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(NC) Bigger isn’t always better. Small spaces have proven to be the preferred living option for
many of us since they require less maintenance, cleaning and budget for furnishing and
renovations. However, adding personality and making the most of a small living space can be a
challenge. Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert shares her tips on how to
make the most of a small space.
Invest in multi-purpose furniture
Instead of filling the room with separate pieces for different purposes, invest in furniture that
serves more than one function. Consider a sofa that can easily transform into a bed, allowing
your living room to double as a guest bedroom. Alternatively, opt for a coffee table that you can
extend or adjust in height to serve as a dining table or workspace when needed.
Create division with paint
Colour creates distinction between spaces without the need for a physical room-divider. While it
can be tempting to go for one light hue to make a space feel bigger, using different colours on a
wall can create separation and make it multifunctional. A bold colour, for example, can signal to
the mind that this area is for work.
Grech explains, “Colour affects humans psychologically. Offices painted in blues or greens tend
to be less distracting and even improve concentration, where warm reds, yellows and oranges
bring higher energy to the space. It truly depends on what mindset each person is trying to get
into when they work.”
For calmer spaces like the bedroom or office area she recommends a soothing light purple such
as New Age 1444, or a calming, crisp light blue like Polar Sky CC-790.
Don’t be afraid of height
When dealing with a small living space, it's essential to think beyond the floor area and make use
of vertical space. Your walls can be used for additional storage or to create the illusion of a larger
space. Don’t be afraid to use height to your advantage, whether that’s through paint or furniture
to draw the eye upward.
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