When it comes to decorating a small space it can be tricky to know where to start. You want to create a cosy feel but don’t want to end up with a room that looks pokey.
Small rooms such as kitchens and hallways often come with challenges which make them awkward to style – they can be narrow with little natural light and feature many doorways and cupboards, leaving little wall space for decorating.
In these situations the floor is your friend. Using a few clever tricks with colour and pattern, the right choice of flooring can add personality and help your room look so much bigger.
Don’t be afraid to go dark
It can be tempting to choose the lightest possible flooring in a small space but in fact opting for a darker tone will create a contrast against pale walls to give a sense of depth and airiness.
Whether you prefer the simplicity of a minimalist scheme or quirky maximalist abundance, a mid-toned or dark floor will ground a small kitchen or hallway and detract from any asymmetry.
Opt for a rich wood design, a classic stone or concrete style or an iconic monochrome geometric pattern, then choose a light colour for the walls and add your own personal touches with artwork and accessories.
Kitty McCall’s hallway featuring Clifton from our Heritage Collection
Add pattern with herringbone
A herringbone floor will help you make the most of any small space. The subtle textures will add a sense of flow that visually expands the edges of the room as well as add character and interest.
There are plenty of choices when it comes to herringbone flooring, from traditional oak designs in a 9” x 3” parquet plank, contemporary variations in a longer 18” x 3” plank or cool limestone and marble tiles. Many of our herringbone designs also come in full sized planks or tiles too, so it’s easy to create a sophisticated room to room style with a combination of patterns and sizes.
Storm Oak parquet from our Art Select collection
Draw the eye with angles
In narrow rooms such as hallways, laying the floor on a diagonal angle will help the space feel wider and less enclosed.
Whether you choose a full sized plank laid at 45 degrees or use a smaller herringbone plank in a straight lay pattern, this is an inventive style that offers a timelessly elegant result. As a finishing touch, add a border with matching planks and a design strip for a cleanly defined edge.
Laura Crombie’s hallway featuring Mountain Oak from our Art Select collection
Do you have a small room that’s challenging your creativity? Experience how our flooring could transform your space with chip samples of your favourite designs.
Book a virtual design consultation or find a local retail partner to get started.
