It is no secret that extensions are not a cheap fix. In fact, for many, an extension in their home is simply not practical or financially viable.
So, with this in mind, it can be highly frustrating to want to increase the feeling of size in a room when it is physically impossible.
Some very simple tricks can be done, which are very effective at fooling the eye and making a room feel far larger than it actually is.
#1 Install large external glass doors
Of course, letting in more light will inevitably make a room feel much larger, especially when it is filled with natural light. Opening up window areas to provide larger drops or even including a large glass aluminium bifold door will undoubtedly let in more light and tie in your room with the outside world.
This tactic can also be used on internal walls. Installing internal bifold doors between rooms will create an open perspective even when the doors are closed. This is because the wall on the far side will be seen as the boundary rather than the glass wall that is being looked through.
#2 Draw the eye outside by dressing your exterior entertaining area
If you already have large external glass doors, then perhaps dressing your exterior area beyond them could help. This will again draw the eye through the glass and therefore create an illusion of space.
Setting up this area as a dining area or a lounging area with comfortable, practical furniture will make it look like a used space. While combining leafy green plants around the door area, both inside and out, will provide a natural flow and provide a point of focus. Using plants in this way can effectively extend your interior living space into your exterior one.
#3 Purchase small, slim furniture
Never underestimate what can be done with small compact furniture if chosen correctly. Small sofas can provide all of the luxuries of the large, deep ones while taking up far less room. Look to buying those with slimmer armrests and shallower seats to increase available floor space. Opting for shallow tall bookcases and units will push the walls back, especially if the furniture is light in color, and the added height will draw the eye upwards and create a feeling of space and airiness.
Again, use house plants to draw the eye to windows and corners of the room, as these will break up straight lines and fool the eye into thinking that the room is far larger than it is.
So, to wrap it all up
There is no point in getting frustrated with what you cannot do to make your rooms larger. It is instead time to focus on what you can do to create an illusion of space. Although you should declutter, you do not want your room to look sparse – as this can just make a room uncomfortable. Providing interest and different focus points can create this illusion as well as provide welcome conversation pieces.