Living Large in Small Spaces

Living in a small apartment or house can be challenging and it definitely calls for intelligent space management. Small spaces should be functional, but also reflect the owner's style and personality. Below are some great tips to optimize your space and make your compact quarters feel like a mansion!

• Smaller is better
Choose smaller-scale furniture for your home. Great solutions for compact living spaces are sofas with slimmed-down armrests. This way you can gain an extra few inches in length without scarifying seating space.

• Less is more
Try not to overcrowd your space with too much furniture. Choose your furnishings carefully based on style and functionality. Always aim to include pieces that have multiple functions. For example, integrate an extendable dining table into your home that is compact during the week for general use and can be extended when you are entertaining.

• Function, function, function
The importance of dual-purpose furniture for compact spaces cannot be overstated. Think about how you use your space for your needs and then research multifunctional furniture options to meet those needs. For example, if you have overnight guests on a regular basis, you might want to consider a sofa bed for your living space or perhaps an ottoman that moonlights as an overnight guest bed. Nesting tables are also a creative way to add surface space when needed, but are cleverly compact when not in use.

• Color concept
Color plays a key role in the atmosphere of compact spaces. Try to use lighter tones on walls (and even ceilings), as this will give the illusion of larger and more airy space. Also, limit the amount of color used as this can make a space feel cluttered.

• Shed some light
Rooms that are well-light will influence our perception of the size of the space. If natural light is limited incorporate table lamps, pendants and floor lamps to compensate.

• Mirror, mirror…
All decorators use this trick to give the illusion of depth and space in rooms. Add mirrors to your space, particularly opposite or close to windows so that natural light will reflect throughout the room and make the space seem more spacious.

• Glass
Consider incorporating glass pieces of furniture instead of bulky wood elements. Glass end tables and modern coffee tables will make your living space feel far more "open."

Armed with these great tips you're sure to transform your compact space into an expansive-feeling retreat that reflects your style and personality.

Kalina Gornicheva boasts an extensive background in interior design and visual merchandising. Armed with her Masters Degree in "Interior and Furniture Design Engineering" from LTU University in Sofia, Bulgaria. Currently working at BoConcept, she enjoys incorporating extendable dining tables and modern coffee tables into her visual merchandising.