Open concept floor plans are all the rage, and while some are turning to major renovations to remove load bearing walls, open doorways, and create a more open floor plan within their home, for others, it’s all about finding little tips and tricks to help make the space feel larger and more open than it truly is. Whether you are trying to stick to a budget, or rather just prefer a more DIY approach to open the space in your home, try using a few of these tricks to avoid a major renovation and still enjoy a larger and more open feeling floor plan.
Paint the Trim and Molding
An easy way to help your home feel as if it has more depth and is larger than it truly is, is to simply paint the trim and moldings a lighter color than the walls. This creates the allusion that your walls are further back than they are, thus making the room feel larger.
Light Colors
It’s all about light when it comes to how big or small a room feels. Generally lighter neutrals create a more open feeling, in additional to whites and light grey’s light blues and greens, especially if you plan to paint the molding and trim a bright white, are also great options to make the room feel more open with a simple home improvement project vs. a major renovation. Darker colors absorb light, so when trying to open a space you want to be sure to avoid all dark colored paint.
Furniture
Bulky furniture should never be used when trying to open a space or create the illusion or a larger and more open home. Instead, try to find furniture that is made for space saving, such as an expandable table for when guests visit, ottomans with storage to eliminate the need for extra shelving, etc. Likewise, in bedrooms, trundle, murphy, and sleeper sofa beds are all great options to maximize space without losing functionality.
Mirrors
Playing on depth perception is one of the easiest ways to allow a space to feel larger than it is and instead of undergoing a major renovation to knock down walls, try getting a few large statement piece mirrors to hang throughout your home. The reflections will often give off the appearance that the room is much larger than it truly is.
If you’re ready to begin your next home improvement project or major renovation, or if you have any questions regarding your next project, feel free to contact our office at any time and one of our design experts would be more than happy to assist you.