July 2023

Having a clear understanding of what to expect when working with an interior designer Fort Worth is important. It is also key to finding a designer that you get a good vibe from and feel a mutual connection with.

Using tricks-of-the-eye such as light paint colors, optimizing natural light with mirrors, and keeping things clutter-free can help your space look bigger.

Paint

Adding color to your space is an effective way to make it feel bigger. However, it’s important to keep in mind that smaller spaces require restraint. Too much color can overwhelm the room, making it feel claustrophobic and small.

Lighter shades of paint are the best choice when it comes to making a room look bigger. They’re more reflective than dark colors, which help to maximize natural light’s effect on the space.

If your room is long and narrow, consider painting the opposing shorter walls a darker shade of paint to give the illusion that they are closer together. This trick works especially well with vaulted ceilings, as it draws the eye upwards, helping to make the space feel larger.

Choosing one focal point piece of art is also a great way to visually stretch the ceilings and make them appear higher. Sticking to one large picture is better than a gallery wall of small ones, which can be too crowded for a smaller space.

Mirrors

In home staging, mirrors are one of the simplest ways to create more space visually. They are great for bringing in light, breaking visual clutter and expanding walls. The right mirror can also add a beautiful decorative element to any room.

When positioned opposite a window, mirrors will reflect sunlight and make the room feel larger. This simple trick can be especially effective in dark rooms that are difficult to light.

Another way to use mirrors in a small space is to place them so that they highlight a specific architectural feature, such as an interesting wall texture or art piece. This will draw the eye towards that aspect of the room and make it appear bigger than it really is.

When choosing mirror frames, consider a light color like white to keep the space feeling open. Or, try a textured mirror frame, such as a patinated one, that has an aged look, to complement a rustic coffee table or a wall-hung tapestry.

Lighting

One of the most common tricks to make a small space look bigger is through the use of mirrors and light fixtures. Positioning a large mirror opposite a window allows the natural light to bounce off it and makes the room feel bigger. Using lights that reflect the light around the room, such as floor or standing lamps is another great way to spread the light and make your space feel larger.

Another trick for smaller spaces is keeping the walls clear of clutter. Too many personal touches and pieces of decor will make your space feel crowded. Try to keep the number of items to a minimum and when you do display something be sure it is large and catches the eye.

Another trick is hanging art higher on the wall to draw the eye upwards and make your space seem taller. One large artwork piece is more impactful than a gallery of smaller pictures.

Furniture

It’s not impossible to create a beautiful home even in a small space. Clever furniture placement, textures, and a color palette that plays up airiness and openness can make a room feel three-dimensional.

A light neutral or pale hue is a classic choice for making a room feel bigger, as it bounces more natural light around the space. The right rug can also be a big help. A striped pattern can trick the eye into thinking your room is wider or taller.

Another way to make a room feel larger is to decorate with restraint. Limiting yourself to one or two focal points can actually be a design boon for a small room. Focal points anchor a room, so be sure to choose one that is meaningful to you.