1. Focus on Lighting

Featured project: 113A Alkaff Crescent | Modern Scandinavian Interior Design | The Interior Lab

As seen in this Modern Scandinavian home, a play on lighting can go a long way in creating ambience and adding dimension to the space – elevating the overall appearance. Tiny or absent windows can result in small places feeling dark. Increase the amount of light sources in every room, from the kitchen to the bedroom, to make up for the absence of natural light. Depending on the height of your ceiling, pair eye-catching ceiling fixtures with either elegant pendant lighting or table lamps to create a warm and inviting ambience. Choose shades that can both direct light for tasks like reading, and create pools of light for the atmosphere. Wall lights that cast gentle downward slants of light will also give the impression that the room is taller.

2. Mirrors Are Your Friend

Featured project: 114B Alkaff Crescent | Scandinavian-Bohemian Chic Interior Design | The Interior Lab

Displaying a full height mirror near the communal space such as in this Scandinavian Bohemian home gives an illusion of a bigger space. In particular, if your main issue is the lack of natural light, mirrors can help you make the most of what you do have by reflecting it around the room. Another great way to jazz up your home is by displaying a statement mirror in the living room or bedroom to add character and personality. Consider lining a wall with a large mirror or creating a gallery wall of different sizes and shapes.

3. Emphasise Vertical Elements

Featured project: 528C Costa Ris | Modern Japanese Interior Design | The Interior Lab

Due to the space constraints that we face here, many homeowners are opting for a concealed door and storage system. As seen in this Modern Japanese home interior, adding vertical lines on a full wall juxtaposed against a blank canvas wall creates a focal point of visual interest upon entry to the communal space. In many cases, less is more when it comes to small spaces.

Featured project: Skyline Residences | Modern Luxury Interior Design | The Interior Lab

This Modern Luxury home design impeccably maximises the space, serving both functionality and aesthetic appeal seamlessly. Go vertical and use the space up to the ceiling whenever possible – shelves and storage that have a small footprint but are tall can really help in a small space. When selecting products for small-space rooms, it is best to choose furniture pieces that save floor space and utilise the vertical space. Ideally, you can go for storage units that can be attached directly to the walls. Floating furniture pieces trick the brain into thinking that space is larger because much of the floor area is free.

4. Opt For Multifunctional Furniture

Featured project: 113A Alkaff Crescent | Modern Scandinavian Interior Design | The Interior Lab

This beautifully designed Modern Scandinavian home features a dual purpose built-in cabinetry that serves as a bay window seat and a storage space. Essentially, it also diminishes the look of a typical shoe-box housing layout. Opt for a bed or platform with built-in drawers, or benches and ottomans with space to hide away extra blankets or household items that are rarely used. In small spaces, every piece needs to be purposeful – a daybed can serve as both a sofa and a guest bed. Multi-purpose furniture is a great way to save space while still ensuring your living room is as cozy and functional as possible.

Featured project: Aspen Heights | Mid-Century Modern Interior Design | The Interior Lab

In this Mid-Century Modern home, a custom kitchen peninsula doubles as a preparation counter and shoe storage that is built in a pull-out system – seamlessly blending with the rest of the kitchen space and dining area.

No matter the size, if you use your creativity to bring flexibility to a compact space, you can certainly create a space that’s all about design and not the square foot area. Try these tips out if you’re embracing compact living if you haven’t yet and most importantly, have fun experimenting until it feels right. I’m sure you’ll get fabulous results!