When the tiny house movement picked up, it was a transformative experience for people looking to strip life down to the essentials. Fast forward to 2021, and more and more people are discovering the benefits of living in a smaller space. Gone are the days when McMansions and lofty suburban homes were the standard choices in the real estate landscape. Today, many people embrace the return to simple ways where, instead of filling a big house with stuff, we’re filling all the stuff we need into a smaller space and removing the fluff.
Living in a smaller space offers numerous benefits, other than it being more affordable. Smaller homes or apartments are also easier and cheaper to maintain and allows families to bond. It also offers more savings in the long run as the taxes, mortgage payments, and overhead costs will be lower. Plus, a smaller home would be easier to secure, declutter, and decorate.
But living in a small home can have challenges too, and one which is fitting everything you need without making it look cramped and dingy. To keep your tiny home looking fresh, clean, and organized, check out these decorating tips:
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Focus on Lighting
Light is a key element of interior design, but it’s beneficial for a small space. Ideally, you’d want to have as much natural light in so you won’t need to consume too much electricity during the day. To achieve this, install bigger residential windows or skylights. Be sure to factor in orientation in your design, as well, as wall-to-ceiling windows can impact your home’s indoor temperature and comfort during certain periods of the day or year. Higher ceilings are also wise for a small space. If big windows and tall ceilings aren’t possible, make sure to install enough lights to brighten your space.
Use wall Mirrors
Mirrors are a tiny home’s best friend. They help brighten up a room and create an illusion that the space is bigger. Make the most of this feature by lining a wall with a large mirror. To create visual interest, put up a gallery wall of mirrors with different shapes and sizes. If you don’t want the wall to look dull, opt for mirrors with stylish wood or metal frames.
Invest in Smart Storage
A small space can easily look cluttered without ample storage. If you have a lot of stuff you don’t necessarily use every day, tuck them away in easy-to-access shelves and drawers. Invest in built-in storage that looks clean and minimalist and maintain a system where you organize, sort, and store things after using them.
Choose a Large Rug
The beauty of small spaces is that a large rug would instantly become a focal point. More than that, it will provide a warm and comfy underfoot for chilly nights. To make sure you get the perfect rug for your space, pick the right size and go for colors, patterns, and textures that would complement your furniture and overall space. If you have the budget to spare, go for hand-made rugs crafted from natural materials as they last longer and are more beautiful compared to synthetic ones.
Opt for Functional Furniture
Multi-purpose rooms and furniture, like sofas that double as storage for clothes and linen, pull-out dining tables with stackable chairs, and coffee tables, can be expanded into a single bed frame. Functional furniture gives you that extra square footage and makes the room look clean and airy. To make sure your furniture fits your house perfectly, make sure you get the measurements right or have them customized to your specific needs.
Make use of Vertical Space
Lacking floor space? Study your walls and see what pieces you can do to make them useful. For example, instead of getting a bulky bookcase, put up floating bookshelves instead. Ditch the big planters and opt for hanging plants, or install wall lamps instead of standing ones.
Create a Layered Look
Poor design choices could make a small room look claustrophobic or overcrowded, but choosing the right decorative pieces, patterns, and textures could create a sense of balance or harmony. To achieve this, mix and match pieces that complement each other, like patterned rugs and wall moldings, drapes and plush couches, and so on. Play with scale, as well, to make sure each piece you get is perfect for the room’s size.
Regardless of the size of your home, the only limit in design is your imagination. To inspire you in your project, scour through small space interior decor ideas online, sketch up your vision, or hire a trusted designer to bring your vision to life.
