How to make your home look bigger: Simple changes for more space

It may not be possible to add square footage to your house, but you can create the illusion of more space. A few home design hacks can make any room feel open and airy, and they don't have to be drastic or expensive.

The vertical power play 

Maximising vertical dimensions in any room instantly elevates the visual appeal and creates the illusion of height. When your eye looks up further, your room instantly feels more expansive. Here are some ways you can incorporate vertical elements into your design to make your home look bigger:  

• Floor-to-ceiling furniture: Tall bookcases, cabinets and wardrobes fitted into alcoves beside a fireplace serve a dual purpose. They draw your eye upwards and provide extra storage.
• Cascading plants: Hanging various plants from your ceiling also draws the eyes up, while adding greenery and atmosphere.
• Lighting levels: Lighting makes all the difference, particularly when there are multiple sources at various heights. To further enhance the impact, try mixing floor lamps with table lamps for a cosy look.
• Varying furniture height: Mixing low-profile furniture, like couches or coffee tables, with big, bold wall art or paintings can make a space feel large by catching the eye at varying spots around a room.

Mastering the monochromatic

Colour-drenching is a home design hack that involves painting your walls, ceiling, woodwork, radiators, maybe even décor and furniture in one colour. It might seem like this would close off the space, but it does the opposite. By creating a seamless look that blurs the corners of the room, your eyes won’t stop on any one element, harnessing a sense of fluidity.

Colour-drenched, monochromatic rooms don't have to be limited to light or neutral tones. It's a versatile trend to make a small home look bigger, which you can personalise to suit your tastes. There are wonderful examples of interior designers using both lighter, neutral shades like whites and pastels, but also darker tones. For example, bold colours like plum or butter yellow have a dramatic, unique effect. If you choose darker tones, balance them with plenty of light sources and light fabrics, such as sheer curtains, to keep the room feeling inviting.

Embrace floating furniture

Floating furniture is an excellent way to create a sense of dynamism and make any room in your home look bigger. By keeping furniture slightly off the floor, you allow the eye to travel through the room without interruption, making the space feel bigger and less cluttered.

·         Floating media units help eliminate cable clutter, are safer, and offer a sleek and minimalist look.

·         Furniture with exposed legs, including couches, chairs, and even cabinets, shows more floor, making the space feel airier.

·         Slimline storage options, like floating shelves to store books and trinkets, are essential to maintain an open space.

Strategic mirror placement 

Compact spaces in your home can look bigger when you strategically place reflective surfaces. Mirrors are the easiest way to achieve this, as they bounce natural light back into a room, instantly making the space brighter. Consider using one oversized mirror on a feature wall to extend the space.

If you're looking to elevate the design further, mirrored furniture can be a sophisticated solution. Pieces like mirrored fitted wardrobes, coffee tables, dining tables and cabinets can blend seamlessly into the background, allowing the eye to travel freely across the room. For a contemporary twist, opt for glossy materials or tinted glass furniture, which can achieve a similar reflective effect without the traditional mirror finish.

Unlock more space with Hammonds today

If you're ready to optimise and open your space using these home design hacks, book a free design visit with Hammonds. Our expert team can help transform any space to improve the aesthetics and functionality of your home.