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A lot of questions come my way as an interior designer, and many of them are people that know they want to “do something” with their current space, but aren’t sure where to start. Of course white walls make a room feel bigger, but it can get boring really fast. In the end, it’s all about balance.
Whether you have a small room you’re wanting to spruce up or have just purchased your dream rental property that needs a makeover, these tips will make any space feel larger, lighter and on-trend.
Look Down
Yes, you read that right. Take a look at your floors. Many Caribbean homes rely on tile to keep things cool and make cleaning Sahara dust more manageable. And many people bought their homes with boring, beige or neutral tile in nearly every room. While supplies can be limited, it could be worth working with a trusted vendor to order some new flooring to island to really create a dramatic look. A darker floor paired with a lighter wall color can really open up a space.
Look up
The ceiling isn’t a place we spend a lot of time looking at, but what if we did? Going vertical automatically opens a room. Make sure your ceiling balances out your flooring and wall colors well, creating a cohesive space that doesn’t feel like the ceiling is caving in on you. Another great way to encourage drawing the eye up? Good lighting! And not just good lighting so you can see, but consider a statement piece so that even in a small room there’s already something to talk about.
Change the paint
Ok, it’s the most obvious answer, but it works. And we have even better news: not too many colors are off-limits! Of course, lighter colors help, but rich, dark shades make the space feel elegant and automatically make you pay attention to the other parts of the room.
Maximize
At first glance, you may be tempted to chose smaller pieces for walls and furniture. But the eye is easily tricked into thinking a space is bigger if the pieces are bigger! Choose a large, eye-catching work of art for a feature wall or a conversation-starting coffee table for instant style.
Minimize
In addition to making major pieces bigger, clutter will kill a small space. If you’ve been wanting to get rid of things, now’s the perfect time. Shedding material objects that sit on tables or take up space on bookcases or counters makes the room look smaller by making the eye think there is less space than there really is. If you missed Spring cleaning this year, it’s never too late!
About Lagnappe Custom Interiors
Lagnappe Custom Interiors is a full-service interior design firm specializing in bringing the small niceties to a home or commercial space that make it memorable, functional and yours. Based out of St. Thomas, Lagnappe [LAN-YAP] is led by Tiffany Cassidy who enjoys working with clients to create a home that reflects their style and needs. Tiffany marries her artistic and scientific sides together to bring the residents of the Virgin Islands and continental U.S. an interior decorating service that manages the complex and turns it into beauty. Her goal is to not only make a home prettier, but in doing so, make your life better. Visit www.Lagnappe.com for more information.
