By Wangeci Kanyeki
Decorating a studio apartment, campus room or a tiny house can be a huge challenge without it feeling crammed. So rather than grumble and complain about how small the house is, here are a few tips to maximise your use of space and turn it into a gem.
Furniture
Fit in furniture in proportion to the size of the room, no need buying a gigantic sofa just because you got it at a sale. Using sofas with lower back heights will provide a sense a space. If the room has a high ceiling, fit in a tall display unit or bookshelf to vary the furniture height in the room and give it a luxurious feel. Use limited furniture so that you have as much floor space as possible.
Colour
Lighter walls and lighter floors will give the room an illusion of space. To give the room some character you can accessorise with soft pastel coloured furnishings such as curtains and scatter cushions to give the space an airy feel.
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Zone up
Split the room into various functions. A studio apartment could have different segments for the reading corner, a kitchenette, bedroom and sitting area. Use furniture with dual functions such as a sofa bed, which is a seat during the day and stretches to a bed at night.
Mirrors
Use the tried and tested traditional method of installing mirrors on various walls. Mirrors reflect light and give an illusion of depth as they light up a room. Avoid placing a mirror where it will reflect clutter or an unsightly pile of gabbage from a back yard. Do not be afraid to use big mirrors in a small room.
Unclutter
Small spaces tend to get untidy much faster. Have a place for everything and unclutter the room. Having heaps of newspapers at a corner or a pile of unused books will immediately create an eyesore. Use storage containers to keep things that could easily throw your room into disarray. Have a place for everything and turn your small room into a haven.
