Make a small room feel BIG!

Hi , Happy Saturday!

I’m SO looking forward to the weekend! I had horrible flu at the start of the week which really knocked me for six, I’m not very good at slowing down at the best of times but I really had to this week. Thankfully I seem to be over the worst of it and am now back to my desk properly. Hopefully none of you had the same?

Bring on the Halloween Special of Strictly and Bonfire Night! (If you’re not from the UK you probably thing I’m going totally mad…

This week, let's dive into a topic many of us face: how to make a small bedroom feel and look bigger:

1. Prioritize Smart Storage

In small rooms, storage is essential. The key is to keep everything organized without overwhelming the space. Think about what you truly need in your bedroom. For primary bedrooms, opt for built-in storage around the bed. This could include bedside tables as part of a headboard feature or clever joinery that utilises vertical space.

For smaller guest or children’s rooms, built-in storage solutions (like alcoves and storage beds) are effective and add character to the room.

2. Play with Color

There are two approaches to colouring a small space:

• Go Dark: Embrace a dark, cosy colour palette to make the room feel intentional.

• Blend Ceilings and Walls: For a cohesive look and greater sense of space, paint the ceiling and walls the same colour. This tricks the eye into seeing a higher ceiling, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness.

• Colour drench: even better is to colour drench the entire space, including woodwork, in the same colour.

The worst thing you can do for a small space, particularly one with little natural light, is paint it a stark white in the hope it’ll make the room feel bigger. It won’t, it will feel a bit flat and cold.

Some of my favourite colours for small spaces are Mouses Back by Farrow & Ball, Green 05 by Lick and Petticoat Lane by Coat.

3. Select Proportionate Furniture

Opt for furniture that complements the room’s size. For example, a bed that fits comfortably, leaving around 500mm (about 20 inches) on each side, ensures easy movement. Space is a luxury, so leave enough room to walk freely around the bed and other furniture pieces.

4. Think About Window Treatments

Curtains and blinds can make or break a small room. By mounting curtain poles as close to the ceiling as possible, you draw the eye up, creating an illusion of height. Avoid bulky curtains if floor space is limited. Instead, try blinds mounted outside the window recess for added height or even a pelmet to hide the blinds when rolled up.

5. Choose Ambient Lighting

Lighting sets the tone. In small bedrooms, aim for warm, inviting light sources. Avoid harsh overhead lighting; instead, layer ambient and task lighting with bedside lamps or wall sconces. The cozy glow makes a small bedroom feel intentional and comfortable.

I hope you found that helpful. If you need more help with the design of your space, I have some availability for consultations in November and plenty of availability in December.

Have a lovely weekend!