I’m an interior designer & my tips make rooms look bigger, exposing a hidden part gives the illusion of more space

ADDING instant square footage to your space doesn’t have to require any costly construction, just some easy tricks.

One interior designer gives her top tips for making any room appear bigger while on a budget.

Instagram/shellydavidcihdesign

RAISE THE ROOF – OR YOUR BED

Shelly David, founder of Complete Island Homes, wants you to add space the simple way – by using neutral colors such as shades of cream, pale greys, or icy blues in your wallpaper or paint.

Whatever you do, just don’t use dark colors that close up a space and absorb light.

She also advises keeping away from clunky furniture as it will only make a room appear to be even more reduced in size.

You can also raise the bar by incorporating items that are raised, such as a settee or a bed with legs.

By “exposing the floor” you immediately give the impression of more space.

Some budget-friendly options include the andice upholstered settee from Wayfair which sells for $262.99.

This armless sofa features an engineered wood frame and “glam” details.

Because small doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style.

LET THERE BE LIGHT

Mirror mirror on the wall, which is the biggest room of all?

According to Shelly, that would be the room with the most mirrors.

This is an affordable way to make an area appear more spacious as it will reflect the natural light around the room.

To maximize space even more, she says blinds are the way to go as they don’t block the light from the edges of the window like heavy curtains.

If you still prefer a curtain look, however, it’s essential to choose lighter, thinner fabrics with linings to minimize the amount of light that gets in.

She also strongly recommends grommet or goblet curtains.

SPRING CLEANING EQUALS MORE SPACE

While trying to make more space you can also have fun with your furnishings by playing around with positioning.

Once you find a layout you like you might just be surprised by the amount of room you have added.

Some spring cleaning can also add space.

By decluttering and tidying up areas in your home, you will add instant square footage.

TOTALLY FLOORED

She also doesn’t want you to forget about your floors.

The lighter the flooring, the roomier a room will feel.

Oping for unstained or light-colored wood such as pine or oak, or even pale grey or beige carpets, will make a space seem larger.

When it comes to light it’s also perfectly fine to fake it.

Adding artificial light with lamps add extra “splashes” of light into the corners and recesses of a room.

And yes, you can play with patterns.

Using broad horizontal stripes on one wall will actually draw your eye to the space, making it seem longer – and the same goes for a striped carpet or rug.

While you don’t have to say ‘no’ to neutral patterns with small prints, just make sure to stay away from bigger and bolder designs.

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Just following some inexpensive and small rules can transform any space[/caption]