If you find yourself spending more at home this year, your living space may be starting to feel a little cramped and claustrophobic. A comfortable living space is important, and studies have suggested small spaces can negatively impact your overall mood and mental health. Not only does more space equal more happiness, but it can also increase your home's overall value.

Luckily, when it comes to interior design there are simple ways to make your home appear more spacious. Our real estate agents have several tips for making your home appear more spacious. Whether you're looking to put your home on the market this year or simply looking to make things more comfortable, consider thesedesign suggestions that can actually trick the eye into seeing more space:

1. Scale Down Your Furniture
   Furniture size has a huge impact on how we perceive space. Large furniture will quickly shrink the overall appearance of a room, while small pieces can actually make space seem larger. It's not all about size either - pay attention to the position and placement of your furniture. Try to always keep furniture a couple of inches from the walls when possible. Also, be sure there are clear paths and walkways around the room.

2. Consider Lighter Colors
   Light colors arereflective, which helps natural light fill all the nooks and crannies of a room. A brighter room naturally has a larger, more spacious aesthetic. Dark colors actually do the opposite - they absorb light which can make a room appear smaller or cramped. Try white tones, light blues, and greens when decorating or painting, as these colors can make the room seem bigger and brighter.

3. Try Some Well-Placed Mirrors
   When they're strategically placed, mirrorscan really light up a room, which will naturally make it seem more spacious. Mirrors can reflect a lot of light, so they're a great tool for improving the overall look and feel of a particular space. Be sure to place mirrors near windows to really maximize the light exposure. You can also try adding them to cabinet doors or tabletops for a more subtle look.

4. Eliminate Clutter With Hidden Storage Spaces
   Hidden storage spaces give you the best of both worlds -  you get to eliminate clutter without having to actually get rid of your belongings. The trick is to keep everything organized and out of sight.Look for furniture options with pull-out drawers or hidden-storage compartments. Baskets also make great decorative storage solutions for baskets and pet toys, and floating shelving can help you display art without minimizing space.
   
   5. Uncover Your Windows
   If you're looking to make a small room look more spacious, curtains are working against you in two ways: theyprevent natural light from entering the space, and they also block the eye from seeing beyond the limitations of the room. Having a clear line of sight through windows makes rooms appear more expansive, so be sure to keep your windows uncovered or use lighter blinds when possible.

Our team can provide even more tips for making your home appear more spacious. Contact us today!