This simple hack will make your home feel infinitely bigger (and it really works!)

In the words of Leonardo da Vinci, ‘small rooms or dwellings discipline the mind; large ones weaken it.’ We’re not all lucky enough to live in homes of vast proportions – and even the grandest abodes can still sport small corners – but with some creativity and careful planning, even the humblest room can be transformed into an elegant space. Whether you’re battling with a box room that’s become a storage area for winter clothes and Christmas decorations, or struggling to find enough room for a burgeoning collection, here are five stylish ways to boost that feeling of space.

Clever colour

There’s a reason estate agents and property developers promote clean, white walls: a neutral palette gives the space room to breathe. If bright white feels too stark for your tastes, consider light yellow, pale blue, or soft beige for a warmer alternative. To enhance the height of your room, paint the ceiling and woodwork in a slightly lighter shade than the walls, to harness a light and airy feel. (If you’re after a cosy, cosseting ambiance, a darker ceiling will generate the opposite effect – picture an inviting snug for movie nights).

Pattern play

If there’s one tool to have up your sleeve when it comes to making a room feel wider, stripes are just the thing. A runner with vertical stripes in a short hallway will draw the eye and add depth, while a horizontal-striped rug works wonders in a narrow space to broaden the proportions. The same logic can be applied with tiles; employ horizontal metro tiles to widen the effect of a small bathroom, or position them vertically to increase the feeling of height in your room. Another trick is to use small-scale patterned wallpaper in a modest room – this helps draw the eye to the intricacies of the pattern, rather than the overall scale of the space.

Enhanced lighting

Natural lighting is the most effective way to amplify the feeling of space, so avoid blocking window frames with bulky furniture. Keep the window dressing simple, and consider plantation shutters or, for a softer alternative, Roman blinds in a similar palette to the walls, for a harmonious scheme. Curtains should touch the floor, as the vertical lines make the room appear taller. A breezy fabric such as a voile will help to enhance the natural light, while mirrors and glass objects can help further reflect light throughout. Choose a long ceiling pendant light if you want to draw the eye up and make the room appear taller. A spindly table lamp will have the same effect, but combine with a square lampshade for a compact, space-saving effect. Resist incorporating floor lamps, as they can often overwhelm a small room with their heavy bases.

Savvy storage

It goes without saying, but keeping on top of clutter is essential when living in a small space. Think creatively and hang shelves above doors, radiators and within alcoves. The benefit of open storage means you are forced to keep your belongings tidy and under control – a tip that I always find handy. In an entrance hall, use a high shelf with woven baskets to store hats and scarves, with hooks beneath for coats. In the living room or bedroom, a versatile ottoman can serve as both storage and a footrest, or a place to sit.

Sleek furniture

Furniture that offers storage options is ideal, but also consider the proportions – choose slim antique pieces over bulky designs. The positioning of the furniture is equally important. If you can, place away from the wall to allow flow, and define each area clearly. A good tip is to show as much floor as possible, so opt for sofas and chairs with legs. This allows light to pass underneath and will increase the feeling of floor space.