Maegan-Leigh JacobsLiving in a smaller home doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or comfort. With the right approach, even the most compact spaces can feel open, warm and beautifully put together.
Whether you’re in a city apartment or a cosy townhouse, a few clever design choices can help you create a home that feels as good as it looks.
Read more: Small-space seating options to consider
A workspace that works for you
With more of us working from home, carving out a comfortable corner for productivity has become essential. A well-chosen desk and supportive chair make all the difference, but it’s the small details that matter most. Instead of squeezing in extra furniture, think smart – a neat footstool can double up as a seat for a quick chat or tuck away when not in use. It keeps your space uncluttered while still feeling purposeful.
Multi-purpose magic
Every piece of furniture should earn its place in a small space. Benches, for instance, are a wonderful way to add flexibility. They can serve as seating for a dining table, shift to the living room when guests pop in, or even double as a coffee table. The key is to keep things light and movable, so you can reconfigure your space whenever you need to.
Calm within the chaos
Urban living can be fast-paced, so your home should offer a moment of pause. Introduce natural textures and layered materials to create a sense of calm – think woven throws, linen curtains, and timber accents. Even a single potted tree or textured wall can bring balance and warmth. Spaces that feel grounded in nature invite you to slow down and breathe.
The power of colour
While soft tones are often the go-to for small rooms, don’t be afraid of the dark side. Deep, rich colours like olive, charcoal or navy can add instant sophistication and depth. They have a clever way of blurring boundaries, making walls appear further away than they are. The result? A space that feels both intimate and expansive.
Look up
Wallpaper isn’t just for walls – it can transform an entire room when carried onto the ceiling. Treating the ceiling as a “fifth wall” draws the eye upwards and creates an enveloping, atmospheric effect. Whether you go for a botanical print or subtle texture, extending your wallpaper overhead can make a small room feel layered and complete.
Design for flow
Open-plan layouts and clever space planning help small homes feel airy and connected. Reflective surfaces, like mirrored cupboard doors, bounce natural light around and give the illusion of extra space. Sliding wardrobe doors are another smart touch – they free up room while keeping things sleek and functional.
Light that soothes
Lighting sets the mood in any home, but it’s especially important in smaller ones. Soft, layered lighting – a mix of wall sconces, table lamps and overheads – creates warmth and movement. Gentle glows in the evening help you unwind and mark the transition from the outside world to your own calm retreat.
Less space, more style
Compact living isn’t about having less – it’s about making the most of what you have. By choosing pieces with purpose, playing with colour and texture, and curating light thoughtfully, your small space can feel like a perfectly tailored reflection of you.
ALSO SEE: CHOOSING PAINT COLOURS TO OPEN UP SMALL SPACES
Images: Pexels
