You did it! You finally upgraded from your small living space to a spacious home. As you unload the final box, though, you start to get a little bit worried. Do you have enough to fill this humongous house?
It turns out that moving into a bigger place can unlock a whole new set of challenges for homeowners. The most difficult task might be what to do with all that space. Now that open-concept floorplans are all the rage, it?s more of an issue than ever. And considering that most of us aren?t professional interior designers, it might be difficult to create a game plan.
That?s where we come in. We?ve gathered six of the easiest ways to make your home feel more intimate, despite its size. Put one, two or all six of these tips into action and bask in the cozy results.
1. No Wallflowers Allowed
Source: Woohome
In smaller rooms, you would probably place your sofa or desk up against the wall in order to maximize floor space. Larger rooms require the opposite. Floating your furniture ? leaving pieces bare-backed in the middle of the room ? can help define the different areas in one large room (more on this later). The intricate front of a solid-wood desk can mark an office area, for example, while wingback chairs signal the start of your living room.
2. Divide and Conquer
Your old loveseat probably looks silly in your new, sprawling living room. Rather than banishing it to the basement or throwing it to the curb, divide your rooms into smaller, functional sections. For example, a children?s playroom might have a television, video game console and couch at its center. But you could also place a few desks behind the couch to create a spot where your little ones will look forward to doing their homework. Think of your family?s interests and hobbies, and create small spaces with their needs in mind.
3. Get Artsy
Source: Ivy In The Bay
Blank walls seem to stretch on forever. Break them up with paintings, photos or decorative screens that will add warmth, despite your lack of furniture. You can also use art to help you in your quest to divide a large room into smaller, functional spaces. Choose a more formal piece to hang in your dining area and hang fun family portraits in the den.
4. Go Green
We?re not talking about paint color here. Instead, invest in a few tall, potted trees or plants to fill an extra-large living area. A lush, green tree can handily add interest to an empty corner in your home. Thanks to its height, it?ll also break up neutral-toned walls and add vertical interest to your room. Not too shabby for a houseplant, huh?
5. Hit the Lights
Source: Walden Wood Designs
Overhead lighting is not always the warmest shade, which means that your room might feel a bit more sterile than cozy. Make your living space feel more lived in and invest in a few standing and table lamps. They?ll brighten your room, but they?ll do so softly. You?ll much prefer curling up with a book beneath the soft glow of a table lamp than the bright light of an overhead spotlight. Add candles for an even warmer effect.
6. Don?t Rush
You might feel a little panicked moving into a space that?s bigger than what you?re used to. Don?t worry, though! You have plenty of time to find the right furniture, fixtures and decor to make it feel like home. Taking things slowly ensures that what you buy will be you. You?ll feel much more at home in a space like this.
Awesome tips! The kitchen pictured in the first picture is beautiful, love the old look wooden counter island. So pretty. I love the rustic look for kitchen decor.