Regardless of the size of the home you live in, we all find ourselves searching for a little more space. You may be in need of additional storage to house all your belongings, or simply want a room to visually appear larger in scale. Either way, there are some clever ways that can make your interior feel less claustrophobic and much larger than it really is.

1. Declutter the space

Nothing can make a space feel more overly restrictive than one packed to the brim with stuff. Books, vases, candles, furniture, toys and pictures are just some of the items that seem to creep into our living spaces and take over. Think about what you really use in the space, against what is just collecting dust and taking up precious floor or surface area. Start paring back your interior and getting rid of the things you don’t use, or hiding nonessential items in units like our Jorma chest of drawers. These little sacrifices can go a long way into creating more space in your home.

2. Use larger furniture

It sounds contradictory, but putting large-scale furniture in your space will actually make the space feel bigger. Be concise about your selection and reduce the amount of furnishings you put in a room to avoid overcrowding with little pieces. Furniture designed with exposed legs, like our Gwyneth customizable sideboard will also provide the illusion of more space rather than items that are boxy and sit flat on the ground.

3. Trick the eye

Hanging mirrors in your interior can really make the room feel more spacious by reflecting light and making the walls feel less imposing and solid. Hanging a mirror adjacent to a window is the ideal way of reflecting light which will add to the feeling of space.

4. Make the furniture work for you

When you have limited space, it is important to make the furniture functional and work extra hard for you. Select items that are multi-purpose or maximise their storage capability. Our Jason danish style coffee table is a perfect example of a furniture piece that is functional, but also provides storage without taking up any more precious floor space.

5. Use paint as camouflage and for visual coherence

Paint is an inexpensive way to change the appearance of space and also provide the illusion of extra room. Using shades of the same colour from the walls down to the furniture items and accessories, such as cushions or rugs, can make the space feel more open. Large pieces of furniture in the same colour as the walls can also camouflage the item, making it appear less imposing. Don’t be afraid to select a bold, dark colour either. While a white interior does amplify light, a bold colour can make a statement!

6. Ditch the overhead lights

Not only do dark rooms make your space appear smaller, but harsh overhead lighting that exposes the space in its entirety can also impact the room’s spaciousness. Avoid using the built-in lighting and instead opt for smaller lamps or overhead pendants like the Teagan that highlight specific areas and draw your eye around room.

7. Don’t clutter your wall space

Artwork is an ideal way to display your personality and add interest to your room. Too many pieces though can make the space feel busy and an over sized piece can be too dramatic. Be careful to select pieces that complement your space size. Allow for breathing room on either side of the artwork, and don’t be afraid to opt for a bold piece that will stand out.

While an interior that is cosy and feels like home is nice, it can sometimes feel more claustrophobic and overcrowded than you would like. Today, space is at a premium so it’s worth taking the time to be selective about your furniture pieces and decorating choices to maximise its potential.