Small space living. A necessity in this modern era, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style! Here I share my tips and tricks for making your small space look (and feel) huge.
When I first lived in a small apartment when I first moved out of home, decorating felt tricky, as most of the inspiration I saw reflected great rambling homes. But since living like this for over 12 years, I’ve come to embrace my small space… It helps that in that time I’ve learnt lots of secrets to not only create a chic space with limited square footage, but also actually make it seem bigger!
I thought it was high time I shared with you some of my tips for decorating your own space, small or otherwise, and so decided to create a small spaces series – where I’ll share my tips and tricks for making tiny look and feel beautiful. For the next three posts I’ve partnered with H&M Home to share with you three key spaces… madeover! First up? The living room, one that has a tendency to feel small and cramped if you don’t do it right. Read on for seven steps to a light, bright and airy living space you’ll be more than happy to Netflix and chill in.
Our Space
Living in Hong Kong, space is at a premium. Although we managed to upgrade from the tiny studio we lived in when we first arrived, at around 480 square feet our current space is tight (and meets the definition of a ‘Tiny House‘ as per the movement). But it’s about perception more than anything – I have friends in Australia that live in apartments twice our size and feel they are tiny, whilst friends in Japan think our space is positively luxurious. The concept of a small space will therefore often comes down to what you’re used to, and where you live. Regardless, there are lots of tricks you can use to make your space feel lighter, brighter and bigger, whether it’s micro or simply small. These tips can also apply if to a small room in a large house – because no matter your living scenario, a bigger feeling space is always nice.
Before & After
This space used to be our shared office back when Ben and I both worked from home . A few years ago we converted it into a living room, and really haven’t looked back. For this series I took out a lot of our existing decor to show you the bones of the space, and then redecorated with pieces of really gorgeous H&M Home decor. I have to admit I am such a huge fan of H&M Home… not only is it really well priced but the items are so perfectly suited to my aesthetic style. Incredible textiles, rugs, baskets and plant pots to name a few of my faves… All at an affordable price.
Tips
Seven Steps To Make Your Small Living Space Feel Bigger
Step 1. Be Strategic About Furniture Choices
The first place to start with your living space is deciding the key piece of furniture that you need functionally. Once you understand what you need, it’s useful to look at your list and decide what is essential and what isn’t. Most of the time, it’s best to opt for minimal furniture in a small space. So, although a coffee table was on my list for this space, I quickly realised that it would be more of a burden than a benefit. Instead I opted for a wood slice side table, which acts as a coffee table without the space usage. And instead of a big lounge chair, we opted for a small ratan occasional chair.
Step 2. Use Mirrors To Brighten A Space
This is an oldie, but mirrors really help to open up a space. The addition of a large mirror leaning up against the wall completely changed the living room, injecting light and a sense of space where previously there was none. It’s worth giving up wall space for this, but if your wall space is limited, hang a mirror above your sofa.
Step 3. Choose a Neutral Palette As A Base
In smaller spaces, you have less room to experiment with a range of colours. So start with a light or neutral base – f0r this space I went with a white and navy base. A light coloured rug immediately brightens up a space so choose a white, grey or a jute for a natural feel.
Step 4. Then Add in Pops of Colour
Just because your space is small doesn’t mean you have to skip colour, in fact I think colour used cohesively helps to give balance and interest to a space, making it feel bigger. For this space I added pops of pink and mustard yellow. I love that the simple addition of some textiles or cushions can quickly and easily change the feel of a space, meaning you can experiment over time!
Step 5. Introduce Texture
Texture is another element that will help to give your space personality. Baskets and throws are a great way to give texture without taking up too much space, and they also have really great functions meaning they’ll work double duty in your cosy living room.
Step 6. Use Decor Items to Highlight Walls and Ceilings
Shelving is a great addition to a room, and a hanging shelf will add character without taking up too much space. Decorate with small items and neutral art for a less cluttered feel. And if you’re lucky enough to have higher ceilings, don’t let them get lost in the rest of the room. Use hanging decor such a lanterns or hanging plants to highlight the high of the ceilings. If you can, paint the clueing a lighter colour than your walls, this will further help to highlight the height
Step 7. Bring the Outdoors In
No outdoor space? No worries! Use natural decor like plants, pots and candles to give a sense of the outdoors, even if you have zero actual outdoor space. A little tip? Choose upright plants that don’t have too much busy foliage in tight spaces. The hanging lantern makes me feel like I’m on holiday!
In this photo: H&M Home copper planter holder, black and white geometric rugs, oversize basket, pink cup, white candle and small basket. See the wood slice table DIY here.
In this photo: H&M Home cushions in baby pink and mustard, glass mini vases, candle in cotton scent, terracotta planters and rattan lantern. The art is my personal collection. DIY hanging shelves here.
In this photo: H&M Home rugs, throw blanket and basket.
Using the wall space well, and decorating sparingly is a great way to add interest without overdoing it.
A mirror brings the room to life.
Offer
15% off H&M Home in Hong Kong stores
For the next three weeks H&M Home is giving all Hong Kong shoppers 15% off in their Hong Kong H&M Home Stores on spending $200. Click here to download your coupon to use in store.
Causeway Bay Store: Hang Lung Centre, 2-20 Paterson St, East Point, Hong Kong
Mongkok Store: G/F & 1/F Gala Place, 56 Dundas St, Mong Kok, Hong Kong
This post is in collaboration with H&M
Like this guide? Pin it on Pinterest!
I know I’m guilty of not using enough textures in my room.. I also don’t plan out my colors well enough and it ends up being messy looking.
