Aug 16 2007
Early fall is one of the busiest months for interior designers to be sought by Angie's List members. In the last five years September searches for these professionals on Angie's List grew by 95 percent.
These days many homeowners have a room that seems cluttered or they think is too little to do anything with. According to a nationwide Angie's List poll, more than a quarter of respondents feel their space is too small.
"In the Angie's List poll our members said that they would like to knock out walls or add on rooms to make more space," says Angie Hicks, founder of Angie's List. "More than 40 percent are so cramped they want to relocate. For homeowners who aren't ready to go to these extremes, a visit with an interior designer may help sort through the clutter and maximize the space without breaking the budget."
Nearly half of the poll respondents reported that their living space ranges between 1,000-2,000 square-feet, and most want more space in their kitchens, bathrooms, and closets.
"Living in a small space can be quite challenging, but there are ways to make any home feel more spacious" says Hicks. "Anyone can live comfortably in a small area and stretch the square footage by making the space work."
Angie's List consulted the experts and put together 11 tips to help make the most of small spaces:
Tips for maximizing smaller spaces:
- Be cool: Light and airy colors will help small spaces feel just a bit larger. Stick to cool colors like blue and green.
- Go monochromatic: Think soothing tone-on-tone for paint techniques, fabrics, and patterns. Cream and white, icy blues, pale greens, and butter yellows are just a few of the combinations that can open up a small room.
- Keep it open: Whenever possible, arrange furnishings to open up areas of floor and avoid blocking views to windows and doors. The farther one can see into, and through, a space, the larger and more open it will seem.
- Make a match: Consider painting or staining furniture to match the walls. Even large chests and armoires will seem to melt into the background when finished in a color that's close to the wall tone. Add tone-on-tone stencil details to doors for added interest.
- Lighten up: Uncover windows and add additional light fixtures to avoid dark, dreary corners. Brighter spaces will automatically make the room feel larger.
- Clear the table: Bring in some see-through style by using glass tables. They'll provide useful surfaces as dining or end tables, yet practically disappear in a visual perception of the room.
- Two-in-one: Maximize space with furniture that serves multiple functions. Some headboards double as bookshelves, for example - or try an ottoman with built-in storage space, which can also function as a coffee table.
- Livin' large: A few larger pieces of furniture will reduce the visual clutter that can result from several smaller items. Stick with simple lines and shapes to create a sense of calm and space. Avoid small artwork. Larger pieces can make the space feel larger.
- Keep it simple: Cover sofas and chairs with plain or textured upholstery rather than vibrant prints. Neutral tones in lighter colors will usually make a room feel larger.
- Reflect your style: Add sparkle and reflection to the space with mirrors. Place mirrors on a wall opposite the windows to increase light and reflect outside scenery.
Go to great heights: Take advantage of the height in your room. Install shelves all the way up to the ceiling.
Angie's List Poll Results:
74% Have 1,000-3,000 square feet of living space
44% Would like more space in their home
37% Would move to a different home to add more space
*2,148 Angie's List members took our poll. Responses are representative of Angie's List members, but not the general public.