Apartment living in small cities can be tough, especially when it comes to deciding on home decor. Decorating small spaces can seem like a huge challenge, with so many deliverables – you need to fit a lot, but the room shouldn’t feel overcrowded; You want diverse decor elements but don’t want a stuffy feel; And you definitely don’t want a cluttered space.
Is it even possible to solve the space-versus-style conundrum? Whether you’re starting out with a tiny rental home or have moved into a tiny apartment, there’s no need to dream big when it comes to styling your rooms. let’s get started.
let there be light
A lack of lighting damages any type of residential property, but it can wreak havoc in small spaces, leaving them feeling dark and dingy. If windows are small and natural light is scarce, add lots of light sources to each room. The combination of a variety of lighting – ambient, task and accent – ensures that the space is cozy, bright and inviting, by turns. “In a small living room or bedroom, I always suggest eye-catching ceiling fixtures such as a chandelier or a series of pendants with table or floor lamps to create a cozy and bright environment. Of course, white task lighting is a must when you need to There is a need to take out your laptop or do some brief reading,” says Kolkata-based interior designer Arushi Mittal.
use reflective material
Light is in, but use reflective materials thoughtfully to maximize it and make your room appear larger. Lacquered walls or furniture, shiny tiles, and mirrors reflect and create a maximum effect by bouncing light and making the room airier and more inviting. “A large mirrored wall works well, if your apartment allows for a mirror to be affixed to a dead wall. Or, try placing a statement mirror right in front of a window. It reflects natural light coming in.” , doubles it and makes the room feel spacious,” suggests Mittal.
choose things wisely
Rukmini Ray Kadam, who has mastered the art of small-apartment living and runs the popular decor blog TrueMatter, says the No. 1 trick when creating a tiny home is choosing things that are both “attractive and purposeful.” “A large vase sitting there doing nothing might not be a very good idea,” she suggests, adding that every day, functional things should be purchased with thought and intention. “It’s also because many of the things we use every day in small spaces are in plain sight. For example, a water carafe, a vase, a broom, a bucket – all of these can be found in your home. Can be chosen to add beauty,” says Kadam.
shrink your furniture
A small room should naturally translate to smaller furniture to ensure it doesn’t become claustrophobic. Instead of a large rectangular dining table, get a smaller one. “A smaller round table works better because it fits better in the space and offers extra legroom. It also looks casual and attractive, cafe style,” says Mittal. Other tips: To increase space Use a day bed in the guest room, buy poufs that can serve as coffee tables and extra seating, use the dining table as your work desk, add shelving to end tables to store books. Integrate drapery. “Replacing heavy drapes with streamlined Roman blinds or roller shades can increase the sense of space. Or use sheer ones,” says Mittal.
search storage
The more we have, the more we need storage. But a small apartment means less storage. Maximize the storage in your rooms by investing in storage items. “From sofas to ottomans and bedding, get everything with storage. They’re perfect for putting away linens and other things you don’t need on a daily basis. Use baskets and boxes for your knick-knacks and other small items. Stow away things in a wicker basket on top of your wardrobe or under your desk. They look good and will store your things with ease and style,” suggests Kadam.
color it right
When you think of small rooms, logic tells you to go inside with white. But a small space doesn’t have to translate to myriad shades of white. Experimenting with colors—light, pastel, deep, jewel, and others—can make your spaces bold and don’t overwhelm the apartment’s size. “The statement that lighter colors work better is a myth. Dark colors can look equally good in small spaces if used correctly. But I suggest darkening the entire room, not just one wall. A completely dark room doesn’t restrict your vision, which makes the room look bigger. It’s the same with all-white rooms; That’s why they look bigger,” says Kadam.
clean all surfaces
Kitchen and bathroom counters, dining and coffee tables, nightstands and end tables… a look around the house will reveal that nearly every flat surface is a clutter magnet. It might be serving a purpose by storing your toiletries, makeup, jewellery, spices, sauces and files, but all this clutter affects the visual space in your rooms. It also makes finding things difficult and time consuming. To ensure long-term success in keeping all flat surfaces clutter-free, it’s important to have a place for everything — a place that’s almost as easily accessible as the counter. Invest in boxes, tote bags, hooks, baskets, and ceramic dishes to keep clutter under control.
put down a rug
A rug can meet the needs of every room, tying all the furniture and artwork together. Don’t be shy about them if your room is small; Make them work smartly. That said, one large area rug works way better than several smaller ones—and makes a room feel larger. Texture and pattern add visual interest but tone them down so the room doesn’t feel overwhelmed. “Make sure the rug fits the room well; Too small or too large and it will defeat the purpose. Center the rug in the room, and leave anywhere between 8 and 18 inches on each side,” suggests Mittal.