With so many cool condos in the Tampa area (Grand Central at Kennedy, The Quarter at Ybor, and Skypoint to name a few), you may find yourself wondering if you might be better suited to a smaller space instead of a big house. Singles and couples who aren’t ready to take the home buying plunge are perfect condo candidates. But small spaces tend to get a bad rap. With these simple tips, you can cleverly decorate your little house in a way that gives you room to breathe.
Keep It Clean
This is a boring answer, but it is true. You might be able to get away with piling clothes on the back of chairs or leaving your shoes in the middle of the floor in a bigger house, but that’s not going to work in your small space. The clutter covers up sitting room and floor space, making the room feel even smaller.
Find Dual Purpose Items
In a small space, single purpose furniture is not your friend. Yes, that decorative table might really work with your ambiance, but it’s going to displace something else. Look for a table that also has shelves for books and knick-knacks. If you need an ottoman, look for a hollow one you can store remotes and game controllers in.
Go Vertical
By expanding your shelving and decoration higher, you’ll be able to fit more in. A lot of the new condos come with wonderfully high ceilings, so you’ll have a lot of space to expand up. Look for tall, skinny book shelves or dressers that don’t take up much of the floor but still give you plenty of storage. Floating shelves are an easy an impermanent way to clear up floor space and still make the room visually appealing.
Let There be Light
Lots of light in a room can do wonders for making it feel bigger. One of the best things about living in Florida, is most places have a lot of windows. Make sure you invest in proper blinds that fit. If you dress your windows with blinds that are too short or too heavy, you can block out the natural light and shrink the space. A lot of the new, modern condos make natural light a priority, but for those darker rooms, lamps are your friend. Find some great paper lamps with soft light that you can hang from the ceiling, or a tall lamp that will sit nicely in an awkward corner.
Slow Down
It’s very easy to go into overdrive when you’re in a new space for the first time. Living in Tampa, it’s easy to pop over to Ikea every time you think of something new you want. Don’t do it. Spend some time in your space before you fill it with stuff. Figure out which rooms you spend the most time in and what you want out of each room. If you prefer to eat in front of the TV, there’s no need to invest in a large dining room table. If you prefer to sprawl out on the floor instead of the couch, put more money into a big comfy area rug.
Be Colorful
Color can be scary because you don’t want your home to look childish, but you’ll be amazed what a few pops of color can do for a room. Lighter colors like blues and greens can open a space up, while darker colors like black and purple make a space feel smaller. You don’t have to invest in expensive pieces to accomplish this effect. Try a colorful blanket over the back of the couch or pillows with an interesting pattern. Draw from your surroundings. Tampa is so colorful and has such an eclectic culture, it’ll be easy to find visually interesting additions for your home.
Living in a small space doesn’t have to feel like a prison cell. These are a few simple ways to open up your home and make the most out of what you have.
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