“Design is coming to grips with one's real lifestyle, one's real place in the world. Rooms should not be put together for show but to nourish one's well-being.” - Albert Hadley

Check out these 6 tips to help your home feel more spacious.

1. Use Light Colors to Your Advantage

Light walls will help bounce outside light throughout a home. Lightly-colored walls can also create contrast with darker objects in a space, thus creating more depth. Opt for painting walls light shades such as an eggshell white, ivory, beige, or soft a gray; any soft shade will do. Objects that could help generate contrast in comparison to the shade of the walls include darker chairs, appliances, shelves, photo frames, and/or a dark backsplash. Glass light fixtures will also blend well with the walls to eliminate the possibility of a cluttered space.

2. Invest in Storage Furniture

Furniture that doubles up as a storage unit serve as a great way to organize a space with style. They come in various designs and sizes, and can easily fit the aesthetic of any home. Storage benches are a popular piece of multifunctional furniture that can be used for storage, décor, and as a seating area. Place decorative items such as pillows or flowers on top to add simple detail to this space.

3. Replace Bulky Curtains with Light & Sheer Curtains (Or No Curtains)

Bulky dark curtains block light and eat up space. Switch these curtains out for lightly-colored and sheer curtains. This will allow light to enter your home easily and will also blend very well with light walls. Ditching curtains all together is also a great look and allows for maximum light penetration for a well-illuminated home.

4. Opt for Larger & Fewer Decorative Pieces

Having a large amount of small decorative items can overwhelm a space and clutter a home. Replace these items with larger and fewer decorative items such as a plant, vase, art piece, or a stack of 3 medium-sized books. These items will help decorate a space without creating a cluttered environment. 

5. Use Large Mirrors to Eliminate Shadows and Build Space

Mirrors help create a window of space by eliminating barriers and masquerading as additional space in a home. They help highlight dark areas and take little to no effort to set up. Search for large mirrors to help create the illusion of a more spacious area in the home. Having a dark frame can also help generate contrast and depth. 

6. Don’t Overcrowd a Space with Furniture 

Less is more when it comes to decorating a space. Don’t feel pressured to purchase traditional (and outdated) bedroom furniture such as a large dresser, 2 bulky bedside night stands, a massive amour, chairs, a bench, large TV, etc. There are ways to have a proper bedroom set up that fits your style without the clutter. First, exchange dressers with storage units that slide under the bed. Next, choose one thing over another. For example, chair(s) or a bench for the end of the bed? If you can mount a TV to the wall, go for it. Unmounted TVs require a (often large) piece of furniture for it to be placed on. Eliminate the possibility of eating up space with unnecessary furniture by opting for options that don’t need it. This also goes for lighting. Get rid of bulky night stands by purchasing floor lights. If you need bedside storage, 3-tied storage carts are great options for conserving space and adding style.