Interior Design for Small Homes: How to Make Your Space Feel Larger

According to the current state of housing, in 2019 the average constructed area nationwide for each home was approximately 81 m2, however, entities such as Quintana Roo averaged 65 square meters.[1]Years later, the decrease in housing production has forced the majority of Mexicans to self-build or adapt their interiors in increasingly smaller spaces.

Projection

At the same time, interior design trends focus on the mental health of the individual and with the pandemic and economic recession, consumerism and the lack of resources to buy more things are faced, in addition to the fact that more and more people have been aware of the importance of improving their spaces.

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The interior design in these spaces seems like a great challenge, when seeking to create a larger and more welcoming environment. Fortunately, there are some Tips that I offer my clients to maximize those difficult areas that at times leave us procrastinating without knowing where to start, so I present the following ideas:

Always choose light colors.Using white, beige or light gray on walls and furniture can create a feeling that the space is larger and brighter. Especially white is the best option if you look at my projects, since it creates spaciousness and cleanliness, but you can also use light blue or pastel colors to make the place feel more relaxed and welcoming.

Look for minimalism.The goal is to make your home look bigger and it is advisable to reduce visual noise by eliminating unnecessary objects that do not add value to your life, such as excessive decorations, Christmas or party atmospheres, bulky furniture and old objects. Try to keep your space clean and tidy so it feels more relaxed.

Use smooth materials on the floor. Avoid carpets and rugs (more so if you have pets) that sometimes make the space look smaller and cluttered, opt instead for smooth floors such as wood or ceramic to help improve that appreciation of spaciousness. You can currently purchase these materials at affordable prices and they will give a formidable appearance.

Add some shelves. I do not recommend filling the walls with books, plants and other decorative objects, instead install them on those walls where you perceive that there is a lack of visual balance on the wall, in addition to maximizing the vertical space of your home, eliminating clutter.

Hide the cables. Plugs and cables can be imperceptible until you hide them and appreciate their absence, since their excess becomes a visual obstacle in a small space. You can find several products on Amazon to handle and keep out of sight, although you can also organize them in small containers for easy access in case you want to carry a device.

Make the most of your windows. They are the best source of light in the home and ventilation is an important feature in living spaces. Try to use minimalist curtains that isolate noise and heat, as well as light-colored blinds that are very simple, so you will always have a fresh and illuminated environment.

Dedicate each space for a specific activity. Avoid combining your sleeping space in your office or having several spaces or corners for different uses or activities. It is always better to dedicate each square meter to one thing to have your space defined and organized to focus on a specific activity, for example, a wall dedicated to your canteen or some hobbies and in a corner a reading area away from your workspace.

Avoid repetitive objects. At some point they look good, but having collections or souvenirs with repetitive elements can overwhelm you with so much information, better opt for simple objects that complement your decoration, creating greater calm and serenity in your home; or dedicate a specific space for it.

Do not fill the compartments you buy. Sometimes the solution becomes part of the problem, as we hold onto memories and things we bought and no longer like. To stay organized you always have to use the compartments and drawers to store belongings that you really need or items that you will use in the next season.

Rearrange furniture to create new spaces. It sounds very simple, but it is powerful as its placement can make a space feel larger and more open. Also search the internet for multifunctional furniture such as beds with drawers or sofa beds for your family members who stay sometimes, you always have to be creative and experiment with accommodations that fit you perfectly.

Finally, times of recession are coming, coupled with rising prices due to inflation and other international events that affect the entire world, so some changes in the design will be somewhat drastic and apparently discouraging, but with these adjustments you will be able to adapt without sacrificing your budget to maximize your interior spaces and feel in the space you deserve.

I hope this blog has been useful and you enjoy the content I publish on my social media, and for any proposal to help the community you can make it in the comments, there are always new ideas and great Tips. For any information you can write to me and I will offer you a dedicated solution together with my team of consultants.

Manuel Elihu

[1]Federal, S. H. (s. f.). Current State of Housing in Mexico EAVM 2019. gob.mx. p.58.https://www.gob.mx/shf/documentos/86069consulted on February 16, 2023.