We love finding easy solutions for small spaces. With a little help from the new issue of Domino Magazine and its decoration editor Tori Mellott, we learn how to make 450 square feet of space seem roomy...
5 Tricks To Make a Small Space Seem Bigger
- Incorporate Specific Zones You can do this by using bold paint in the entryway and a neutral print in the adjoining space. Contrasting spaces will make the area seem bigger because it's not just one zone but three to four zones.
- Use Repeated Motifs In the article, Tori uses chartreuse toile in the hallway and the kitchen. She notes "You'd think the trippy print would be overwhelming but I've found that a repeated motif gives the teeniest nook an aura of grandeur."
- Light Colors on the Floor Whether you end up painting the hardwood floors white or just use white carpeting or rugs throughout, sunlight tends to bounce off the flooring producing a bright, airy effect.
- Incorporate Stripes, Drapes or Artwork from Floor to Ceiling In this apartment, she uses wallpaper to emphasize the high ceilings. The artwork above the couch is also displayed to the edge of the ceiling. This trick takes the viewers glance upward which makes any space seem bigger. Drapes hung at the edge of the ceiling and ending at the floor will also produce the same effect.
- Mix in One or Two Oversized Pieces of Furniture Tori states, "It's counterintuitive, but having one or two oversize pieces can fool the eye by making the rest of the furniture seem smaller." She also says that guests "Comment on the 25"-wide lamp because it's such a surprise." If your friends are noticing what's oversized or surprising they are less likely to focus on the size of the space.
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I was excited about this too, but I actually liked her 200 sq. ft. apartment (featured a few years ago) better. This time it's a bit too preppy for my taste.
view Szig's profile
I could live in this place. Totally up my alley. She did spend a fortune on her furniture, but I suppose when you only need a few things, you might as well buy the best you can afford.
view LilyC's profile
They had a little photo of her old place in the article and none of the furniture is the same. Do people really move to a new apartment and get all new furniture each time? Must be nice.
view Laura's profile
Uh, is "Wallpaper your kitchen walls and ceiling with nausea-inducing yellow toile" one of her tips? I would feel so claustrophobic in there.
view spaceagemouse's profile
Very good tips. The light floor always works. My natural color maple floor is installed at a 45 degrees angle to create a sense of movement. It is aligned with a darker corner further away so people do not know where the room ends. It is another trick to create an illusion of space.
view At Home with kim vallee's profile
I love her style! Though I do agree, the yellow toile is not in my taste. The rest of the place is amazing though. About her changing furniture, I read an article somewhere about her putting a bunch of stuff in storage. Plus, being an editor at Domino, I'm sure she gets all kinds of deals and probably TONS of free stuff. I am so jealous!
view ava_jane's profile
I have also read that using funiture with legs will make your furniture look lighter and smaller and make your room look larger.
view Torgny's profile
Oooh, I want Kim Vallee's apartment. How lucky to find a place with such great floors!
Great tips!
view Avinony's profile