Whether you’re looking to increase property value for resale or create a more comfortable living environment, re-designing smaller rooms with space efficiency and tidiness in mind is an easy and cost-effective way to spruce up your home.
Re-design for added space and value – Due to the effects of inflation, rising fuel and energy bills and the cost of living crisis, the UK property market is as turbulent and competitive as ever. With increasing numbers of UK property owners and private renters living in small rooms, space is an important commodity and a driving factor in many new sales. If you’re struggling to sell your small property or you’re looking to upsize without breaking the bank, re-designing can be a cost-effective way of maximising the space and potential of rooms and small apartments.
Declutter, declutter, declutter! – Clutter accumulates quickly and can make small rooms feel cramped and chaotic. One of the easiest ways to maximise space and create the illusion of extra room is by thoroughly decluttering and throwing away any unused items – when re-designing, ensure that your room has sufficient storage space to stow away your possessions, whether that be a fitted wardrobe, an under-bed organiser, or custom storage unit. Incorporating in-built storage and regularly decluttering your home can make any small living space feel brighter, larger and more organised.
Create a focal point – When re-designing a small room, try to accentuate a specific feature or area of the space – this could be the bed, dining table, mirror, sofa, bookcase or bathtub, depending on which room of the house you’re working on. Keep other features in the space at a minimum and position any furniture so that the focal point is in full view. This can go a long way in adding order, personality and serenity to a living space.
Use neutral tones and minimal patterns – If you want to make your room appear larger, go with neutral tones when repainting and decorating. Neutral tones have a calming effect, reflect light well and can make cramped spaces feel brighter and bigger – they’ve also been proven to improve sleep quality, so are particularly useful if you’re re-designing a small bedroom. If you’re incorporating elaborative patterns or tiling into your new design, stick with a single pattern or minimal motif – overcrowded walls can reduce the sense of space.
Invest in minimal, multi-functional furniture – In the same way that your choice of decor can affect the sense of space in smaller rooms, your choice of furniture can also have a big impact – try to go with multi-purpose furniture with plenty of in-built storage and avoid large pieces that will take up precious space. Always leave space between the walls and furniture to create the illusion of extra room.
