Living in a busy world capital like New York or any other urban city is exciting and energizing. This also means that most of us live in smaller spaces than if we lived in a less-populated area. However, this doesn’t have to mean a lesser quality of life! There are so many ways to make our smaller spaces feel larger, mainly by the way we furnish them. Here are some of my go-tos:
Smart Furniture Selection
For starters, select furniture items with softer, more rounded edges and low height to maximize the ceiling height you do have.
It may seem counterintuitive, but aim for a few large pieces of furniture rather than multiple small items. It reduces clutter, seats more, and many large furniture options are multifunctional for this purpose. Introducing furniture that can be adapted to your needs is a big game changer when it comes to smaller spaces.
Portola L-Shape Rotating Desk from Pottery Barn
Extending Table Transformer from Expand Furniture
Mindful Wall Art Placement
Consider choosing larger wall art, keeping the pieces to a minimum to allow more wall space around the artwork. This gives an illusion of space and reduces visual clutter significantly.
Statement Mirrors
A quality statement mirror can do double duty by bringing more light inside as well as visually expand a space. I’ve discussed this trick before in Designing your Space to Maximize Natural Light to read more about the importance of mirrors in interior design.
Reflective Surfaces
The addition of furniture and art with reflective surfaces like glass or lucite will act similarly to mirrors: light will bounce off these objects to create a brighter and visually bigger space.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! There are so many options when it comes to multifunctional furnishings that are designed for small urban spaces. Most importantly: before you buy, consider if it really serves your space or if the furnishing will just add clutter. Have fun designing!
CONSULTATION PACKAGES
Julie and her team have a passion for creating beautiful, engaging and functional spaces, focusing on both the physical as well as the emotional well being of your environment. Click on the links below for package details:
A design collaboration done between client and designer done entirely o​nline. Purchase the package below, submit photos of the space and existing furnishings you like to see incorporated in the design and a sketch of the space with measurements.
Need some assistance in selecting paint finishes for your home? A design collaboration done between client and designer done entirely online. Purchase the package below, submit photos of the space and and fabrics.
Whether it is directing the flow of chi through the arrangement of furnishings, design or colors; Julie and her team can help you to create the spaces that support your vision of a balanced life, rich in the areas that matter to you.
There is no second chance to make a good first impression. When the time comes to sell or rent your home, ease the transition and maximize return by helping your home look its very best.
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