Has the lack of space in your home been cramping your style and affecting your interior design dreams? Whether you live in a chic downtown townhouse or a quaint suburban century home, a Toronto home renovation might just be what you need.
As the saying goes, “bigger is better.” And when it comes to your home, this couldn’t be more true. But there is more than one way to create the illusion of space—especially if you don’t have much space to work with.
Keep reading for some luxe home renovation tricks that will make your home look and feel much bigger.
Lighting Magic
One of the oldest home renovation tricks in the book is also the most effective: lighting. A poorly lit room feels cramped, while a well-lit space instantly feels more expansive. Natural light is your best friend. Keep your windows free of heavy drapes and consider light sheers for privacy that won’t block the sun. For evening ambiance, incorporate a mix of overhead and wall lighting to eliminate shadows that can make a room feel smaller. Use light-coloured lampshades to reflect more light downwards and create a brighter environment throughout.
Mirrors in Motion
Few design elements amplify space like mirrors. When placed to reflect light or a neat view, they extend the space visually to infinity. To take full advantage, position mirrors across from windows to bring the outdoors in, or on a wall adjacent to a light source to double the effect. Whether it’s a full-length leaner or a cluster of decorative ones, mirrors add depth to a room and are pivotal in creating that open, airy feel.
The Right Colour Palette
When it comes to walls, stick to lighter hues. Soft shades like pale greys, blues and off-white create a sense of expansiveness, as they’re reflective and maximize the effects of natural light. To avoid a sterile look, throw in warmer neutrals and pastels. Reserve bold, dark colours as accents to maintain balance and visual interest without closing in the space.
Multi-Functional Furniture
In a compact home, every square inch counts. Multi-functional furniture not only saves space but also adds value by serving various purposes. Think sofa beds, lift-top coffee tables with storage or nesting side tables. Each piece you bring in should earn its keep and contribute to the open and welcoming vibe you’re trying to cultivate.
Clever Storage Solutions
Clutter kills space, so the war against it begins with clever storage solutions. Built-in shelving and cabinets, especially those that don’t extend to the floor, create the sense of more available floor space. Look for furniture with hidden storage—ottomans, beds with drawers or sofas with built-in compartments—to optimize the space in your home. And keep it organized; clutter will always make even the largest space seem smaller.
Open Concept Magic
The concept of “open” isn’t just about walls and floor plans; it’s a design philosophy conducive to creating a feeling of expansiveness. Opt for simple, flow-friendly layouts that reduce visual barriers. Embrace a minimalist home design with fewer, larger pieces of furniture rather than several small ones. The open design philosophy doesn’t have to equate to a lack of personality; carefully selected decor can keep your home warm and inviting, without overwhelming it.
Flooring Choices
Lastly, while dark, heavy floors can ground a room in a pleasing way, light-coloured floors do wonders for opening up space. They reflect light, which enhances the sunlight’s natural expansion effect. Large-format tiles or even wood planks help maintain a clean, continuous look that’s essential in smaller homes where visual breaks can segment the space.
Contact Elite Construction and Renovations to Transform Your Small, Cramped Home
Making your home feel bigger isn’t just about implementing the best home renovation tricks; it’s about curating an environment that is functional, aesthetically pleasing and, most importantly, reflective of your personality and lifestyle.
Ready to transform your compact home into a spacious sanctuary? Elite Construction and Renovations is here to guide you through every step of the process, from consultation to interior design. We provide a two-year workmanship guarantee and honour all associated product warranties on our home renovations in Toronto.
Contact us today to learn more about our custom renovation services and let’s turn your dreams of an expansive home into a reality.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jay McDonald
Jay McDonald, general contractor and owner of Elite Construction & Renovations, has over 20 years of construction experience. He has completed various Ontario Building Code and Business Management courses from George Brown College and has managed over $50 million-dollars-worth of construction in his career.