Expert tricks for styling small spaces

We have all been there at one time or another. Whether it’s a rented space or first house purchase, not many of us have been able to lash out and buy the palatial mansion straight up. And the good news is – as you’ll know if, like me, you’ve inhabited a small space before – it’s all about how you use the space rather than the size of it that counts in the end.

Sure, there is no denying that living in a shoebox comes with its own set of challenges. But I am here to tell you that there are some cool tricks that you can pull out of the styling hat that will make all the difference in enlarging your space to make it feel more spacious. It’s all smokes and mirrors folks (story of my life as a stylist) so be sure to have a read of some of these space-saving, room enlarging ideas to make the leap between your shoebox and that palatial mansion feel less of a great divide than need be.

TRICK 1

While it’s true that small spaces require a whole lot more thought and consideration in their composition – the oldest trick in the books stands true – only keep what you need and use regularly. Storage is at a premium in small spaces, so cull people. It’s cathartic.

Look for creative storage solutions. Use all dead space (under the bed cartons on wheels changed my life) and extra shelves inserted into cupboards (especially tops of cupboards) can be game-changers! There are some companies that specialise in creative storage such as Hafele – find them!

Turn a dead corner into a study area. Photographer: Annette O’Brien, Styling: Julia Green, Campaign: The Style School Series 2

TRICK 2

I know it’s tempting to buy everything in a miniature size when you live in a small space, but some things, such as rugs, are better to be purchased larger than smaller as they draw the eye out rather than in. The same principle applies to tiles. Playing with scale strategically can be the greatest optical illusion of them all!

TRICK 3

Find a dead corner and make it useful. Floating shelves can mean more desk space in a corner that would otherwise be deemed redundant.

Use the same white on walls and ceiling to trick the eye. Photographer: Annette O’Brien, Styling: Julia Green, Campaign: The Style School Series 2

TRICK 4

Try and select furniture that allows airflow. For instance, a couch on legs will feel more airy and spacious than one that goes straight to the ground allowing no breathability.

TRICK 5

Paint walls white to make your space feel lighter, brighter and roomier. It is amazing how much a lighter colour opens up a room whereas a dark tone can close a room in. Painting the walls and ceiling the same colour can also create the optical illusion of the space appearing larger than it is, as the eye has nowhere to stop and consider the contrast.

Make rugs large to draw the eye out and choose a couch on legs to create airflow. Photographer: Annette O’Brien, Styling: Julia Green, Campaign: The Style School Series 2

TRICK 6

De-cluttering goes without saying, and less is more in smaller spaces – so being selective about what is on display and allowing your objects to ‘breathe’ will work a treat.

Thinking back to my time in that small space brings a host of happy memories with it. I can honestly say that less stuff felt less complicated! (Not to mention there was less to clean!)

Be selective with what you display. Photographer: Annette O’Brien, Styling: Julia Green. Campaign: The Style School Series 2