Dear Alice | 7 Tips to Transform a Small Space (and make it seem bigger)

This week on Dear Alice, we’re talking about how to make small spaces seem bigger. We have a lot of space expanding tricks we want to share with you! A small space can be cozy and inviting. We want to help you transform these spaces into something really idyllic.

1. COLOR

Some people say to make a space feel larger to paint it white. And it’s true, especially for those public spaces like the kitchen and living room. A trick is to paint the trim, walls and even floors all the same white. Suz used a satin white on her walls and her 8’ ceilings when she painted her space. By keeping the color consistent on the walls and running it along to the ceiling your eye doesn’t see a line. Suz also did the same thing in her bedroom, but in color. The color helps to express personality. She did the same thing for her boys room. She did the walls and the ceiling the same color. And then went a bit darker on the trim. Look a the pockets and where we can add color. The powder room, the dining room those are great spots to add color. You will expand it and make it feel larger by treating the walls, ceiling and trim as the same thing. It’s space expanding and uniforming so other things can shine like art and rugs.

Pro Tip: Whatever color you paint your ceiling it will darken automatically because of the plain it’s on.

2. SCALE

Go bigger! You’re going want to use bigger pieces than you think to make your home feel generous. Smaller furniture pieces tend to be on legs. Too many legs make a room feel nervous. If you do have something up on legs make sure the piece next to it has a lot of gravity.

Rugs: Use a large rug. Jess recommends at least a 10x10 rug. Go big. Do not get a 5x7 rug for a 10x10 room. Even if you have carpet, you need a rug.

Art: Large art will also help your room feel really big. Make sure it’s exaggerated. It’s a grand gesture to go big.

Lighting: When those ceiling lights are off and the lamps are on, that’s when you’re going to get that cozy cottage feel. Don’t forget to use a dimmer. Pay attention to the high of the lamp. A good size is 30” and pretty magical when the ceiling lights are off. Or incorporate a great chandelier, if your rooms aren’t tall then a fun trick is to use a wide semi-flush mount chandelier. It can be opinionated as much as you want and it doesn’t matter how small your space is.

3. Mirrors

Mirrors are a space expanding trick. they are going to bounce the light around and make the room feel bigger. It also makes it feel like another window depending on where it is.

4. Draw your Eyes Upward

Drapes: Hanging drapes all the way to the top of a low ceiling really pulls the eye up and makes the room feel really tall. Put that rod as close to the ceiling as you can.

5. Natural Light

In a small space hopefully you do have a window to help you out. Natural light will make the room feel bigger. Take the shutters off. Let the natural light shine and let it stream in. If you don’t have windows use lamps or chandeliers. Incorporate mirrors and let the light bounce around. Light is one of your best friends to make a space feel magical.

6. Pattern

Pattern can be a space expanding trick. We mean by laying your floors on a diagonal in small entryways. Something about those diagonal lines make the eye feel like it’s a bigger space. It’s such a cool mood and so unique.

Pro Tip: If you do hardwood flooring it does require 10-15% more material so make sure to keep that in mind when planning.

Any questions or podcast ideas? Email us at dearalice@alicelanehome.com we love hearing from you!