A little planning goes a long way I completely agree. But I also like an eclectic look 🙂
Ahhh, this living room is making me go all heart eyes. I love it, it’s so effortless and chic – Exactly my style 🙂 Thank you for sharing these tips, they all seem like they can make a huge difference in transforming a small space so I’m going to have to incorporate them when doing my bedroom!
Have a great week!
Chloe @ https://girllgonerogue.blogspot.co.uk/
So happy to hear that!
Love this post! I’m currently based in London so very much in need for the advices!
Thank you! xx
gabriellalundgren.com
Oh I totally know what you mean!
I am lucky enough to have a tall ceiling, but the tip with the mirror is great nonetheless!
https://www.makeandmess.com/
Thats I’m glad you like honey xxx
The mirror looks like it really makes a difference! Where did you get it? I’m not sure I could do this in my living room because one of my biggest problems with the small space (in combination with low ceilings in parts of the bedroom because of the roof) is that I feel like I don’t have enough wall space for book shelves and things like that. I’m not sure I could give up the wall space to put in a giant mirror. But is really looks good!
I totally know what you mean. I really had to toss up whether to get a bigger lounge chair for that wall or a book shelf, or have the mirror. I think I went for the mirror in the end because I know how much they work to make a space look bigger, but I totally feel you on this challenge!
If I could have it my way, my entire house would be just mirrors and windows 🙂
Totally!
But where did you get that rattan chair though? It’s so beautiful! 🙂
It’s from an antique store in Australia! 🙂
Love the use of the mirror here – truly opens the whole space up!
Rebecca
xx
http://www.peppermintdolly.com
Thanks Rebecca! So happy to hear you like x
Gorgeous transformation! The mirror really brightens up the room and the pops of colour make the space super fun! Great job!
Charlotte
http://www.deconstrut.com
Thanks Charlotte! I really like it now too, if I can say so myself 🙂
What a lovely space! i love everything in this living room. I really love the blue sofa. We have this dark brown leather sofa, that I personally don’t like the colour because it makes our living room feels gloomy – but never really pull the plunge to get rid of it because it’s super comfortable.
I know what you mean, maybe you could put a throw rug over it?
Omg I am in love with this! I can’t believe a single mirror can do so much for a room! I’ll definitely reconsider my current set up… x http://www.justsavxnnah.com
So happy to hear that!
Perfect timing! I just moved from a 2 bedroom house to a 1 bedroom apartment 🙂
Yay, thats a great challenge 🙂
Thanks so much honey!
Hey Tata! I have no problem living in a small space ( in fact I actually really like the cosiness) but I also think if you decorate carefully and use certain techniques your place can feel bigger than it is. Which is the best of both worlds don’t you think? Thanks for reading!
I love how you gave the room so much texture with the baskets, throws
and pillows – I have the tendency to overdo/overdecorate! Will
definitely take inspiration from this post, thank you!
Ah and I have a
question about the big plant you have (with the wide, bananaplant-like
leaves) – what is it, it’s gorgeous!? Am looking for a
statement/sculptural plant for my living room, and this one looks
perfect!
It’s called a Bird of Paradise and its so so easy to keep this one alive so I recommend! 🙂
These are such great tips, I can’t wait to try them in my soon to be uni room, which is very small! This is going to be so useful. Thanks so much!
Holly
The Art of Being Holly
That sounds so good I am so excited for you. x
I love how you’ve struck the perfect balance of minimalism + decoration. It looks awesome! I’m definitely going to take some of these tips for decorating my tiny dorm room!
xx Pia
http://gymbagsandjetlags.com
Yep it’s a tricky one to master but I feel like you need to find a balance in a small space.
Love the mirror! That’s a great trick that I should use.
http://www.shessobright.com
You definitely should 🙂
My fiance has been so anti-mirror when decorating before since he thinks they look silly (they don’t, haha). I’ve excited for our move coming because I’ll be able to set up a space with a few nice ones!
https://thismisscooks.wordpress.com/2017/06/15/moving-and-minimalism/
The bigger the better I say! 🙂
I’ve heard that mirrors and greenery really does wonders in making a living space look and feel more spacious! <3 🙂 Your home is so pretty! I love it so much! Would love to see more interior decorating posts!
XO, Elizabeth T.
http://clothestoyouuu.com/
Got some seriously good content coming for you soon! x
This is just absolutely stunning! Thank you so much for sharing. I am about to move apartments and I CAN’T WAIT to use this for some inspiration!
Lauren xx
Yay I am so happy you like it! x
Cute place! We don’t have H&M Home where I live, so I’m going to check it out (online). I’m always intrigued by what I can’t see, e.g. the large plant and shelves that are reflected in the mirror–I’m assuming that’s where your kitchen area begins.
I’ve found that putting a footstool in front of a chair is just as comfy as a lounge chair, and you can use the footstool as a side table or additional seating when you aren’t lounging.
Hahahaha I am a bit the same, but I am going to be doing (tiny) house tour soon so stay tuned! Yep I agree completely about the foot stool.
Love this 😀 i’m trying to make my living room better. it’s so dark and boring atm.
It’s so easy to take it up a notch, and needn’t be too expensive either!
Nice for the picture, for real life…too many cactus on the tables and everywhere!!!
Such a beautiful post! I love your style and eye for design! Where did you find that sofa? I love the color / texture of it and am having a hard time finding something similar. Thanks! <3
I love the style of this interior. Ideas are great! I live in small flat and I should change this without ruin walls 😀