Unless you’re building your home from scratch, there are bound to be a couple of existing design niggles that you’re not quite sure how to overcome. However, there’s usually a simple solution! So whether it’s narrow spaces, awkward shapes or annoyingly low ceilings – we have the answer for you!
Dilemma 1 - A teeny tiny room
Solution: Install a huge mirror
If you have a floor-to-ceiling mirror you can create the illusion of a larger room. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors as a feature wall can work particularly well as it visually doubles the size of the room and allows light to bounce around the room.
Dilemma 2 – A waste of space
Solution: Treat it as an extension of the room
If you’ve got an annoying part of the room that lacks purpose – give it some! If it’s in the bedroom, why not purchase a clothes rail and display some of your favourite pieces outside of the wardrobe. If it’s the living room, try some built-in shelves and fill them with anything from books to framed photos – it’s a chance to be creative.
Dilemma 3 – A horrible view
Solution: Create a hideaway
Blinds are a perfect way to block out unsightly views and when in a sheer fabric, they still allow plenty of light through as well. Or you can use foliage as an alternative for outside spaces, not only will it hide any unpleasantries but it will also enhance the look of your own property.
Dilemma 4 – A narrow space
Solution: Bring in the stripes
Stripes can visually expand a room as they make your eye travel from left to right. It doesn’t matter if they are narrow or wide stripes, as long as they are horizontal. Whether you paint them directly on to the wall or opt for a stripey wallpaper, it’s one of the easiest ways to make a room look wider.
Dilemma 5 – A low ceiling
Solution – Tall curtains & transparent furniture
If you hang curtains from ceiling to floor with no visible rods or rails, the curtains create a waterfall effect that gives the illusion of height in a room. Transparent furniture pieces also work well as unlike opaque pieces, they do not stop light from bouncing around the room.
Dilemma 6 – Exposed plumbing
Solution – Embrace them
Having exposed pipes in your home doesn’t have to be an eyesore. In fact, it is often a typical feature of industrial buildings, ex-factory apartments or warehouse conversions. Embrace the ‘industrial feel’ and draw attention to them in a simple, yet sophisticated way. Paint them in contrasting colours to your walls and to each other depending on their function.
Dilemma 7 – When open-plan is ‘too open’
Solution – Divide the space
A room that is too ‘open-plan’ can be impractical and a little daunting when you don’t quite know how to utilise the space. Creating different zones within the open-plan room enhances its function and can offer privacy. A freestanding divider adds some structure and can also make a nice accent feature.