How I Styled My Small Living Area to Look Bigger

The Challenge

• This is a relatively small apartment with a thoroughfare taking up quite a bit of the available floor space to accommodate traffic flow to other areas in the apartment.  

• The open plan area comprises the living, dining and kitchen area which meant these areas where to be taken into consideration when decorating.

Fortunately, I had the perfect canvas to work from. The walls were freshly painted in a warm, very light grey (akin to RGB: 208, 205, 201 HEX #D0CDC9) colour and the flooring was of dark brown timber. A striking combination.

Because of the thoroughfare, the living area was styled to the left of the room.

• A salt and pepper rug of thick dense pile was used to define the area.

• Thick pile dampens sound and presents a luxurious softness and warmth.

• Rugs pull furniture together and create a focal point.

• The colour of the rug blended well with walls and added contrast and texture to the floor.

• Nesting tables are the ultimate and most versatile space savers. They can be left “nested” together or “pulled” apart for a different look or purpose.

• The smaller tables can be used for side tables.

• I opt for a round mirror top iron round coffee table set. Mirrors reflect light, make spaces seem larger and more open. They also create an ambience of airiness.

• To create an illusion of more space the table was placed further from the chairs more to the right, off-centre.

• The light grey, low profile two-seater sofa was the perfect fit for this small area.

• The wooden walnut-coloured legs of the sofa blended perfectly with the timber floor colouring.

•  No matter how small your space it can still look stylish.

• These two impressive Milan armchairs in Steel Blue velvet fabric and gold metal highlights certain did justice.

• When styling a small area opt for “leggy” furniture that does not have visual weight. This makes the room appear larger and less full and allowing the eye to see a continuation of the floor under the furniture.

The chairs and sofa were placed about a fist-width and a half from the wall. If placed against the wall it will make the area look “quashed up” – if placed far from the wall, will make the area look smaller.

• Even the smallest of areas can and must be accessorised.

• Adding a few accessories creates a warm, inviting, and welcoming atmosphere.

• Accessories bring interest, texture, and diversity into the area.

• Create a focal point with accessories.

• How to Hang Artwork in Your Living Room – Tips, Tricks and Guidelines – please click here – or enrol for DIY Home Improvement Training Course, please click here 

• Add a plant real or faux. Plants add visual impact to the area and create a calming effect.

• Instead of a floor lamp, I chose to use a side table and lamp. In doing so I created a “cosy” reading corner and an additional surface to place items; e.g a book or magazine.