How to Maximise Space in Your Home

Learning how to maximise space in your home could potentially create a more positive and balanced living environment by improving flow and functionality, enhancing comfort, and reducing stress.
 

Whether rearranging your furniture, decluttering, considering smarter storage solutions, or incorporating natural light, we speak to some experts to explore the best ways to style your home to maximise space.

Rearranging your furniture is a great place to start if you want to create an open and inviting atmosphere. Follow the principles of interior design and consider each piece's scale and proportion relative to the room size to achieve the correct balance.   

“Beyond aesthetics, a harmonious furniture layout also plays a critical role in how you navigate and utilise the space. Ensuring a natural flow through the room enhances its functionality and comfort level,” says Tina Nettlefold, interior stylist and founder of T. House. 

“Ensure furniture placement allows for easy movement and access to windows, doors, and other architectural features. By balancing functionality and aesthetics, you can create a harmonious environment that feels spacious and inviting, enhancing both the visual appeal and practicality of your living space.” 

Decluttering is also necessary to create a sense of spaciousness in the home. Sometimes, it’s simply a matter of letting go of items and considering smarter multifunctional furniture choices that serve a dual purpose. 

“Embrace a minimalist aesthetic by curating your belongings; keep only those items that serve a purpose or hold sentimental value and let go of items that no longer contribute to the overall design and functionality of the home,” continues Tina.  

“Consider investing in furniture that provides concealed storage options, such as ottomans with compartments or beds featuring built-in drawers. This approach keeps essential items easily accessible while maintaining a tidy appearance throughout your space,” she says.

Adopting a ‘one in, one out’ rule can be a great help if you find it difficult to get rid of clutter. It ensures that an item is removed for every new item introduced, helping prevent unnecessary clutter.   

“[Appoint] a dedicated donation station or bins for items you no longer need but are still in good condition. Regularly clear out items to maintain a clutter-free environment and support charitable causes.”

Smart storage solutions are also instrumental in maximising space. They can help reduce clutter, free up valuable space, and enhance organisation.

“Start by labelling and categorising all your storage areas effectively. This simple step helps you find what you need quickly and maintains order,” continues Tina. 
 

“Utilise vertical space with tall bookshelves or cabinets to draw the eye upward and create the illusion of height. Built-in storage solutions, such as understair shelving or wall-mounted racks, are a great way to maximise storage without sacrificing floor space.”

Using under-furniture storage, baskets, and bins to keep items together and exploring other vertical storage options such as shelves and hooks also helps streamline your storage system.

Maximising natural light in the home makes spaces appear more prominent and can enhance well-being, improve energy efficiency, and provide numerous health benefits. Installing larger windows, using skylights, and incorporating lighter colours can help you achieve this.
 

“Natural light plays an important role in maximising the perception of space in your home, both from a Feng Shui perspective and a practical design standpoint,” says Jane Landof of Feung Shui Concepts.

“In Feng Shui, sunlight is considered a strong source of yang energy, which brings vitality and positive energy into a space. By allowing more natural light into your home, you enhance the yang energy, which can make a room feel more lively and expansive.”

Another way to create spaciousness is to choose your colour scheme carefully. Soft whites, creams, pastels, and light greys are some neutral shades that can positively enhance the natural light available due to their reflective qualities.

“To maximise the sense of space in your home, you want to opt for light, airy colours that reflect light and create a sense of openness,” continues Jane Landof. 

“Soft neutrals like whites, creams, and light warm greys are excellent choices as they provide a clean and calm background. These colours are versatile and can easily be accented with more vibrant hues through accessories and textiles to add depth and interest without overwhelming the space.”

It’s also essential to balance the scheme by introducing accents in brighter colours that will add depth and visual interest while maintaining an airy feel.  

“Incorporating accent colours of duck egg blue and shades of green can also be beneficial,” says Jane. 

“Blue and green are generally associated with the wood and water elements in Feng Shui, promoting growth, vitality, and fluidity. They can help to create a serene and expansive environment, which is especially useful in smaller or more confined spaces.”

Using these colours strategically in your home can make the rooms feel larger and more inviting, enhancing the overall flow of energy and making the environment feel more harmonious and balanced.

Mirrors are the secret weapon for expanding space in the home. They reflect light, create the illusion of depth and can reveal items of interest hidden from view. It’s all about strategic placement and choosing the largest mirror you can afford. 

“Place mirrors strategically opposite windows or along narrow hallways to instantly expand the area,” continues Tina. 
 

“Mirrors can also be placed in narrow spaces or behind furniture not only to add a decorative touch but also to serve as focal points that enhance illumination and create a sense of spaciousness.” 

Windows can also be used to visually expand a small room by helping to draw attention outward to integrate the outdoors into your area. 

“To maximise this effect, consider leaving windows uncovered or use draperies that blend with the room's colour scheme for a seamless look.”
 

How do you maximise space in your home? Leave a comment below!
 

For further inspiration on related topics, read the following blogs:

How to Creatively Style Mirrors in Your Space 
 

6 Ways to Easily Update Your Space on a Low Budget

How to Choose Calming Colours in Interior Design