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Originally published October 2025. Updated and expanded to reflect current design thinking and how homes are being planned more intentionally during periods of change.
How to Maximise Small Spaces - Interior Designer Approach
Small spaces rarely happen in isolation. They often arrive during periods of change — moving into an apartment, renovating a family home, downsizing, or simply reconfiguring life. When space shifts, your home needs to work harder.
Maximising a small space isn’t about squeezing in more furniture or finding clever storage hacks. It’s about understanding how you live now — your routines, priorities and patterns — and designing accordingly.
Here’s how an interior designer approaches small spaces strategically, so they feel intentional, supportive and considered rather than temporary or reactive.
Clever Furniture Choices That Save Space without Sacrificing Style
When I design small spaces, I prioritise furniture that is sleek and streamlined, as these pieces enhance the perception of space. I favour furniture with legs, as this design element creates an illusion of space underneath, making the area feel larger. Additionally, I incorporate versatile options, such as sofas that double as guest beds or coffee tables that expand into dining tables.
Each piece I choose reflects a stylish aesthetic while meeting my clients’ functional needs.
Decorative Tricks to Create the Illusion of More Room
In decorating small spaces, I apply creative techniques that make a significant impact. For instance, I often select lighter colours for walls and furniture to maximise light reflection, enhancing the overall spaciousness of the room. I strategically position mirrors to boost light and visual depth, making the space feel larger. I also utilise vertical stripes in wallpaper or decor to draw the eye upward, enhancing the perception of height. By keeping decor minimal and organised, I create a serene and inviting atmosphere.
Multi-Functional Items That Enhance the Use of Space
Versatility is an essential aspect of my design philosophy, especially when working in small homes or apartments. Therefore, I incorporate multi-functional items that serve several purposes. For instance, I choose ottomans that provide both seating and storage. Additionally, I select beds with built-in drawers, allowing for efficient linen and clothing storage. Moreover, I favor nesting tables that can be tucked away when not in use. Ultimately, these thoughtful additions not only enhance my clients’ spaces but also enrich their daily living experiences, as they combine elegance with practicality.
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Space Design
1. Do I need custom furniture for a small space?
Not always. Sometimes smart layout, multifunctional pieces, and prioritising flow will make more impact than bespoke furniture.
2. How do I make a small space feel bigger?
Zoning, decluttering, and using vertical space thoughtfully makes small areas feel more expansive without increasing square metres.
3. Can a small space work for a growing family?
Yes — by designing with flexibility, multi-use zones, and anticipating lifestyle changes, small spaces can support evolving needs.
4. Where should I start if I’m downsizing or moving?
Begin with understanding your routines, priorities, and emotional needs. Then plan zones, storage, and flow before buying or moving anything.
Maximising a small space isn’t just about furniture or storage — it’s about designing intentionally for how you live now, especially when your life is in transition. By considering routines, priorities, and the way each space is used, I create homes that feel functional, calm, and truly supportive of the people who live in them. Every small space has the potential to feel considered, adaptable, and reflective of its inhabitants — without feeling cramped or temporary.
If you’re ready to create a home that works for your current life, supports your routines, and feels intentional from the start, a Design Consultation is the ideal first step. Together, we’ll look at how you live now, identify friction points, and create a clear plan for a space that truly supports you.
Thank you for reading,
Prue
If you’re navigating a move, renovation, downsizing or beginning a new chapter and want your home to feel intentional from the start, a Design Consultation is the ideal first step. We’ll assess how you live now, identify friction points, and map a clear direction forward.
Book your Design Consultation →
Listen to our latest episode: Designing Intentionally When Your Space Changes. Discover how to make smaller spaces feel stable, supportive and considered, even during life transitions.
For more clever small solutions and multifunctional furniture ideas see below blog posts: