Choosing a smaller home can be more cost-effective, cozier, and easier to maintain. Here are ten ways to make the most of your home's interior—these ideas can be applied to larger spaces too!

1. Think Up

When floor space is limited, consider installing floating shelves, tall bookcases, wall-mounted cabinets, pegboards and hooks, and floor-to-ceiling storage. Higher ceilings make any room feel expansive, so choose accommodations with more vertical space if square footage isn't an option.

2. Choose Furniture with Storage in Mind

Consider beds with built-in drawers beneath, sofa beds and Murphy beds, expandable and/or collapsible dining tables, nesting tables, benches with concealed storage, and storage ottomans. You can have everything you need while keeping your space clutter-free and open. Adding storage beneath stairs is a great idea too! 

3. Keep the Floor Clear

The more visible floor space you have, the larger a room tends to feel. Wall-mounted furniture, floating vanities, and elevated storage can help create that sense of openness. With that in mind, stay organized and store potential clutter instead of leaving it out.

4. Utilize Mirrors 

A large mirror can reflect light and make a small room feel brighter and more open. Positioning one opposite a window can maximize natural light. One or two strategically placed mirrors can even make a space feel twice as large! Mirrors can be especially effective in smaller, darker entryways. Glass tables can also create a greater sense of openness compared to heavier, more solid furniture.

5. Create Zones Without Closing Things Off

Instead of adding walls, define different areas with rugs, lighting, furniture placement, open shelving, and curtains or screens. The YouTube channel Never Too Small showcases several examples where curtains are put to good use. 

This is especially useful in studio apartments and open-concept homes. 

6. Put Awkward Spaces to Work

Don't overlook the spaces under stairs, corners, narrow hallways, or the area above doorways. Custom or semi-custom storage can turn these otherwise unused areas into valuable space. Tiny home designers have become especially creative when it comes to using every inch of space.

7. Use a Consistent Color Palette

Lighter, cohesive colors can make a small interior feel more open. You don't necessarily have to stick to all-white—soft neutrals and similar tones throughout adjoining spaces can create visual continuity. If you want to incorporate a bolder color option, color drenching bathrooms is the way to go. A fully immersive experience can be relaxing, especially when winding down for the evening. 

8. Invite as Much Natural Light as Possible

Avoid covering windows with bulky furniture. Use sheer window treatments, keep windows unobstructed, and use mirrors to bounce light around the room. While shutters can be visually appealing and help block the sun, they tend to make a room feel more dense.

9. Be Extra Intentional With Décor

Small spaces can become visually cluttered quickly. Rather than filling every surface, choose a few larger, intentional pieces that make an impact. Rotate your favorite decor instead of featuring everything at once. 

10. Design Around How You Live

The best small-space design isn't necessarily about squeezing more into a room. It's about making sure everything you have serves a purpose and fits seamlessly into your routine.

Want to learn more? See how you can Maximize Limited Outdoor Space.