Role of Textures in Light Reflection/Capture

Different surface textures attract and reflect light from various angles. Additionally, direct light on texture boosts it. However, if it is diffused light, it makes the texture appear dull. A room with more light allows surfaces to reflect more light.

Surface Textures That Brighten Spaces

1. Rough or coarse texture — reflects less light portraying a warm feeling while making the room feel dense and rustic. These textures provide a sense of intimacy. Examples include carpets, embroidered fabrics, rugs, or Maltese stone.
2. Smooth or shiny texture — reflects more light projecting a cool feeling. It makes a room feel light, sleek, more sophisticated, and more modern. Indeed, such textures include stone countertops and silky pillows.
3. Soft or raised texture — tends to take in more light making a room feel warm, for instance, embellished furniture.
4. Shiny and reflective texture — reflects more light. It is ideal in darker and smaller rooms as it makes them appear bigger and brighter. Examples of such texture include mirrors, wooden floors, lattice tables, or ceramic tiles.

Conclusion

By having a mix of light and heavy textures in varying sizes, you will create a perfect ambience in your home. You can also alternate between rough and smooth texture to bring out an interesting scheme in a space. Glossy textures are more modern while natural or rough textures are laid back and rustic.

To learn more about how to infuse surface textures to brighten your space, schedule an online/virtual consultation with us today.

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Storage, Storage, and More Storage!

You’ve probably heard the saying, “A place for everything, and everything in its place”. It’s important that we indeed do have a place for everything, and in many cases, storage is the answer to the dilemma. Some elements will need to contain items long-term (like quilts, photo albums, old letters), while others will simply be a place to hang items that are used every day, such as keys, hats, purses, etc.

Depending on the available space, it’s a good idea to keep the type of item in mind before acquiring it. Large spaces may benefit from curio cabinets and extensive shelving units, while a smaller room might be better served by dual-purpose furniture, such as a bench with hidden storage underneath.

Making Storage an Attractive Matter

Now is the time to get creative and really tap into your inner designer. Look around each room and try to envision unique and practical ways to reduce that mind-altering clutter. Examples might include:

• An antique shelf by the door for shoes
• Some rustic pegs on the wall
• A work desk with lots of compartments
• Bookshelves
• New closets

Learn More About Storing Items in a Visually-Appealing Way

Of course, all the basics of design apply in these decisions; choose the colours, wood types, and styles that compliment your room and add visual interest. Let your personality shine through each of your choices and you’ll find that the new look will fit into your lifestyle!

The post Create Visually-Appealing Storage in Every Room appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.

Scale Down Furniture

When it comes to furniture, it’s a good idea to think about proportions. You don’t want pieces of furniture bumping up against each other as this can emphasize the smallness of the room.

Instead, you want to create a sense of roominess by leaving space between furniture. It’s also a good idea to avoid bulky furniture that can take up too much of the room.

Incorporate Furniture Lower to the Ground

Furniture that is designed to sit low to the ground may not be the first thing you think about when making your space look larger. However, this is one of the easiest ways to create a sense of openness in small areas.

Essentially, when furniture sits lower to the ground, you create more room between your furniture and the ceilings, which is a great way to make the room feel larger.

Mirrors, Mirrors, and More Mirrors

If you’re looking for a quick and easy hack to maximize your living space, try adding mirrors. When done correctly, mirrors do a great job of creating a sense of openness, even in small living spaces. This is because mirrors not only reflect light, but they reflect the view, which easily tricks the eye to perceive more space.

Keep It Simple

It certainly never hurts to keep it simple when you need to maximize the space of a small room. Working with small spaces takes a bit of editing and a part of that editing process is arranging, adding, and removing certain pieces altogether.

The more pieces you add to your room, the more cluttered it will look and feel. If you have a lot of small objects, try grouping some together so that it can read as one installation. Additionally, you should avoid patterns that are too busy and colours that are overwhelming. Using neutral colours and patterns can help open up the overall space.

Learn More About Effective Interior Design

Just because you have a small space doesn’t mean you can’t get the most out of it. Small spaces can be fun, and with effective interior design, can help you maximize any room in your home. For the best results, consider hiring an interior designer. An interior designer understands how to make spaces more functional and appealing. They are able to assess your space and determine what the best solution is to open it up. Contact us to learn more.

The post 4 Ways to Make Spaces Look Bigger With Effective Interior Design appeared first on Interior Designer for Richmond & Dorset.