Design tricks to make a small space feel bigger

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It is possible to live large in small spaces, you just have to know how. Basic design tricks can help any room look and feel bigger than it is. ¶The easiest and least expensive way, according to designers, is to clean, organize and declutter. Then, they suggest the following: utilize vertical space (extend shelves and cabinets to the ceiling), pick furniture that is multi-functional, hang curtain panels high above the window, keep color palettes and flooring consistent, consider built-ins and pocket doors and use lots of mirrors (they will reflect light and visually expand a space instantly). ¶But specific rooms require distinct solutions. We’ve asked 17 local experts to break it down for us, so we can get the most out of our snug spaces.

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 A profile of Megan Hanlon’s small Chevy Chase Bungalow, and a guide to what to do with small spaces.

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Kitchen

1. “Make sure to use the tallest upper cabinets that you can. Take them to the ceiling.”

— Shanon Munn

2. “Use cabinetry panels on appliances such as dishwashers, dish drawers, trash containers and refrigerators to streamline the look.”

— Catherine Jordan Connon

3. “A built-in bench that doesn’t require moving can solve a tight seating situation in a kitchen.”

— Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey

4. “Unify with color. Think monochromatic cabinets, countertops and appliances.”

— Dana Tydings

5 “Mirrored backsplash tiles.”

— Lisa Montague

6. “Remove the upper cabinet doors. Use the same material on the backsplash as the cabinet backs so you visually increase the space.”

— Skip Sroka

7. “Continuing the backsplash all the way up to the ceiling in a small kitchen can also make it feel taller.”

— Lauren Liess

8. “Anything you can keep out of sight, or off the counter, will make the kitchen seem less cluttered and larger.”

— Matthew Swingly

9. “Open shelving is a great way to open up a kitchen so that it doesn’t feel so compact, plus it’s easy for house guests to help themselves.”

— Kathryn Ivey

10. “White or light-colored cabinets can make a space feel larger. Cabinets with glass fronts add to making the space feel more open.”

— Charles Almonte

Living room

11. “Eliminate the big, rolled arms on sofas and chairs. This takes up lots of space and looks inflated in a smaller room. Try low-profile arms or straight, more modern arms; use tight-backed cushions.”

— Catherine Jordan Connon

12. “Take the skirts off of upholstered pieces. Try two smaller cocktail tables over a larger coffee table.”

— Shazalynn Cavin-Winfrey

13. “Instead of a coffee table, use a small ottoman with lockable casters. This way you can have a table with a tray or a usable seat.”

— Tracy Morris

14. “Use one or two pieces of large-scale furniture and art instead of filling the space with small pieces; it will seem larger and less cluttered.”

— Lisa Montague

15. “Go with a coffee table that feels barely there, such as Lucite or glass.”

— Lauren Liess

16. “Round furniture and rugs take up less space and visual weight.”

— Rachel James

17. “Have a color scheme that runs throughout the space. Don’t try to go for a different look in every area. Connect each space.”

--- Mary Douglas Drysdale

 
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