Jason Sayer from near Monument, CO enjoys at-home DIY projects with his family. In the following article, Jason Sayer discusses a few tips on how to maximize a space with a carefully thought-out design.
The tiny home concept, for example, has taken off in recent years. However, small houses and condos are a common way of life in many areas throughout the country. Many homeowners have started to wonder how they can optimally utilize their space to make use of every single inch.
Jason Sayer explains that architects and interior design experts know the tips and tricks for making smaller rooms feel spacious. However, many experts believe that anyone has the power to remodel their home to make it seem more expansive. DIY remodelers just need to keep the following seven points in mind.
Open Up the Floor Plan for Airy Spaces
Interior walls make small homes feel crowded while limiting storage, flow, and lighting options. While this is especially prevalent in the kitchens and dining rooms of older houses, almost any interior area can benefit from removing select walls.
Jason Sayer from near Monument, CO says that when it comes to homes where the kitchen and living or dining room are connected, owners should consider removing that wall to open the space.
This one (relatively simple) tip instantly lets more natural light inside and makes the space feel expansive. However, it’s important to understand which walls in the home are load bearing, so if attempting to do this yourself, seek the advice of a professional before getting started.
Single Flooring Material for Interconnected Rooms
Using the same flooring across connected rooms encourages the eye into seeing the different areas as one big space. Jason Sayer from near Monument, CO says that this is particularly effective after removing a wall (tip one) or in houses with wide doorways.
Engineered wood or hardwood flooring remains a popular choice for the first floor, with natural carpeting appearing upstairs.
Taking Advantage of Lofty Ceilings
Even the smallest rooms can have tall ceilings. Historical homes tend to boast lofty heights despite their smaller floor plans.
Jason Sayer from near Monument, CO explains that many interior experts suggest using this grandiose height by extending trim work, doorways, fireplaces, and cabinetry. Many luxury two bedroom apartments for rent will feature this kind of amenity. It will bring a regal quality to the property, eliminating the likelihood of residents noticing the closer walls. Plus, it offers increased storage and decoration space, limiting close-to-the-floor clutter.
Reducing Color Contrasts
According to Jason Sayer from near Monument, CO the most common fear when decorating homes is that dark colors make rooms feel smaller. However, that isn’t necessarily the case. In reality, rooms with a lot of contrast (i.e., between dark and light) feel cramped.
Although larger rooms can cope with the contrast, stark color differences in a small room make the brain more aware of the space’s limitations. Thus, designers suggest utilizing a restricted range of light or dark hues to increase the room’s expansiveness.
Keeping the Floor Visible for Maximum Effect
Everything doesn’t need to be lifted off the floor, of course. However, elevating some pieces to increase the visibility of the floor goes a long way toward boosting the airiness of a space.
For instance, Jason Sayer from near Monument, CO says that homeowners with small bathrooms are encouraged to use pedestal sinks, while an island with open shelving beneath it works wonders for those with small kitchens.
Utilizing Built-Ins for Decreased Bulkiness
Functional storage is a must for any home, but it’s even more critical for smaller ones.
Recessed shelving offers much-needed space, and recessed cabinetry saves precious floor room to increase the area’s overall appeal.
Cabinets are designers’ best friends when working on smaller projects, as they help to contain items without adding clutter. Custom built-ins are most often seen in kitchens and bedrooms, but they can be positioned wherever needed for maximum style and function.
Prioritizing Organization for the Ultimate Remodel
Jason Sayer from near Monument, CO says that orderly and organized spaces feel larger, regardless of the actual room size. For the perfect remodel, homeowners should not allow a storage area to become a a free-for-all space, and instead dedicate time to carefully plan out usage of the area.
Some experts suggest making storage solutions a priority. For instance, glass-fronted cabinets for kitchen china or cabinetry around the fireplace ensure that everything has a place while retaining its beauty.
Scaling Fixtures Correctly for a Cohesive Space
Fixtures provide the final touches to a space, but they can quickly turn into nightmares if they aren’t big/small enough for the room. So, homeowners need to purchase light fixtures and furniture that are appropriately sized.
Large hanging lights in small rooms can easily crowd the space and appear a bit “too much” for the area’s limitations. While professional designers do this stuff every day, DIYers can learn quite a lot about scale from a bit of scrolling on Pinterest.
