The Times Australia
The Times Australia

.

Make Your Home Look and Feel Bigger by Using These 5 Tips


Perhaps you've inherited a narrow lot home and are planning to move into it, or maybe you're a recent empty-nester who has downsized into a smaller property and are wondering how to spruce it up. So, whether you live in a small or large home, you need to know how to make it look like there is more room than there is. Take a look at these suggestions:

Use light colours

Dark colours are a no-no since they absorb light and make rooms appear much smaller. So, when painting and decorating your house, you must opt for whites, creams, beiges, and other light hues. Worried that you're making your home look sterile or boring? Don't fret since you can give it colour and character by installing eye-catching decor or even painting a bold accent wall.

Harness the power of mirrors

Mirrors create a sense of openness by bouncing around light and tricking the eye to perceive more space. But don't just hang mirrors willy-nilly; instead, look for ways to maximise the visual effects that mirrors can bring. For instance, instead of buying a regular-sized framed mirror for your bathroom, install a wall-to-wall frameless mirror that will make the area feel much bigger. If you have a window near the corner of a room, position a mirror on the perpendicular wall and find the correct angle so that it will reflect the window and look like another window.

Switch to longer curtains

If your curtains are too short, or if they're hung too low from the ceiling, they can break the visual symmetry of the room and make it appear smaller. Avoid this by buying longer curtains and hanging them as high as possible while ensuring that they're not hovering too far off the floor. Better yet, invest in custom floor-to-ceiling curtains that will add height to the room and make it look airy and spacious.

Replace hinged doors with sliding ones

Hinged doors require more real estate since you can't properly close and open them if there's any item in the way. So, to maximise your space, consider replacing each hinged door in your home with a sliding stacker door. Sliding doors are often recommended for small houses since they take up no extra room, allowing homeowners to arrange their furniture and decor in a more attractive way while still having enough space for foot traffic.

Take advantage of your yard

If you haven't yet done so, find ways to connect your indoor area with your yard. This way, you can expand your living space and make your home feel less confined—without dealing with the cost and hassle of building an additional storey. Start by constructing a patio so you can easily enjoy alfresco meals with your family and relax in the garden whenever you want to. If you have a bigger budget, consider knocking down a portion of a wall and putting glass sliding doors in place. Taking this step will remove the physical and visual barrier between your yard and indoor space and allow you to have a more spacious home.

Just because your house has a small square footage doesn't mean that it has to look and feel that way. By using these tips, you can create more visual space In your property and make it more inviting, elegant, and comfortable!

Times Magazine

Headless CMS in Digital Twins and 3D Product Experiences

Image by freepik As the metaverse becomes more advanced and accessible, it's clear that multiple sectors will use digital twins and 3D product experiences to visualize, connect, and streamline efforts better. A digital twin is a virtual replica of ...

The Decline of Hyper-Casual: How Mid-Core Mobile Games Took Over in 2025

In recent years, the mobile gaming landscape has undergone a significant transformation, with mid-core mobile games emerging as the dominant force in app stores by 2025. This shift is underpinned by changing user habits and evolving monetization tr...

Understanding ITIL 4 and PRINCE2 Project Management Synergy

Key Highlights ITIL 4 focuses on IT service management, emphasising continual improvement and value creation through modern digital transformation approaches. PRINCE2 project management supports systematic planning and execution of projects wit...

What AI Adoption Means for the Future of Workplace Risk Management

Image by freepik As industrial operations become more complex and fast-paced, the risks faced by workers and employers alike continue to grow. Traditional safety models—reliant on manual oversight, reactive investigations, and standardised checklist...

From Beach Bops to Alpine Anthems: Your Sonos Survival Guide for a Long Weekend Escape

Alright, fellow adventurers and relaxation enthusiasts! So, you've packed your bags, charged your devices, and mentally prepared for that glorious King's Birthday long weekend. But hold on, are you really ready? Because a true long weekend warrior kn...

Effective Commercial Pest Control Solutions for a Safer Workplace

Keeping a workplace clean, safe, and free from pests is essential for maintaining productivity, protecting employee health, and upholding a company's reputation. Pests pose health risks, can cause structural damage, and can lead to serious legal an...

The Times Features

Prefab’s Second Life: Why Australia’s Backyard Boom Needs a Circular Makeover

The humble granny flat is being reimagined not just as a fix for housing shortages, but as a cornerstone of circular, factory-built architecture. But are our systems ready to s...

Melbourne’s Burglary Boom: Break-Ins Surge Nearly 25%

Victorian homeowners are being warned to act now, as rising break-ins and falling arrest rates paint a worrying picture for suburban safety. Melbourne residents are facing an ...

Exploring the Curriculum at a Modern Junior School in Melbourne

Key Highlights The curriculum at junior schools emphasises whole-person development, catering to children’s physical, emotional, and intellectual needs. It ensures early year...

Distressed by all the bad news? Here’s how to stay informed but still look after yourself

If you’re feeling like the news is particularly bad at the moment, you’re not alone. But many of us can’t look away – and don’t want to. Engaging with news can help us make ...

The Role of Your GP in Creating a Chronic Disease Management Plan That Works

Living with a long-term condition, whether that is diabetes, asthma, arthritis or heart disease, means making hundreds of small decisions every day. You plan your diet against m...

Troubleshooting Flickering Lights: A Comprehensive Guide for Homeowners

Image by rawpixel.com on Freepik Effectively addressing flickering lights in your home is more than just a matter of convenience; it's a pivotal aspect of both home safety and en...