Living Big in a Small Space

Residing in compact living spaces is on the rise, whether it be an apartment, a small house, or a downsized home. This shift towards smaller living is encouraging us to adopt a design approach that truly feels like home by decluttering, experimenting with colour and making the most of our floor space. While some may perceive limited square footage as a challenge, it also presents an opportunity to discover new possibilities for creative and innovative design. With the right approach, you can make any space work effectively without compromising on comfort or style.

Where to start

Creating the perfect foundation through key furniture pieces is the most efficient way to begin designing a smaller space. When you’re selecting furniture it's important to consider the size and scale of your space, providing a better understanding of what will fit so you can source the right furniture with confidence. Furniture with clean lines, soft textures and neutral colours, such as the Canyon and Reece Range, can help to create an open and uncluttered ambience that enhances the overall appeal of your space.

Tip: To design a cohesive look and feel - Create a quick moodboard that includes links, prices and measurements when sourcing your furniture. Not only will this give you a good idea of what your space will look like once completed, but all the information will be easily accessible when you are ready to buy!

Select items that you love and that compliment your space. Be selective with your décor items to allow your space to feel cohesive whilst still letting your personality shine through. Over decorating can make a room feel smaller than it is and can become overwhelming. Taking these factors into consideration will ensure that your small space is furnished in a way that maximizes functionality and your personal style.

Make it Multifunctional

Living in a smaller space sometimes means turning your dining table into a work-from-office, or your living room doubling as a guest room, this is where multifunctional furniture will become your best friend, providing functional and easy solutions when living big in a small space.

Coffee tables and bedside tables that incorporate hidden storage space like Sadie and Hamptons; dining chairs that can stack away like the Pia; and multi-purpose ottomans that serve as additional seating or surface area; are among the many pieces available that can help maximize your available square footage. Not only do they provide functionality, but they also keep your living area organized and uncluttered. When selecting multifunctional furniture for your small space, it is essential to choose items that compliment your style whilst providing the functionality you need. These versatile pieces can add a new dimension to your space and so it’s important to find the items that complement your style and aesthetic. Investing in multifunctional furniture can be an excellent way to optimize your space, while still maintaining the desired look and feel of your home.

Optimise Light & Layout

In addition to selecting the right furniture, the way you choose to arrange a room can have a big impact on how you feel in the space, so it is important to choose a layout that maximizes functionality and compliments how you use and live in your space. By strategically placing furniture to create designated areas for different activities such as a reading nook or workspace, you can make the space feel more purposeful and less cluttered.

Consider the flow of the space and ensure you have adequate floor space for ease of movement around furniture to prevent feeling cramped in your home. Consider how you move from one room to the next, is there something that gets in your way? Or can you seamlessly interact with the space?

Additionally, incorporating mirrors and working with natural light can make a significant difference and creates the illusion of more space whilst enhancing the room’s ambience. Mirrors can be especially useful for creating the illusion of a larger room by reflecting light and creating depth. For bedroom spaces, incorporate a standing mirror like the Ola or Jackson and for living rooms and entries consider using a wall mirror such as the Tait or Khalili.

Tip: We recommend wall mounted Frameless mirrors for more compact spaces – they seamlessly bring that light in without taking up floor space or overpowering the wall.

When arranging the placement of furniture, keep in mind which areas receive natural light and at which points of the day. Natural lighting is essential, as it can illuminate the space and enhance the effects of mirrors, creating a larger and brighter space. By thoughtfully selecting a layout and utilizing mirrors, natural lighting, and furniture placement, even the smallest space can be transformed into a comfortable and inviting home.

A breath of fresh air

Design a space that you look forward to coming home to, a place that encourages calm and relaxation after a long day. Adding organic elements such as neutral colour palettes, warm textures and plants are a great way to transform your house into your haven.

Neutral colour palettes aren’t always white and beige, think about the colours of nature itself. Incorporating hues of blue, green and other earthy tones can still give your space a neutral backdrop whilst creating depth and personality. This applies to texture too – by incorporating natural textures such as rattan and timber, like the Claremont and Canyon ranges, the colour palette will seamlessly blend as they do in nature.

Plants can bring life and a touch of nature into your space and even help purify the air. There are plenty of low-maintenance plants that are easy to care for and can thrive in small spaces, such as succulents, air plants, or spider plants. Consider incorporating plants into your decor to create a calming and inviting atmosphere.

Home is not defined by square footage or budget. With the right approach to furniture selection, layout and décor accents, you can create a space that feels beautifully elevated, irrespective of size. By selecting appropriately sized furniture, incorporating multifunctional pieces, optimizing your layout, and incorporating natures beauty, you can make the most of your space and create a home that is comfortably you.