One of the main things I always run into when working with clients who have smaller spaces is, “How can I make my space feel bigger?” The truth is, there are a lot of ways to enhance a space to feel larger and maximize space in order to take your living room to the next level, and oftentimes, smaller spaces can be brimming with so much more potential than grand rooms with so much space to fill. The trick to all design is playing up every room's natural features, instead of going against them. Below are a few small living room ideas to help during these days when we’re home more than ever. Who knows, maybe this will encourage you to switch up your sofa, or introduce paint in a new way—I’m sure there is so much unrealized potential.

INTRODUCE DEPTH

Image by Humphrey Munson — *Image by* Humphrey Munson

It might seem counterintuitive to bring dark and deep colors into a small space, as everyone always opts for white or bright color palettes, but darker doesn’t really make a room feel smaller—in fact, it just gives the room purpose. If you have a pretty low-light room, introducing a darker color will help add depth to the room drawing your eyes away from the corners of the room making the space feel somewhat endless. I’d dare you to take the color all the way up onto the ceiling for a dramatic look that will help you forget just how tall your room is.

EMBRACE COZINESS

Image by Nesting with Grace — *Image by* Nesting with Grace

Small spaces are one of the best places to feel incredibly cozy. Lean into the fact that your square footage is small and create a space that is comfortable, layered, and filled to the brim with pillows, blankets, and soft furnishings. A natural, eclectic, and Hygge space is perfect for long weekends, building forts, and pillow tents with the kids.

Keep It Low

Image by Emily Farnham — *Image b*y Emily Farnham

For narrow spaces, one of the simplest ways to make a space feel endless is to optimize for long, narrow, cabinets, and low seating furniture. By keeping things fairly narrow, low, and symmetrical, you create an easy walkway, allowing your space to maximize light and emphasize ceiling height, no matter how tall they are.

*PRO TIP: If you opt for keeping things low to the grown, draw your eye up with a funky pendant or chandelier to really maximize ceiling height.

CUSTOMIZE YOUR FURNITURE

Image by Serena Mitnik-Miller — *Image by* Serena Mitnik-Miller

Some sofas can be so large and clunky with wide arms and wide backs. Instead, consider changing up the design by working with a builder and upholsterer to create a sofa that you’ll love, that will fit your space perfectly. Low profile arms in a simple wood-tone look relaxed, modern, and effortlessly chic. Also, whether or not you have room for extra seating with chairs, consider creating uniquely large floor pillows that can stack and be rearranged depending on your comfort.

FALL IN LOVE WITH MONOCHROME

Image by Block 722 — *Image by* Block 722

Sometimes, too much color can feel too overwhelming. If you are wanting a more relaxed feel, stick to a color palette of only three hues. By keeping the color simple and minimalistic, it will help your room feel less busy, and allow walls, and boundaries to blend into the background. Whether this is keeping things in shades of blue or completely neutral, the 3 color palette rule is sure to make things feel larger and more chic.

by Drew Albo

Drew Albo is an Interior Designer and the freelance Creative Director of Aby’s Upholstery

Small Changes that Make a Big Impact