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Opening Up Small Rooms With Color

Small rooms present a challenge for homeowners because they often feel cramped and oppressive if they're not decorated with intent. However, the right design approach can have the opposite effect and make a small room feel spacious and more open than it actually is. There are a few tactics homeowners can use to create the illusion of openness, but the strategic use of color might be the most important tactic of all!

Changing Perspective With Colors

You've probably heard that light colors are better than dark colors for creating the feeling of openness, but that's an oversimplification. It depends on a lot of nuances like the size of a space, its shape, the room's lighting, and more. Sometimes dark spaces can make certain rooms feel bigger and more striking! As a general rule, though, light colors are typically better than dark ones for making a small room feel bigger. Light colors help reflect natural light evenly throughout the room and fill it up, making the walls "recede" visually and creating an airy vibe in the room.

As for what kinds of bright colors to use... well, that answer's going to be unique to you and the room you're painting. A professional interior paint color consultation can help you pick the shades that flatter your room and suit your goals the best. However, we generally recommend checking out soft whites and grays, pale neutral tones, and pastel colors for use in smaller spaces - think of shades that are bright, but not harsh.

Other Ways To Open Up A Small Room

Light, soft paint shades are an easy way to create an open, airy atmosphere in a small space, but that's not the only thing you can do to make your room feel bigger. Here are just a few other suggestions:

• Consider an accent wall: Breaking up your light interiors with a bold accent wall can add a sense of depth and detail to your space, making it feel bigger. This effect can vary based on the shape of your room and where you place an accent wall - a color consultant can advise you on the best way to paint your space to achieve the desired results.
• Add a mirror or two: Mirrors reflect even more light and create depth, especially when placed in front of a window. A wall mirror, or even a nice big floor or accent mirror, can do a lot to open up a space.
• Minimize clutter: It goes without saying, but tons of clutter and furnishings will fill up a small space fast. Minimalism is ideal for small rooms. Consider light, airy curtains and bedding, light-colored furniture, and space-conscious, unobtrusive storage units for furnishing smaller rooms.

Get An Expert Opinion

Small rooms can be tricky to work with, but a well-planned color scheme and strategic decorating can maximize your limited space and help you get the most out of it. If you're struggling to make a small room look bigger, it might be worth getting the expert opinion of a color consultant, who can factor in the unique features of your space to create the ideal color palette for your room.

Don't feel daunted by small spaces - let Mountain Color & Design open up your Murrells Inlet property with an interior paint color consultation today! Get in touch with us at 843-748-1584 and ask about a custom estimate!