Just because you live in small apartment, like most urban people, does not mean that you have to cramp your style. Here’re a few tips and tricks to work your space-starved pad to your advantage.
Furniture
“To make any room spacious, think about your furniture differently. Would folding chairs suffice? Use a bedside shelf for a table to open up visual space while keeping the functionality intact. Consider a rolling table, instead of a stationary one and a compact bed instead of a poster bed. Also, furniture with storage works well,” says Shagufta Anurag, the Chief Design Evangelist and co-founder of Livspace
Furnishings
“Curtains and drapes should be of a single colour with a textured weave or self design. Avoid large prints or patterns that make rooms seem smaller. Sheers can also be used in a second layer in a neutral shade to allow natural light in whilst ensuring privacy. Do adding more than two to three cushions in a small room as they lead to clutter. Rugs should be small accents and in not more than two colours,” says Sonia Mohindra, director, Under One Roof Hotel Consultants and UOR Design.
Colour and light
“Clever use of paint can widen out the rooms. Use white, off-white and cream, all neutral colours. Take hints of the colour pearl and if you want to add exuberance, infuse earthy colours. If your furniture is in a blue-toned palette, the walls should be white or off-white, says Sidhant Lamba, owner of the Delhi-based interior store, Strot. The use of light in a small living room is crucial. Sidhant advises that one use daylight lighting or LED lighting. White or light coloured walls will reflect light.