It is true that living in small spaces can be challenging at times, and the confinement that came with the pandemic may have exacerbated these feelings for some people. However, it is also important to recognize that small spaces can have their own benefits and can be made to feel cozy and comfortable with the right approach. It can be helpful to focus on making the most of the space you have, using techniques like decluttering, organizing, and adding personal touches to make the space feel like your own. It may also be helpful to incorporate natural light and plants, which can help to make a space feel more open and welcoming. Finally, it is important to remember that it is normal to have ups and downs when it comes to feelings about your living space, and seeking support from friends, family, or a mental health professional can be helpful if these feelings become overwhelming.
1- Decrease clutter
Living in a cluttered space can have negative impacts on both your physical and mental well-being. A study published in Current Psychology found that clutter can lead to reduced productivity and chronic procrastination. To combat the negative effects of clutter, it can be helpful to declutter your living space and better organize the items you want to keep. This can be done through the use of storage systems that take advantage of vertical space, such as stackable shelves, and through the use of drawers and boxes that fit beneath furniture. Decluttering your space can also be liberating and allow you to live more efficiently. Additionally, carefully curating the items you keep can help you appreciate and savor what you have, leading to increased happiness.
2- Create boundaries
Designating specific areas as “my space” or “your space” can be a helpful way to establish boundaries and create a sense of privacy within a shared living space. This can be done through the use of room dividers or by recognizing and respecting designated zones in a particular room. It can also be helpful to use headphones when participating in activities that may disturb others, such as taking a Zoom call or watching TV. Establishing boundaries and respecting each other’s space can help to create a more harmonious living environment.
3- Use color to your advantage
It is common wisdom that painting a small space with lighter colors can make it feel larger, as pale walls reflect more light and create the illusion of more space. However, you don’t have to stick with all white walls. Using tints of cool colors, such as light blue, can also create the illusion of more space and can be relaxing. If the ceiling is painted a light color, it can also make the space feel farther away from the floor. Accents such as brightly colored pillows can also help to add cheer to a small space and make it feel more welcoming. Remember, in small spaces, a few carefully chosen accents can have a big impact.
4- Add mirrors
Mirrors can be a great tool for making a small space feel larger, as they reflect light and create the illusion of more space. Hanging a mirror opposite a window can be especially effective at bringing in light and creating the illusion of more space. If you’re looking to add mirrors to your small space, consider where you might be able to hang one or two more of them. This could be on a wall adjacent to a window, or on a wall opposite a light source. Keep in mind that the size and placement of the mirror will also impact its effectiveness at making the space feel larger.
5-Choose soothing shapes and textures
A study conducted in China found that rounded features and curved lines are generally associated with pleasantness and happiness, while diagonal and angular configurations are more likely to be associated with threat. This suggests that incorporating rounded, curvy designs into your living space, such as through the use of an area rug with a curvy design, can create a more pleasant and relaxing environment. Similarly, incorporating soft textiles such as velvety or fleecy throws and pillows can also help to create a more relaxing atmosphere. Touching soft surfaces may release oxytocin, a hormone with a calming effect, and it is thought that we have oxytocin receptors in our hands.
6- Add good scents
Adding a pleasant scent to your home can help to create a positive mood. Cinnamon has been shown to have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects, so simmering cinnamon sticks and orange peel in water on the stove can be a simple way to infuse your home with a pleasant aroma. Alternatively, you can use scented candles or an atomizer with an essential oil to add a pleasant scent to your living space. Choosing a scent that reminds you of wide-open spaces can also help to make your small space feel larger. It is important to note that some people may be sensitive to certain scents, so it is always a good idea to be mindful of others when using fragrances in shared living spaces.
7- Add some nature
Incorporating plants or photographs of nature into your living space can have positive effects on your mood and well-being. A study at Konkuk University in Korea found that people experience higher scores on measures of comfort, relaxation, and positive mood when looking at real plants. In addition to adding beauty to your space, real plants also help to oxygenate the air and make a room feel less stuffy. If you are unable to take care of real plants, even incorporating photographs of nature or listening to sounds from nature, such as the sound of a burbling brook or singing birds, can help to evoke a pleasant and restful mood. One study at Chiba University in Japan found that exposure to forest sounds can decrease sympathetic nervous system activity and heart rate, while inducing comfortable, relaxed feelings and improved moods. Using design and sensory influences to make your living space feel larger and more comfortable can give you a sense of control and a psychological boost.