FAQ

• What are some recommended paint colors for making a small space look bigger?
  Some recommended paint colors include charcoal grey like Benjamin Moores Kendall Charcoal, gray beige such as Benjamin Moore’s Ashley Grey, ice blue like Benjamin Moore’s Arctic Blue, lacey white including Sherwin William’s Bohemian Lace, and black such as Broadway by Behr.
• How can paint colors create an illusion of a larger space?
  Certain paint colors can reflect light, create depth, and give the impression of openness in a small space. By choosing the right hues and finishes, you can make the room feel brighter, more expansive, and visually appealing.
• What are some additional ideas for making small spaces look bigger?
  Additional ideas include incorporating mirrors, using furniture with exposed legs, opting for multifunctional furniture pieces, and selecting a cohesive color palette. You can also make use of optical illusions such as vertical stripes, large-scale artwork, and strategic lighting placements.
• How can design techniques help enhance the perceived size of a room?
  Strategic furniture placement, creative design elements, and thoughtful color choices can all work together to transform a small space into a welcoming and visually appealing area that feels larger than its actual square footage.
• Are there specific recommendations for furnishing and decor in small spaces?
  In small spaces, it is recommended to use furniture with exposed legs, incorporate mirrors for reflection, and utilize multifunctional furniture pieces for storage. Additionally, selecting light, sheer curtains can allow natural light to filter through and visually expand the room.

Choosing the Right Paint Color to Make Small Space Look Bigger

Working out the design details for a small area can often feel like a huge task from finding the right room layout and floor plan to detailed furniture measurements the checklist feels never-ending. When in doubt, the best (and possibly the easiest) place to start is paint. A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for your walls and create the illusion that your small space is so much more than just its square footage.

1. Charcoal

I’m going to be bold here and say charcoal grey. I love Benjamin Moore’s Kendall Charcoal. With its warm undertones and a hint of green, it can really do wonders for a small room, especially if it is North-facing and does not have a ton of natural light. To really get the illusion of a larger space, go all out and paint the ceiling and trim the same color. This will make it feel like it has more depth while adding a dramatic and intimate touch. If you are scared of the color absence, do not be! Brighten it up with furniture and accent pieces that fall within a lighter color scheme, such as whites, light blues, yellows, and even reds to give it a majestic feel.

2. Gray Beige

I love Benjamin Moore’s Ashley Grey in a room you want to look bright and spacious while also keeping things warm and comfortable. White is always a great choice to make a room feel larger, but sometimes it can feel boring and unfinished. This taupe color feels very warm but also allows for the space to feel expansive with the reflections from the windows. Using different finishes (matte and satin) will give some dimension to the space.

3. Ice Blue

Benjamin Moore’s Arctic Blue is one of my favorite colors, not only because it is a calming color but because it is a color that makes a room look bigger. The different undertones of this hue add a fresh and airy atmosphere to any small space. Also, you don’t only need to use it on your walls. You can be fun and try it on your ceiling or even the floor.

4. Lacey White

In my designs, and what I look for in my own home, are colors that make a space feel bigger and brighter than they actually are. Recently I have been loving Sherwin William’s Bohemian Lace. It truly gives a room a light open feeling but has a warmness too. You can brighten it up by modernizing the furnishing and finishes or you can downplay it with darker accents to really make the walls pop. It can be used in any room in the home. Colors that give a bright feeling are ones that make a space more inviting and, to me, help them feel more spacious.

5. Black

Black paint is the magical color of design that makes the room look bigger by creating depth and interest. One of my favorites is Broadway by Behr. I love using black paint as an accent color to a space, like a hallway, stair rail, ceiling, breakfast nook, fireplaces, etc. Painting a unique architectural feature black in a room adds dimension. Otherwise, the room could look and feel flat. This beautiful rich dark color draws the eye through the room which gives the appearance of a larger space.

Make use of Optical Illusions

Integrating vertical stripes or patterns on walls can draw the eye upward, giving the impression of higher ceilings and a more expansive room. Additionally, incorporating large-scale artwork or statement pieces can create a focal point that distracts from the room’s size and adds visual interest. Strategic lighting placements, such as recessed lighting or wall sconces, can illuminate different areas and create depth in the space. Finally, opting for light, sheer curtains can allow natural light to filter through and visually expand the room.

When attempting to make a small space appear larger, consider incorporating mirrors to reflect light and create a sense of openness. Opting for furniture with exposed legs can also contribute to a more spacious feel by allowing the floor to be visible. Utilizing multifunctional furniture pieces that provide storage can help declutter the room and maximize space efficiency. Additionally, selecting a cohesive color palette throughout the space can create a seamless and uninterrupted look that tricks the eye into perceiving a larger area.

Enhancing small spaces to appear more spacious involves thoughtful color choices, strategic furniture placement, and creative design elements. By incorporating the right paint colors and design techniques, you can transform your compact room into a welcoming and visually appealing space that feels larger than its square footage suggests.