11 Clever Tricks To Make Any Space Feel Bright and Airy
Make your home lighter, brighter and bigger with these clever decorating tricks that will transform your living space.
Sunny Spot
Less weighty than curtains, blinds can make a room feel light and airy and accentuate attractive details such as sash windows or ornate architrave. Opt for a plain textured weave or a pattern that tones with soft furnishings for a contemporary look.
Dark Delights
In a room that receives plenty of natural light you can work with deeper hues to bring character and personality to the scheme. A rich forest green will reflect the colors of nature glimpsed through the window, blurring the boundary between indoors and out. Touches of yellow can be used to introduce bright color and create a stylish contrast.
"Stronger tones ground a space, while yellow conveys a warm welcome," says Charlotte Cosby, head of creative at Farrow & Ball.
Cool Coverage
Maximize the sense of space in an awkwardly shaped room such as a converted loft with a cool, tranquil paint color. Use the same shade for the walls and ceiling and include accessories in toning hues.
On The Tiles
Used in the right way, patterned tiles can be space-enhancing: geometric designs in soft, muted shades will draw the eye across the length and breadth of the space. In a kitchen or shower room, choose the same design for the walls and floor to create a wraparound effect. "A modern take on a classic tile can add a contemporary look that defines the room," says Lee Thornley of Bert & May.
Subtle Pattern
Hallways are often dark and lacking in natural light but a striking wallpaper will help make a feature of the space. "Large geometrics are on trend and angular lines and asymmetry will help the space feel bigger and create drama and impact." - Claire Vallis, Harlequin
On The Right Lines
Use bands of toning shades to give the illusion of greater height in a room with low ceilings. "To emphasize the naturally shaded lower parts of a wall, paint them in strong hues and select paler colors higher up to optimize the feeling of space," advises Ruth Mottershead, marketing director at Little Greene. Alternatively, for a softer look try an ombre effect where the color variations are very subtle and appear to fade from one to the next.
Show It Off
Arranging a collection of china in a space-saving plate rack is a neat alternative to storing them in bulky wall cupboards. "Some crockery is simply too beautiful to hide away. A plate rack is ideal for displaying favorite or most regularly used pieces while adding practical storage to your kitchen or dining room," says Lucy Uren of Rowen & Wren.
Plain And Simple
Opt for furniture in pale wood or a plain neutral finish to avoid a room feeling crowded and create a calm understated look. Add a dash of utility chic to a kitchen or dining area with a classic dresser that features closed cupboard storage at the bottom for larger items and open shelving at the top for showcasing decorative pieces.
On Reflection
Mirrors are great for making a room appear brighter because they bounce light around the space. Use an oversized design to illuminate shadowy areas and the part of the room furthest from the window, which will create the illusion the area is larger than it actually is. Lean it against the wall for a relaxed look.
Overhead Statement
Include a striking pendant light or chandelier as a focal point for your scheme as it will draw the eye upwards and add a hint of glamour. This eye-catching design in copper provides a streamlined, mid-century modern feel and works well with contemporary glass, metal furniture and pared-back accessories.
Sophisticated Sheen
Team painted wood panelling and a shimmering wallpaper to bring light and depth to your walls. For best results opt for a wallpaper textured with mica quartz crystals, which will give a soft, glittering, space-enhancing effect. Blush pinks work beautifully with pale grey shades and burnished metal accessories.
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