By Guest Blogger, Annie Sisk

Right now, prospective buyers are on the hunt for spacious properties, while current homeowners wonder how to maximize their space.

After emerging from the recent pandemic and living under lockdowns and stay-at-home orders, it’s no wonder why families want more space.

While the desire for a more space may have some searching for a new home, there’s plenty you can do to maximize your current space.

Here’s some tips on how to transform your cramped home into a spacious and relaxing retreat for you and your family.

Think Multi-purpose Furniture

When space is limited, you’ll need to get the most out of your furniture.

An ottoman can double as a footrest, coffee table, and storage container all at once.

A TV stand and side tables can store board games, books, and other miscellaneous gadgets.

Go a step further by purchasing furniture with wheels so you can easily rearrange.

Bring in the Light

Light is one of the easiest ways to give your small living space a roomy feel.

Ensure your windows aren’t covered with sunlight-blocking curtains and hang mirrors around the room to create the illusion of a larger room by easily bouncing natural light around the space.

Without the help of natural light, you’ll need to get a bit more creative.

A floor lamp or wall sconces are great ways to brighten up the room, just steer clear of fluorescent lights.

Lighten the Space with Natural Elements

Earthy and natural elements are not only a leading design trend, but they’re also sure to create an airy and open feel in your living space.

Add a hanging plant to the corner of your room, mix succulents in with the rest of your decor, and keep a vase filled with your favorite flowers.

Create a Color Scheme and Don’t Shy Away from Pops of Color

Creating a color scheme doesn’t necessarily mean your living space will be boring or monotone.

In fact, color schemes are great methods of ensuring your pops of color remain cohesive with the rest of the space.

Mix dark and light colors to create contrast; this will trick the eye into thinking the room is larger than it is.

Spice up the space with fun patterns that align with your color scheme and check out Pinterest for some inspiration.

Decorate High and Low

If your living space is small, you’ll need to maximize the space by designing in the vertical space.

Decorate from top to bottom to ensure your eyes are pulled upward as you enter the room.

First, keep your lows low. In other words, your couches, ottomans, coffee tables, and chairs should be as close to the ground as possible. This will stretch the space and give the illusion of a larger room.
Add a rug that aligns with your color scheme to give the room a pop of color.
Next, focus on the vertical space.

A vertical storage unit, bookcase, or shelves are great options if you have an empty wall, you’re not sure how to decorate.

Decorate from top to bottom so the eyes are pulled upward.

If you have curtains, mount the rod closer to the ceiling rather than right above the window.

So there you have it, whether you’re designing for a breath of fresh air or to receive a favorable cash offer on your redesigned property, giving your home a few updates could greatly increase your value enough to get you a favorable cash offer should you decide to sell.

Inquire with your local real estate agent today!

Up Next

While the number one rule of minimalism is less is more, it doesn’t mean you need to live in emptiness. With a mixture of decluttering and soothing colour palettes, wide-open spaces and geometric shapes, minimalism is a design approach that can lend itself to a warm home.

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“Michael Helwig was top-notch, very professional and responsive to my needs. He allowed me time to explore ideas and try out a variety of combinations until we found the perfect fit. Michael provided detailed information and offered beautiful ideas to make my dream living room become a reality. The furniture he sourced has totally transformed my living room space. Everyone that has seen my new living room has one word, WOW! A special thank you to Michael for a wonderful experience.”

— Karen B.

“Michael was very knowledgeable and guided us, with great patience and good humor, through the process of designing our dining room and helping us find the perfect sleeper sofa. He offered really helpful advice when we asked questions - which was often - but at no time did we ever feel pushed. He helped me when I felt like I couldn’t make one more decision. When my new furniture finally arrived I realized everything down to the pillows was perfect. I couldn’t be happier!”

— Sarah H.

Guest Blogger Annie Sisk is a freelance writer and content strategist. Originally from North Carolina, Annie now lives in Binghamton, New York. She's written extensively for home repair, home decor and real estate outlets, including Hunker and Homelight.

The opinions and views expressed in any guest blog post do not necessarily reflect those of Michael Helwig Interiors or its Principal, Michael Helwig. Michael Helwig Interiors, and Michael Helwig, do not have any affiliations with any products or services mentioned in the article or linked to therein. Guest Authors may have affiliations to products mentioned or linked to in their author bios.