COURTNEY ADAMO’S NINE DESIGN TIPS FOR SMALL SPACES

By Courtney Adamo

1. STICK TO LIGHT AND NEUTRAL COLOURS

Use light, neutral colours like whites, creams and soft greys, which can make a room feel larger and more open. Additionally, stick to a single colour palette or subtle variations of one colour to create a cohesive and spacious feel.

2. MAXIMISE NATURAL LIGHT

Keep window coverings minimal to allow as much light into the room as possible. Perhaps even choose sheer curtains.

3. OPT FOR FURNITURE WITH LEGS

Choose sleek furniture with legs, which creates an open look by allowing light to pass underneath, making the room feel less crowded.

4. STREAMLINE YOUR HARDWARE

Choose slim or flush kitchen knobs and hardware to reduce unnecessary obstacles in small spaces.

5. DEFINE SPACES WITH RUGS

Use rugs to define different zones within an open floor plan, creating a sense of order and structure in the space.

6. DECLUTTER FOR SIMPLICITY

To keep a room from feeling cluttered, edit down your furniture and keep only what is necessary and serves a purpose.

7. CHOOSE SPACE-SAVING DOORS

Replace traditional swinging doors with sliding doors or barn doors to save space.

8. EMBRACE VERTICAL SPACE

If you’re blessed with tall ceilings, use floor-to-ceiling shelving units not only to maximise storage but also to draw the eye upward and highlight this vertical space. You can also arrange artwork on walls or suspend a hanging plant in a corner.

9. ADD A BOLD STATEMENT PIECE

Don’t shy away from bold accessories. A single, striking accessory like a large vase, a large-scale artwork or a standout pendant can add personality without cluttering the room.

This is an edited extract from The Family Home by Courtney & Michael Adamo published by Hardie Grant Books

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