Create More Space in Your Home

No matter how big our homes are we always feel as though we could do with more space.

Of course although many of you may be considering adding an extension or a loft conversion, we know that sometimes there just simply isn’t the budget available to bring in the builders and have an overhaul.

Whilst we know it’s an effective way at adding more space, serious modifications can be a disruption on family life, and also take time to go through the process of planning permission.

We all want to feel comfortable in our homes, but sometimes it can become a battle with clutter more than the house itself.

So if you’re looking to make your home work harder just the way it is, we’ve come up with some simple solutions for making it feel and look larger than it really is.
Be Honest

Before you begin any kind of update on your house, take some time to be really honest with what’s in it already. Are you hoarding away things that are simply sat there collecting dust? or have you completely lost your way with what you want your house to be?

Nothing feels better than a good detox, so whatever room you need more space from start bagging up anything that’s not necessary or a family heirloom.

It may sound quite harsh, but don’t just go and dump it in another room, because then before long you’ll be needing to clear out that room as well.

Taking out all the odds and ends that don’t matter to you can clear the way for the things that do, and create more space than you can imagine.

Work Your Magic with Light

Adding mirrors and glass objects to a room will help to reflect the light and bounce it around to make your home feel lighter and more spacious.

To maximise the feeling why not swap that big picture for a beautiful large mirror?

Alternatively if you feel as though it is a very dark room, have you considered adding another window?

Many newly built houses don’t factor in the need for light in a living space. But sometimes just by adding an extra window at the other side of a room can give it the illusion of being double the size.

We’ve fitted many extra windows that have been added to banish dark rooms, and it can be a very cost effective way of updating a room without having to go into a full building project.
Don’t Hide the Light

Window coverings such as curtains can often cut off the light even when they’re open.

Although curtains add character and the feeling of comfort, they can the biggest offender when it comes to creating the feeling of space.

Without banning the curtains completely a simple trick can be to hang the curtains from the ceiling instead of hanging them from the top of the window. Plus adding draw-back ties will ensure that when you open them, the entire window is freed along with all the light.

However if you’re looking for a more minimalistic approach, blinds can be a great option at exposing more light and hiding away discreetly. The Velux blinds that we offer ensure that maximum light can filter into rooms at all times, even in the smallest spaces such as hallways.

Think Outside the Box

Whatever you do, don’t buy any storage space until you’ve decluttered and rid yourself of those dust collectors we spoke about earlier.

It’s only once you really know what you want to store that you can then purchase suitable storage especially for those items.

If they’re items that you want to use regularly but simply don’t want them on show, look into multi-purpose storage items that can hide-away your belongings but also provide another use.

For example, there’s a number of sofas that now come with hidden storage compartments where you can put your books or DVDs.

Getting clever with space like this can soon make your room feel like it’s been completely transformed.

And just think how much space you would create if you did this with every room in the house!
Decorate Accordingly

It’s true that lighter colours do give the illusion of more space, but don’t be fooled into going overboard with a tin of magnolia.

If you do your research and pick up some samples, play around with softer hues of your favourite colours. Whether it’s a duck egg blue or a light mossy green, choosing something that you like but in a lighter tone will make you enjoy the space more as well as bringing in the feeling of light.

Try to avoid any greyish chalky tones, as these can often absorb the light rather than reflect it.
Future Proof Furniture

Like we mentioned earlier if you have the ability to purchase multi-functional furniture that comes with storage it can be an added bonus for helping you add more space.

However also look at your current furniture and how much of it is dominating the space.

Is it too big? too dark? or simply in the wrong place? Is all being used?

We’re not obviously suggesting that you go out and buy a new three piece suite, but it could just be in the wrong room. Does the room you’re changing have to be a living room or could you do a bit of a room swap?

Have a play around with the furniture in your home and you could be surprised at what fits better.
Creating more space isn’t just about the need for more room, it can also bring more harmony to the home, and give you a better sense of relaxation when you walk through the door after a hard day at work.

For more tips and advice on how we can help you bring light back into your home, contact our friendly team of experts today.