In this blog we talk with our product manager, Sophia Clark on how can we make a small space feel elegant. Below she shares some hacks for you to try at home.
Lately, after watching TV, I’ve started to believe that having an impressive home is only achievable if I reside in a magnificent property with spacious rooms, high ceilings, large windows and breathtaking views. However, not all of us live in such extensive homes – by “expansive,” I mean big, not necessarily costly (but yeah, that too).
Sophia Clark, Karndean product manager
Back in the real world…
Most of us live with normal sized multi-functional rooms, such as a kitchen that’s also our only dining space, a sitting room that’s also where the kids play, a spare bedroom that has to include a desk because that’s where we work from home. So how can we make a small space feel elegant and more, well, spacious?
Let the light shine
Nothing makes a small space feel bigger than natural light. The direction your room faces will determine how much sunlight streams into your home to a certain degree, with south facing rooms getting most light and north facing rooms the least, but there are a few tricks to maximise light quality.
Unless you’re overlooked, try to leave windows uncovered; open blinds or pull curtains right back during the day. Opt for wall paint with a slight sheen and flooring with a satin surface to reflect the available light back into the room. Laying flooring in the same direction as the sunbeams will also enhance this effect.
Mood lifting colour
Intuitively, we know that dark colours will absorb light and make a room feel darker. So choose a light colour scheme with warm undertones such as earthy warm neutrals or playful pastels. A lighter shade on the ceiling and a darker tone on an accent wall will also make the room boundaries appear to recede while accessories in bolder colours will bounce your eye around the room.
Keep the flooring light and airy to complement your pale colour scheme. From our fresh limed or natural brushed oak wood designs to a selection of cool grey stone and concrete designs, you’ll find plenty of options in our collection. Ps. don’t forget to order samples of your favourite flooring to test in different areas of your room and at different times of the day as the varying light conditions can significantly change how colours appear. You can order 3 free samples to get started on our website or consider buying full size samples.
Clear the clutter
Keeping a room pared back and uncluttered is another way to help a smaller space feel bigger. So opt for fewer pieces of furniture with soft lines and carefully curate your accessories. Flooring laid in smooth clean lines will visually expand a room’s dimensions. In this way you can make a room feel longer or wider as preferred. Laying planks or tiles on a diagonal angle will also help a narrow space feel wider and less enclosed, while adding design strips between planks will emphasize this sense of flow.
To see how laying patterns will affect how your room looks, why not upload a photo to our Floorstyle room visualiser and see how different floors can change the feel of your space.
Playful patterns
Another way to create a sense of movement is with a patterned flooring such as herringbone. From the small scale geometry of 9” x 3” parquet planks, the modern lines of 18” x 3” herringbone planks or even full sized planks laid in a herringbone pattern, the angular flow and subtle textures will visually expand the edges of your room as well as add character and interest.
Alternatively, a geometric pattern in a darker tone will contrast beautifully against pale walls, creating a sense of depth and drama. Look to our Heritage Collection for modern interpretations of historical geometric tile patterns or even combine the interesting abstract patterns of our Marrakesh or Casablanca with a clean grey stone design.
With so many styling secrets that make even the smallest homes seem more spacious, we can have an elegant home even if we don’t live in a mansion! Whatever challenges your home presents, our retail partners are on hand with plenty of advice and ideas. Why not stop by your local retailer in-store or book a free virtual design consultation with our showroom team? Get ready to shrug off those FOMO blues…
