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Make your shoebox apartment look larger

2012 sep 6
http://www.myplace.sg/make-your-shoebox-apartment-look-larger/

Love it or hate it, there's no way around it, but the shoebox apartment could certainly get some help in looking and feeling spacious. A shoebox apartment is defined as one that comes in 500 sq ft or under. They may come with one bedroom at most, as well as compact kitchen and living area. So what can you do with your shoebox apartment to make it appear more spacious? Often, it is about adopting simple visual tactics. Check out these interior design tips.

Refrain from dark colours on large surfaces

Dark colours are a big no-no when dealing with compact living spaces. The theory that dark colours tend to make the body looks slimmer also applies to interior spaces, as dark colours tend to close in on a space. Instead, adopt light or neutral colours such as white, cream or very light grey tones on your walls. You can also go a step further by adopting a similar palette for your furniture, so that the pieces blend with the colour of the walls. That said, you can play with dark colours or patterns for contrast, but make them secondary to a light palette.

Keep it clear

Another tactic to note is to adopt clear, see-through furniture. These can be anything from acrylic dining chairs to a glass coffee table or console. You'll want see-through pieces, as they will appear to take up little of the floor space. Which means that you get to enjoy a well-furnished home that caters to your needs - without your shoebox apartment looking cramped.

Mirror dance

Incorporating mirrors in the home is not only one of the easiest, but also the most effective way of opening up the home visually. Make sure to place the mirror angled towards a light source such as windows. That way, you will reflect light into the home during the day - a sure bid to creating a larger-looking interior. Mirrors are also ideal for any interior design style, be it the minimalist or contemporary home. In fact, even the classical themed home can benefit from mirror panels, where you can get creative by dolling up a mirrored wall with an elaborate frame.

Away from the door

When deciding on the layout of the furniture, steer your furniture far from the entrance of your home. Keeping open floor space near the entrance of the door creates the illusion of a larger living space, rendering a welcoming and spacious experience as you step into the home. Traditionally, the dining area is located close to the kitchen, but given that it is a small space, it is okay to break the rules. You can consider grouping your dining set close to your living area set up.

Keep proportion in check

A large L-shaped sofa in a small space is one example of proportion gone wrong. Scale the size of your furniture to your home, making sure that the furniture pieces do not overwhelm the space. Go for streamlined sofas, as well as slim dining chairs and coffee tables. You can also go one step further by adopting low-profile furniture. These are furniture that sit closer to the floor, typically with the base hidden from view. A classic example is the minimalist sofa, where unnecessary details, such as the sofa legs, are stripped away.

Tear down walls

This requires the most renovation work, where you will have to hire an interior designer or contract to do the job for you. If your apartment comes with designated living spaces, such as a bedroom, consider tearing down the walls to the bedroom. Consider installing glass doors or heavy curtains, so that you can still close off the space from your guests' prying eyes. When the space is left open, your home will appear much larger than it is. Likewise, opening up your kitchen space allows you to combine your kitchen island with your dining table, eliminating the need for additional furniture.

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