When thinking about improving your home, one of the areas that you can work on are tiny or small rooms. The goal is to make rooms more functional and make them appear larger without spending a lot of money on expansions or additions. One efficient way to do this is by paying attention to the function of the room and how it is utilized. This will dictate much of the décor and pieces that will go in it. Multifunctional units and pieces that double will save space and money.
Furniture should be to scale, avoid chunky pieces that will not make a room breathable or that will give it a stuffed feel. Pieces that are open, have long legs, or are clear such as a glass table, will make the room appear larger. Furniture that folds into itself or to the wall is another great idea for small spaces. Try to include tall pieces that will draw the eye higher instead of wide pieces that may give the impression of not fitting on a small space. Come up with a design plan first, according to the purpose of the room, and later, select the pieces that will go into that room.
Another issue is draperies, keep them light and simple, not too formal. Paint should give the illusion of opening a room and of a receding ceiling, whether you use a painting technique such as trompe l'oeil, or just plain colors.
Organization plays an important role in making small spaces more functional. You may have the right pieces of furniture, but if the contents are not organized according to use and purpose, the room will not be conducive to efficiency. Conversation groups will make the room flow better and give a feeling of being larger. Storage bins and containers designated to house items by use works well. These can be decorative or just functional to be hidden away. Use shelving and small filing cabinets to keep things organized. The room should contain only the items that will be used. Anything that does not fit the purpose or function must be donated. Wall to wall shelving, instead of bulky cabinets and furniture, is a great idea to save space. Organize contents to be pleasing to the eye.
Dividers are a great way to make a small room handle separate functions. However, the dividers should be light and airy, not bulky. A simple light curtain hanging from tracking can serve as a divider from a living room area and a dining area. If left open half-way, it will not close the area. The material should be light and have flow, not stuffed or of a heavy print. These are just a few tips to improve small spaces.
