Don't Let Space Cramp Your Style

Mike Greeff, CEO of Greeff Christie's International Real Estate says that ''a plot that used to once accommodate only one property, now needs to accommodate several in order to keep up with the demand'' and as a result, living spaces are becoming smaller and smaller. Homes are no longer as spacious as what they used to be because of the increased population in Cape Town - in both urban and suburban areas.

If you are living in what feels and/or looks like a matchbox, keep reading! Below are a handful of nifty tricks that can help you turn your matchbox into a mansion ... well, somewhat of a mansion.

1. Keep it neutral

By keeping your walls light and neutral, the brightness and contrasts will open the room and make it feel more spacious.

Suggested interior colours:

• White
• Off-white
• Ivory
• Fawn
• Cream

Many think that feature walls in a dark or bold colour can make a room feel bigger, but contrary to popular belief, it actually only accentuates the tiny space.

2. Cast eyes upwards

Bold feature walls might not work, but a bold ceiling is a must. By having a ''wow'' colour on your ceiling, you can make the size of your room appear 10x larger than what it is. How is that possible? Greeff says that ''a darker ceiling creates an impression of depth and it immediately draws eyes upwards which creates an illusion of height''. Height + depth = space - a winning recipe!

2. Mirrors for Africa! 

Mirrors are interior designers' best kept secret. If you are wanting to create a sense of space, the use of an oversized, full-length mirror in a focal area of the room is the way to go.

Greeff tip: create a statement wall by hanging multiple mirrors, of various shapes and sizes, against it. This helps to elongate the space and creates the illusion of a large room.

3. Look out for multipurpose pieces 

Having bits and bobs around the house creates clutter and clutter emphasizes just how small your home is.

Greeff suggests that you invest in pieces that have ''multiple functions for example, an ottoman that can be used as a storage space or a dining table that can fold down and become a side/coffee table too''.

Examples of multi-purpose pieces

• A coffee table that can become a desk or accommodate your trinkets inside. If you need a desk, choose a table that has a lifting top - this way you won't need a home office, you'll be able to work right in your living room.
• If you have a breakfast nook, allow for side storage space for a small kitchen i.e. a place to store bowels, side plates and some essential cutlery.
• Beds and couches
  • A quaint couch that can become a daybed - this is a great solution for a one-room apartment, because it's just one piece that allows you to have a living room and a bedroom in one.
  • Modern platform beds can contain storage spaces inside - some spacious drawers that will hide all the clutter and make your space look bigger.
• A comfy upholstered chair with built-in bookshelves allows for you to have a space for all your books, without making the area appear cramped.

4. Light it up!

Getting the lighting in a small room just right can work wonders in making it appear bigger than what it is. Try to avoid a harsh, top-down light that focuses on one space only as it will only draw attention to how small the space is. Rather opt for smaller lamps around the room - this will help draw the eye around the room and as a result, creates the illusion of space.

Regardless of the actual size of your home, it's easy to create space with these simple tips. You need to feel relaxed, comfortable and organized in your home so ensure that whatever you choose, you're happy with it.