Editor’s Note:This article was last updated on March 19, 2020.
Living in Metro Manila has its fair share of perks. Accessible malls, good jobs, and prestigious institutions are just some of the things that are within your reach.
But with the good comes the bad. Real estate has become scarce. Today, most residences in Manila are condominium complexes. While a condo unit has its pros, you’d have to get really creative in designing the limited space.
White walls can make the room feel twice as large.
It is a known fact that light-colored walls can make any room seem bigger than it actually is. White walls in particular, work great at reflecting natural light, giving the entire area a brighter and more open feel. Painting your walls white adds a sense of cohesiveness, making your living room feel grander and more put together. A white wall is also quite a versatile canvas which you can decorate with paintings, ornaments, or wall accents.
Complement the clean, bright walls with furniture pieces that are also in the neutral-colored family. This brings a sense of interconnectivity throughout the entire room. Not only does it enlarge the room, it turns it into a calm space where you can take a quick escape from the stress of city life.
3. Create an optical illusion with mirrors.
Mirrors add an illusion of space and depth.
Mirrors reflect both natural and artificial light so they can make a room appear bigger day and night. They also reflect images of the items that are already in the room, making it look twice as large as it actually is. Pro tip: the smaller the room, the larger the mirror you need to create depth and space.
Sunlight makes a room feel less cramped and crowded.
While artificial lighting is accessible and easy, it doesn’t come with the benefits of natural lighting. One way to achieve natural lighting is through the use of large windows. Sunlight can do wonders, not only with aesthetics, but also to your overall mental and physical well-being. However, if your condo doesn’t have this luxury, creative lighting fixtures will also do the trick.
5. Be innovative with multi-functional furniture.
Multi-functional pieces of furniture are practical and save space.
To further maximize the limited space you have, go for pieces of furniture that can be used for more than one task. These not only require less space, but also give the entire room a sense of functionality. Examples of practical multi-purpose pieces of furniture include a coffee table that can be turned into a chest for storage and a couch that doubles as a bed.
Living in the city has its repercussions, with limited space being one of them. But no matter how little space you might have for the living room of your dreams, a few tips and tricks will make even the smallest of rooms appear grand and spacious.
What design tips above are you most excited to try for yourself? Let us know in the comments section below!
About Eunice Sheene Fulgencio
Eunice knew that she’d be writing for the rest of her life from a very young age. Naturally introverted, she is selective with how she uses her time and who she spends it with. Has a penchant for sweet treats, sentimental proses, and online personality quizzes. A true-blue INFJ.
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