Here at LKRE, we see it all when it comes to home interiors. We have the pleasure of getting the inside scoop on just about every house, apartment and condo on Aquidneck Island. We see the big, the small, the perfectly appointed homes as well as some spaces that could truly use some TLC. Small spaces always prove to be a challenge when it comes to interior design. Below are some big picture tips for you to make the most of your small space whether you rent or own!

Raise ‘em Up! 

We ladies wear high heels to make us seem taller. These magical shoes make our legs look extra long and even raise the derriere a bit! Fashion has taught us that vertical lines help create the illusion of height. Now if we translate this to interior design, by hanging curtains directly where the wall meets the ceiling your apartment’s low ceilings will instantly seem higher and the whole space will feel airier.

Elongate with Stripes

Create the illusion of length by playing with pattern. Paint thick stripes up or across the walls in your hallway, living room or bedroom which will carry the eye continuously around the room instead of it getting stuck on one small detail. Be sure to accent the room with some bold, solid pieces such as a bench, carpet or art work.

Go Vertical 

In any small space, it’s important to not feel boxed in. It’s very effective to keep things low and punctuate with verticals here and there. Go vertical and use the space up to the the ceiling whenever possible – shelves and storage that have a small footprint but are tall can really help in a small space.

Paint it….White

To make your space appear larger, paint the floor WHITE. While a punch of color is nice, try to keep the rest of the space light and open with crisp, white furniture and white built-in units. Our eyes are naturally drawn to heavy patterns (i.e. rugs, dark wood floors) which can swallow up the vision. White floors give the eyes a break and instantly create an ethereal feel.

Mirror Magic 

One of the best (and easiest) tricks in the design world is adding a full-body mirror to visually expand a space. This tall mirror adds dimension to the space and makes the small bedroom below appear much larger.