You don’t have to feel claustrophobic when you live in a small house. You may create an open, breezy space with the correct improvements. I’ve tried a number of methods and discovered that some changes can really enhance the atmosphere of your house. I’ll walk you through renovating a small house to make it feel larger without having to relocate!
Structural & Layout Changes to Expand Your Space
When it comes to how to make a small home feel bigger with renovations, structural changes are some of the most effective. I found that rethinking my layout opened up my space in ways I hadn’t imagined.
Open Up the Floor Plan
One of the most impactful ways to make your home feel larger is by removing non-load-bearing walls to combine your kitchen, dining, and living areas. This opens up the space, allowing light to flow freely and making the entire home feel more expansive. It’s a straightforward renovation that can make a big difference in how to make a small home feel bigger with renovations.
Vaulted Ceilings
If your budget allows, consider raising or vaulting the ceilings. This gives the illusion of height and volume, instantly making the room feel larger. Even without fully vaulted ceilings, a higher ceiling with a minimalist design can achieve a similar effect.
Install Sliding or Pocket Doors
Traditional swing doors can waste valuable floor space, making rooms feel cramped. Sliding or pocket doors are an excellent choice to create a smooth flow between rooms while freeing up usable space. This renovation is ideal for how to make a small home feel bigger with renovations without taking up too much room.
Indoor-Outdoor Flow
By adding large glass sliding doors that lead to a patio or deck, you create a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. This not only extends your living area but also makes the entire space feel larger by blurring the boundaries between inside and outside.
Strategic Lighting & Color: The Power of Light and Hue
Lighting and color are vital when considering how to make a small home feel bigger with renovations. The right choices can drastically alter the perception of space in your home.
Maximize Natural Light
To brighten up your home and make it feel larger, swap out heavy drapes for sheer window treatments that let more light in. If certain areas of your home feel dark, consider adding skylights or solar tubes to bring in more natural light. The more light you introduce, the bigger your home will feel.
Use Receding Colors
Light, cool tones like soft whites, pale blues, and light greys are perfect for how to make a small home feel bigger with renovations. These colors help create the illusion of depth, making walls and ceilings appear farther away. By using lighter shades throughout my home, I noticed an immediate improvement in the sense of space.
Layered Lighting
Instead of relying on a single overhead light, use a mix of recessed lighting, wall sconces, and uplighting. This eliminates shadows and creates a well-lit, airy atmosphere that enhances the feeling of spaciousness in any room.
Built-in & Vertical Solutions for Smart Storage
Making the most of vertical space is another way to improve how a small home feels. I implemented several built-in and vertical solutions that helped maximize storage while keeping the rooms open and uncluttered.
Floor-to-Ceiling Built-ins
To save floor space, I installed floor-to-ceiling built-in shelves. These custom units utilize vertical space, allowing me to store books, decor, and other items without cluttering the room. It’s an effective strategy for how to make a small home feel bigger with renovations by keeping the floor clear.
Utilize Dead Space
There are often unused spaces in a home, such as the area under stairs. I turned mine into a home office with built-in storage. You can also use dead spaces for reading nooks, storage benches, or even a small workspace. This makes the most of every inch and contributes to a larger feel in your home.
Floating Fixtures
In my bathroom, I installed floating vanities and wall-hung toilets to save space. Keeping the floor visible tricks the eye into seeing more room, especially in smaller areas like bathrooms.
Smart Finishes & Details That Trick the Eye
Small details can also make a huge difference in how to make a small home feel bigger with renovations. Choosing the right finishes and furniture can create a seamless and open look.
Continuous Flooring
I opted for continuous flooring throughout my entire home, which eliminates visual transitions and makes the space feel larger. Using the same flooring material, like hardwood or tile, from room to room enhances the flow and reduces the segmented feel that can make spaces look smaller.
Mirror Magic
Mirrors are a powerful tool when it comes to making a small home feel bigger. I placed large mirrors strategically across from windows to reflect natural light and make rooms appear more expansive. Mirrors can double the visual size of a room by reflecting light and views.
Leggy Furniture
For my furniture, I chose leggy pieces with exposed legs rather than solid-base furniture. This allows for better sightlines and helps open up the floor space, making the room feel less crowded.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much does it cost to open up a floor plan?
The cost to open up a floor plan varies depending on your home and whether you need to remove load-bearing walls. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $5,000 to $20,000 for this renovation.
2. Can I renovate a small home myself to save money?
Yes! Simple tasks like painting, installing shelves, or swapping out light fixtures can easily be tackled on your own. However, larger structural changes, like removing walls or adding skylights, should be left to professionals.
3. What color scheme makes a small room feel bigger?
Using light colors such as whites, soft blues, and light grays can help a small room feel more spacious. These colors reflect light and create a brighter, more open atmosphere.
Small Renovations, Big Results
Now that you know how to make a small home feel bigger with renovations, it’s clear that you don’t need a massive budget or drastic changes to open up your space. By focusing on structural changes like removing walls, maximizing natural light, and adding clever storage solutions, your small home can feel just as expansive as your dream home.
These simple but effective renovations will not only make your home feel bigger but also more functional and comfortable.
