Micro-living and downsizing have become popular trends as people seek to simplify their lives and live with less and in smaller spaces.

Smaller homes offer many advantages. For instance, they are less expensive, operate more efficiently, and require less cleaning. In addition, it is easier to furnish and decorate smaller spaces, and they also tend to feel more homely.

While there are many benefits, nobody likes feeling cramped – especially in their own home. Fortunately, there are ways you can open your space right up and make your downsized property feel like a spacious home.

The Wall is a Great Place to Hang Things

Your room will feel much larger and more spacious if your floor is kept as clear as possible. 

Mount what you can to the walls and use them to your advantage. For example, you can hang shelves, bedside tables, lamps, televisions, consoles and more on the wall, thereby freeing up floor space and brightening your interior. You can even look at wall mounted electric heaters to save space without sacrificing comfort.

Just ensure you consult the experts for your mounting to ensure it is strong enough to support the furniture for safety reasons.

Mirrors can be used strategically

Reflect as much light as possible through mirrors located opposite windows. When you have large walls, you can assemble a gallery wall of mirrors of various sizes, which will add an eclectic touch. Another great trick is strategically placing a mirror at the end of a tight hallway to make it seem larger.

Trim Any Foliage Blocking Windows

You can restore your view of the outdoors by trimming back low-hanging branches and overgrown hedges that block sunlight from coming in. You should also consider how your new plantings will look when fully grown, not just how they look at the nursery, whenever you change up the landscaping around the exterior of your home.

Remove Your Curtains

It’s all about tricking the eye, as we learned when we looked at mirrors. Although they don’t cover the entire window, curtains prevent the eye from taking in the view outside. Plus, they make rooms look crowded. Doing away with curtains makes rooms appear larger and more spacious. Consider lightweight mesh or cloth blinds or shutters if you want privacy.

Get Rid of All the Clutter

Overloading a small space is one of the fastest ways to make it feel cramped. Decluttering in stages is the most effective way to make it easier. Before moving on to the next, concentrate on completing one room, one space, or even one part of a room (such as your kitchen cabinets). Your confidence will also grow as you see tangible results. Having things neatly arranged out of sight will make the surrounding space appear spacious and open. You can even get inspiration from Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix.

Move Furniture Away From Walkways

If furniture blocks the view into a room, it will appear cramped. You can open up a room by moving furniture away from walkways and entrances. Choosing short pieces of furniture like ottomans, armless open chairs, or low tables instead of placing large pieces around the room will heighten the overall aesthetic of the living area. It will appear to be larger because you can see more of the floor.

Establish a Focal Point

You can make a room look bigger by establishing a focal point – an area or feature that draws the eye. A dining room table or your bed in the bedroom are great examples. To successfully trick the eye and make a space look more extensive, you need to ensure that the focal point is the room’s star. Organize the furniture so that attention is drawn to that area, and limit the number of accessories and décor in the rest of the room.