The key to successful small-space living might be easier than you think. The key is to trick the eye into thinking the room looks bigger, lighter and brighter through the use of smart angles, colours and much more! Whether you’re moving to a city apartment or the house you’re renovating is simply on the smaller side, use these tips for making any room look bigger than it is.

1. Choose a simple colour scheme
The most common of all small-space interior design mistakes is choosing a colour scheme that clashes with the existing room. Will it look right? Probably not. If you are unable to change the colour of the room, keep in mind that it’s probably not as important as you might have thought. What’s most important here is to give your space a balanced look, and to make sure that every single space (including the bathroom) feels like an extension of your living area.

2. Use light-reflective surfaces
Make sure you don’t make the mistake of using dark colours in a room with a high ceiling, because these dark colours will only make the ceiling seem darker as well as hanging more gloomily over the bed and other objects. Instead, choose lighter colours for this area to allow some natural light to filter through.

3. Use bold patterns and textures on floors and walls
This will create a really nice boost in physical size. Use bold patterns for the walls, floors and furniture to create a sense of space that is missing elsewhere. Patterned carpets are excellent space builders because they absorb sound, prevent cold spots and look smart. Also consider using bold colours in the bathroom to replicate the feeling of other parts of your home.

4. Use large scale elements
Envisage your furniture as if it were bigger than it actually is, even if you have to use chairs with small seats or leave unfinished walls exposed. Even small objects can appear bigger if you leave space for them. Try placing larger or smaller furniture around your living area, or place larger objects in the room to create the appearance of extra space.

5. Use surfaces that reflect light
We see shadows on walls and floors instead of spaces, so try using mirrors, glass surfaces and brightly coloured vinyl floors to reflect light back into the rooms. Find a focal point and angle your mirrors toward it to create the illusion of depth.

Don’t be afraid of a little colour in a small space – research shows that one of the easiest ways to make a space feel bigger is with simple, bold colours or patterns! As you can see, there are so many tips to make any room look bigger. Not all small spaces are created equal: it’s all about how you make use of them.