5 Ways to Make Your Small Home Feel Bigger
Living in a small home doesn’t mean you have to compromise on style, comfort or function. It just means every design choice needs a little more intention. Whether you're working with a studio apartment or just a snug corner of a Victorian terrace, smart design can make your space feel bigger, brighter and more “you.”
Here are our top tips for getting the most out of small-space living (without sacrificing your personality or style):
1. Start with purpose, not Pinterest
Before you start saving 50 mood boards, take a step back and ask: What do I actually need from this space?
Functionality should come first - once you know how the space needs to work for you, then you can bring in the aesthetics. Trust us, this saves a lot of stress later.
2. Invest in bespoke furniture
Flat-pack furniture has its place - just not in places with quirky layouts, sloped ceilings or tight alcoves.
Bespoke joinery allows you to make the most of every inch and work with the space rather than against it. Think custom wardrobes that fit floor-to-ceiling or storage built into that awkward corner you’ve been ignoring.
3. Go vertical
One of the most underused dimensions in small homes is height. Use it!
Add overhead cupboards (AKA top boxes), stack open shelves up the wall, or mount floating units. The more you can elevate things off the floor, the more visual space you create below. Your eyes (and your hoover) will thank you.
4. Let your furniture blend in
A little trick of the trade: match your joinery to the wall colour or finish.
When your fitted furniture blends with the backdrop, the room feels less crowded. It’s a subtle way to keep things clean and open, especially in multi-functional areas like open-plan kitchen/living spaces.
We are all about colours, but let the colours enhance the space - not overcrowd it.
5. Choose multi-functional furniture
Hidden compartments
Pull-out desks
Storage benches
These are the heroes of small-space living. Think about how one piece can do two (or even three) jobs. A kitchen island with drawers. A bed with built-in drawers. A seat that stores your shoes.
You get the gist.
At 5:17 Interiors, we specialise in bespoke joinery and intentional design that does a lot and looks good doing it. If you’re ready to make the most of your square footage, we’d love to chat.
