Tricks to making small spaces appear larger

For those with smaller floor space, there are inexpensive ways to make any space appear larger without resorting to construction or over-extended lines of credit.

This becomes increasingly important to those who are trying to sell their homes.

“The key consideration when renovating to sell is the return on investment on whatever project you choose to undertake,” explains Adrian Goslett, regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa.

He notes that it may be necessary to inject some capital into the home to give it a fair chance of selling, but sellers should avoid over-capitalising.

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“For example, if a seller pays R50 000 to renovate a space, but the value of the home only increases by R10 000, the seller would experience a negative return of R40 000 on that investment,” he explained.

To help sellers avoid overcapitalising on their renovations, RE/MAX of Southern Africa suggests the following affordable tricks to make any space within the home appear larger:

Use paint to make walls recede
Colour can be a powerful tool when making a space feel larger. Painting smaller rooms in light, neutral shades can open up the space.

Painting one of the walls in a dark shade can create the illusion that the wall recedes further than it does, which can create the perception of more space.

Stage the home carefully
Selecting the correct furniture in tight spaces is crucial. While bulky furniture will only make a room feel smaller, having small items of furniture scattered across the room will also make the space feel small and tricky to furnish.

The key is to find the right balance. Adding strategically placed items can help the space feel more functional and inviting. Utilise empty spaces to create more functional storage by adding shelves or neat storage baskets.

Create higher ceilings
It is possible to create the illusion of higher ceilings by installing a curtain rail closer to the edge of the ceiling instead of placing it above the window’s edge.

Sellers can also draw the eye upward by giving the ceiling a fresh coat of paint. Upgrading the cornices can also create the perception of higher ceilings which will make the space feel more open and larger.

Upgrade the lighting
One of the easiest ways of making a space look larger is to make sure that it is well-lit. If need be, upgrade the light fixtures to brighten the space and add lamps to make sure there are no corners hidden in shadow.

Before buyers walk in, open all the curtains and blinds and maybe even light a scented candle to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere.

“Many sellers make the mistake of thinking that expensive renovations will increase the resale value of their home the most. Quite the opposite, often the simplest updates that make a home neat and tidy can add just as much value as a complete remodel.

“This is because each homeowner has their personal preferences and will want to add their own touch to the home. The best changes a seller can make are the ones that make a space feel spacious, practical and inviting,” said Goslett.