Making the Most of Your Cozy Abode: Designer Tips for Small Space Living

The trend is undeniable: our living spaces are shrinking. Whether you’re navigating the rental market or have finally secured your first home, you’ve likely noticed that square footage doesn’t stretch as far as it used to. According to recent data, the average size of new single-unit homes constructed in 2024 has decreased by a significant 11.6 percent. Consider this: in 2023, homebuyers were purchasing homes that were approximately 200 square feet smaller than homes purchased just two decades prior. Adding insult to injury, the cost per square foot is steadily rising, with median home prices experiencing a 3 percent increase from the previous year.

This downsizing trend extends to the rental market as well. While apartment construction has seen a surge, surpassing 500,000 units for the first time, the average size of these new apartments is also experiencing a squeeze. Although apartment sizes increased slightly in 2024, averaging around 916 square feet nationwide, the reality remains: we’re getting less property for our money.

However, don’t despair! Just because your space is compact doesn’t mean it can’t feel spacious, stylish, and comfortable. With a little creativity and some clever design tricks, you can transform your small living area into a haven that feels both grand and inviting. Whether you’re a renter with limited modification options or a homeowner operating on a tight budget, there are numerous ways to maximize your space and create an environment you’ll love.

Here are several designer-approved strategies to upgrade your small space without breaking the bank:

Embrace the Power of Light

One of the most effective ways to visually expand a small space is to maximize its brightness. A well-lit room instantly feels more open and airy. Julia Kleyman, a kitchen and bathroom designer at Ulrich, Inc., recommends incorporating hidden light sources to create a soft, ambient glow. Consider installing under-cabinet lighting in your kitchen or below vanities in your bathroom. This indirect lighting reflects off surfaces, creating a sense of depth and spaciousness.

In addition to hidden lighting, Kleyman suggests adding decorative fixtures like chandeliers or sconces. These elements not only provide illumination but also serve as stylish focal points, elevating the overall aesthetic of the room. Opt for these over harsh, direct light sources that can make a small space feel even more confined.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall (and Everywhere Else!)

Mirrors are a small space’s best friend. Amanda Scotto, CEO and principal designer of AMA Designs and Interiors, emphasizes the transformative power of mirrors in bouncing light around the room, creating the illusion of more space and adding visual dimension. Strategically placed mirrors can significantly expand the perceived size of a room.

Consider placing a large mirror on a wall opposite a window to reflect natural light and create a sense of depth. Alternatively, use multiple smaller mirrors to create a gallery wall or to highlight specific features of the room.

Accessorize with Intention

While minimalism is often associated with small spaces, adding personality and character is crucial to making a room feel like home. Scotto recommends accessorizing in groupings, particularly in odd numbers like three. This creates visual interest without overwhelming the space.

Bookcases can be a design challenge in small spaces. To prevent them from feeling cluttered, Scotto suggests grouping books by color or height. This creates a sense of order and visual harmony, allowing the eye to rest and preventing the bookcase from feeling overwhelming.

Paint Your Way to a Larger Space

Paint is a simple, affordable, and highly effective tool for transforming a small space. Michal Rubin, principal designer of MR Interiors, advocates for using light colors and pastel tones to complement small rooms. Mint greens, light grays, and light yellows are excellent choices for creating the illusion of a larger space. These colors reflect light and create a sense of airiness.

Scotto suggests accenting a focal wall with a slightly darker shade or a different color altogether. This can make the wall recede visually, creating the illusion of more depth in the room.

Beyond color, the finish of the paint can also impact the perceived size of the space. Scotto recommends experimenting with paint finish, particularly on the ceiling. Instead of using an ultra-flat finish, consider a lacquered finish. A glossy ceiling reflects both natural and artificial light, creating the illusion of a larger space. However, be aware that lacquered ceilings require professional application, as the high gloss tends to reveal imperfections. Thorough prep work is essential to achieve a flawless finish.

Wallpaper Wonders

Wallpaper is another powerful tool for visually expanding a small space. Contrary to popular belief, busy patterns, such as fun prints and all-over florals, can actually make small rooms feel larger. The intricate designs create a sense of depth and visual interest, drawing the eye and making the space feel more expansive.

For renters who are restricted from making permanent changes to their walls, peel-and-stick wallpaper is an excellent option. These removable wallpapers are easy to apply and remove, allowing you to add personality and style to your rental without damaging the walls.

Furniture Finesse: Size and Placement Matters

When furnishing a small space, the size and bulk of the furniture are more important than the style or material. Rubin emphasizes the importance of avoiding bulky items and overcrowding the room. Choose furniture that is proportionate to the size of the space and avoid filling it with too many pieces.

Scotto suggests opting for a sofa over a sectional, as a sectional can dominate a small living room. She also advises against cluttering the room with unnecessary furniture. Be mindful of the space you have and edit out items that are not essential. For example, a small living room may not need a sofa, two chairs, a coffee table, a side table, and an area rug.

The placement of furniture is just as important as the size. Scotto recommends arranging furniture with the largest piece as the focal point of the room, facing the entryway. This creates a sense of openness and welcomes you into the space. Conversely, seeing the back of a sofa or bed upon entering a room can make the space feel closed off.

Pulling furniture a few inches away from the wall, rather than positioning it directly against it, can also create the illusion of a larger space. While it may seem counterintuitive, this technique allows for better airflow and creates a sense of depth.

For bathrooms, Kleyman recommends using a wall-hung vanity. This allows you to see more of the floor, creating the illusion of a larger space. An open console holding the sink can also help to prevent the space from feeling cramped.