Whether it’s a compact kitchen, a snug bathroom, or a cosy living room – small spaces don’t have to feel limiting. With the right design tricks, you can make even the tiniest of spaces feel bigger, brighter, and more functional.
Here are our top tips to help you maximise your space, whether you’re working with a bathroom, kitchen, or any other room in your home.
1. Embrace Light, Neutral Colours
Amberth’s Pinterest, Small Bathroom Inspo
Your colour palette: one of the simplest and most effective ways to make a small space feel larger. Light, neutral shades like whites, creams, and soft greys reflect light, making the room feel airy and open. Dark colours can make a space feel smaller and more enclosed if used incorrectly – not always, but if you’re opting for expanding your space, then save the dark tones for accents and accessories.
In a small bathroom, for example, white or light-coloured tiles paired with neutral paint can create an expansive, clean feel. Similarly, a kitchen with white cabinetry and light countertops will seem more open and inviting.
2. Maximise Natural Light
Natural light is key to making any space feel bigger. If you’re fortunate enough to have windows in your small space, avoid heavy curtains or blinds that block out the light. Instead, opt for sheer curtains or shades that let the light filter through. If privacy is a concern, frosted glass can offer both light and coverage.
For spaces like bathrooms where natural light might be limited, you can add reflective surfaces such as mirrors or glossy tiles to bounce light around the room, creating the illusion of more space.
3. Use Mirrors to Expand the Space
Mirrors are a tried-and-true way to create the illusion of more space. Strategically placing a large mirror opposite a source of light will create a reflection that makes your room feel bigger. In bathrooms, mirrors can double as both functional and aesthetic pieces—adding depth and brightness to what might otherwise be a cramped room.
In kitchens, mirrored backsplashes or glass-front cabinets can help reflect light, making even a small kitchen feel more expansive.
4. Choose Multi-Functional Furniture
If you’ve got limited space, every piece of furniture needs to pull double duty. Multi-functional furniture maximises space without sacrificing design. Consider custom kitchen cabinets with built-in storage or bathroom vanities that offer both style and function.
Our modern era of design gives us access to a vast array of multi-functional furniture. Items like an ottoman that doubles as storage, or fold-down tables that can be tucked away when not in use. In bathrooms, think about adding built-in shelving or wall-mounted fixtures to save floor space while keeping things organised. Get creative.
5. Keep the Floor Clear
Amberth, Wapping High Street Project
Nothing makes a small space feel more cramped than clutter on the floor. Wherever possible, try to keep the floor as clear as you can. In bathrooms, wall-mounted sinks and floating vanities are great options that free up floor space and make the room feel less crowded.
In kitchens, opting for cabinetry that reaches the ceiling can help you avoid clutter on countertops, maintaining a streamlined look.
6. Play with Vertical Space
Amberth’s Pinterest Inspo, Compact Kitchen
When floor space is at a premium, look to your walls for extra room. Installing tall shelving or cabinetry that extends all the way to the ceiling draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller and more spacious. This works particularly well in kitchens and bathrooms, where additional storage is always a plus.
7. Use Glass or Open Shelving
Another way to make a small space feel bigger is by using materials that allow you to see through them. Glass shower enclosures, for example, can make a small bathroom feel much larger than if you had a solid shower curtain or opaque divider.
In kitchens, open shelving instead creates a spacious, airy feel; as opposed to traditional upper cabinets that can sometimes give a boxed-in effect. Plus, it gives you a chance to display your favourite dishware or décor.
8. Go Big with Statement Pieces
It might seem counterintuitive, but adding a single large piece of furniture or décor item can actually make a small space feel bigger. Instead of cluttering the room with lots of smaller items, choosing one bold, oversized piece can create a sense of openness and drama.
In bathrooms, this could be a large mirror or a striking light fixture. In kitchens, a bold pendant light over the island or a large piece of artwork can anchor the space and make it feel more cohesive.
9. Declutter and Organize
This one’s simple: clutter makes any space feel smaller. Keeping your space organised and free of unnecessary items will instantly make it feel more open and comfortable. Invest in smart storage solutions that help keep everything in its place. Whether that’s custom cabinetry in the kitchen or built-in shelving in the bathroom. When everything has its place, the space feels bigger. And becomes far more functional.
10. Embrace Minimalism
Sometimes, less is more. In smaller spaces, embracing a more minimalist approach to décor and furniture can make a huge difference. Clean lines, uncluttered surfaces, and thoughtfully chosen pieces create a calm, open atmosphere.
This doesn’t mean your space has to be devoid of personality. Focus on choosing a few key pieces that reflect your style and serve a purpose. You’ll be surprised how much more spacious the room feels when you clear out the excess.
Turn Your Home Into A Haven
No matter the size of your bathroom, kitchen, or any room in your home, there are endless ways to make it feel bigger. From maximising natural light and choosing smart storage solutions to playing with vertical space, the right design choices can open up even the smallest of spaces. Whether it’s a cozy bathroom or a compact kitchen, start with these simple tips and watch your room expand—without moving a single wall.
