flexibility. And clear glass tabletops are not only easy to clean they provide clear sightlines which can only enhance the feeling of space.

Black drawers with gold handles
Tashima Gibson

9. The dark side

Choose a dark backdrop for a tabletop display of art and collectables that stands out.

10. Aim for visual calm

Keep clutter to a minimum. That means investing in lots of dual-purpose furniture – an ottoman with storage, a bed with drawers or it lifts to reveal a trove of your treasures.

You might also like:

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  • Decorating
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Dora Papas
Dora Papas
Dora is the deputy editor and the decorating editor of Better Homes and Gardens. An experienced and passionate decorator and maker, she loves any kind of makeover from an entire home right through to simply rearranging furniture or creating gorgeous vignettes. Homewares shopkeepers know her by name!

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