It’s rare to find the “perfect” home, even if money is no object. Of course, many of us have a budget to stick to, and with averaging home prices rising to a median of $306,000 in the U.S. and $571,500 (CAD) in Canada, people often end up purchasing a house without as much space as we’d hoped for.

If you find yourself in that situation, perhaps after buying a new place among the St. Albert homes for sale, the good news is that there are many ways to make those small spaces seem bigger, even if they aren’t.

Hang Mirrors

One of the least expensive and easiest ways to make a small space look bigger is to use mirrors to create a greater sense of openness. They make the space look brighter by reflecting light, and also make it feel much bigger than it is. They can also reflect a view to trick the eye into perceiving more space. Choose mirrors in different shapes and sizes, strategically placing them as needed.

Avoid Curtains and Rugs

Curtains and drapes add more clutter to the room, making the space feel smaller. By eliminating them, it will be more spacious looking. For privacy, use cloth blinds or shutters instead. The same goes for rugs, avoid them, or at least keep them simple.

Take Advantage of Light

Brightening up spaces with lights will also make them appear bigger than they are. Use a variety, from ceiling fixtures to table and floor lamps. Recessed lighting is great as it won’t take up space – it can be installed into the ceiling to provide a lot of light without taking up any floor or table space.

Eliminate Clutter

The worst thing you can do for a small space is to have too much stuff in it. It will make it feel cramped and look smaller than it is. Keep things organized behind doors or on shelves, neatly arranged so that it feels more open.

Use Just a Few Large, Simple Pieces of Furniture

Instead of using multiple smaller pieces of furniture, which will make the space look cluttered, use just a few large, simple pieces instead. The large blocks of color and open space will give it a more comfortable feel.

The Right Colors

Avoid dark paint colors and use a light, neutral shade. White has reflective qualities that help open up the space and make it feel light, airy, and calm. If you paint both the ceiling and walls in the same shade, it will enhance the effect. Choose lighter colored furniture too – limit dark shades to just a few accent pieces. Contrasting colors will break up the space, making it appear smaller. If you can match your furniture to the color of the wall, it will blend in more, providing the illusion of a larger room.

Leave a Few Inches Between Furniture and the Walls

If you push the furniture up against the walls, it will make everything feel and look cramped. Pulling it out, leaving furniture a few inches from the wall will make the space look more open.