Designing and decorating a small space can be difficult, and without the right knowledge, it’s easy to make mistakes that can make your home look cramped and cluttered.
And to address your worries and concerns, we have published this blog post highlighting nine common (and serious) mistakes that people make when designing small spaces. We will also show you how to avoid/fix them.
From not planning the design adequately to choosing the wrong colours and neglecting storage & lighting…
We will cover everything you need to know to create a stylish, functional, and inviting living space, no matter how limited your area may be.
Inadequate planning
When it comes to designing a small space, planning is key. Inadequate planning is one of the biggest mistakes people make, and it can lead to a cluttered, disorganised, and uninviting space.
With limited space, it’s important to be creative and find innovative ways to make the most of what you have. In fact innovative planning is clearly mentioned in this Architectural Digest article on small apartments in Paris.
Before you start placing furniture and decor randomly, take the time to create a floor plan and sketch out what you want to keep in the room.
This will help you visualise the space and make sure everything fits in without feeling cramped.
Additionally, consider investing in compact or multi-use furniture to maximise your space. With careful planning, even the smallest of spaces can be stylish and functional.
Wondering how to plan for or select multi-use furniture? Don’t worry; we will discuss that in this post itself!
Not designing the correct layout
The layout you choose should not only fit your lifestyle but also improve it.
To avoid mistakes, take time to think about the natural flow through the rooms. Consider how people will move through the space and ask yourself if every door is necessary.
The flow (the term we interior designers use for people moving around the house) depends on the available space. So, how do you plan to use it, and how often?
Where do you want people to gather? Will you entertain guests in the space? Will it be used for work?
Make sure that your design allows everyone to move around freely without any obstacles or inconvenience.
Clear away the clutter
Keeping your room clutter-free is essential for a successful and stylish design. Clutter can make a small space feel even more cramped and overwhelming.
To make your room look larger, it’s important to clear away clutter from surface areas. But also, do remember that some small and useful items will always need to be stored somewhere.
To tackle this problem, consider creating small storage areas that are both practical and add style to your home.
You can use roomier pieces like library cabinets or even small items like biscuit tins to squeeze into a corner.
This may seem unimportant, but clutter-free design is a key suggestion in small house decoration.
Poor storage planning
In a small-sized apartment, you need to maximise storage capacity to keep things organised and out of sight.
Not considering storage needs right from the design-planning stage can cause chaos and clutter later on.
Effective storage solutions can give the apartment a calm look and provide display space, while being stylish.
Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to storage, such as using unusual furniture pieces or utilising nooks and niches in the room.
Built-in cabinetry can also be a smart investment that adds value to your property and personalises your living space.
Forgetting to design for adequate lighting
Designing a small space is not just about selecting furniture; lighting also plays a crucial role. Adequate lighting can make a small room appear more spacious and inviting.
You should utilise both natural and artificial lighting for the room’s design.
Have an optimum number of windows to allow for maximum sunlight to enter and illuminate the room.
And place mirrors opposite windows to reflect natural light and make the room brighter. Incidentally, using mirrors is a key small house design hack.
In addition, invest in various lighting fixtures such as floor lamps and table lamps to add more light to your space.
Don’t forget that lighting fixtures come in many different shapes and sizes, so select ones that complement your room’s overall design.
Avoiding multi-use furniture
Instead of buying separate pieces for different purposes, look for furniture that serves multiple functions.
Ottomans with built-in storage and sofa-cum-beds are excellent examples.
Consider your lifestyle and think about how you can use furniture in multiple ways to save space.
For example, if you like to cook and entertain in the kitchen, consider getting a small portable island that can store your pots and pans and also be used as a buffet table during parties.
Excessive furniture
When designing a small space, it’s important not to overcrowd it with too much furniture. Opt for larger pieces that are simple in design, and can be used for multiple purposes.
For example, you could choose an ottoman that doubles as storage or a stool that can be used as a nightstand.
Don’t forget to create areas for people to gather and have conversations by grouping furniture together.
On the other hand, avoid pushing everything against the walls. Doing this may make the room feel cramped.
Instead, move furniture a few inches away from the walls to create a sense of depth and space.
Ignoring the flooring
Taking the focal point to your floor is a fantastic way to liven up an otherwise dull space, and the same goes for small rooms too.
Patterned floors work well in smaller spaces such as bathrooms. Where a busy pattern on a wall might be overwhelming, introducing a pattern on the floor with a mosaic tile can add interest without overwhelming the space.
Boldly patterned or brightly coloured carpets in small rooms or forgotten back stairs – they liven themselves up when you introduce something unexpected and strong.
For more insight on this, consult our article on top flooring ideas for the home.
Totally rejecting bright colours and bold designs
Room size should not determine wall colour or curtain designs. If white is your natural colour, go for it.
But if you like bold colours, don’t abandon it thinking it will look ugly in a small room. In fact, our design experience indicates that bold colours can help draw the visitor’s attention away from the limited foot area of the room.
Mistakes to avoid in small room design – main conclusions
In conclusion, designing a small space can be challenging, but with proper planning and a few smart design choices, you can make your space feel stylish, functional, and inviting.
Some of the biggest mistakes people make include inadequate planning, poor storage planning, and overcrowding the room with too much furniture.
To avoid these mistakes, take time to think about the natural flow of the room, keep it clutter-free, and invest in multi-use furniture.
Don’t forget to focus on adequate lighting and flooring, as they play an essential role in making the room feel more spacious.
With these tips, even the smallest of spaces can be transformed into a beautiful and comfortable home.
Want to design your own small room/home?
Are you looking to create a welcoming small home that reflects your personality and lifestyle?
Then, it’s time to take action with the help of Tilottoma Limited – Bangladesh’s best interior designers!
Our hassle-free design project can transform your space into a dream come true, incorporating the practical tips and design ideas outlined in this article.
Contact us today to get started and experience the joy of living in a beautifully designed space that you’ll love.
