Feeling Cramped? Here’s How to Make Your Home Feel Bigger Without Breaking the Bank
Hey hey, Roomies!
Raise your hand if your space has been feeling a little too cozy lately. Whether you're in a snug studio, sharing walls in an apartment, or just trying to make your square footage stretch, I’ve got your back. You don’t need to call in the demo crew or win the lottery to breathe life (and space) into your home.
In my latest video, I’m spilling allll the tea on how to make your living space feel bigger, brighter, and better using easy, budget-friendly design hacks. Trust me, these tips will have your guests saying, “Wait, did you move?!” Nope, you just leveled up your design game.
Watch it here first — you’ll thank me later:
https://youtu.be/Awm_yK57Lsc?si=WgsToysj4aihIr8f
Let Your Furniture Breathe, Babe
First things first: that giant sectional you love? It might be smothering your space. The key to a room that feels spacious is strategic furniture placement.
Pull your furniture away from the walls. Yes, really. It creates a sense of flow and shows off negative space (a.k.a. your secret weapon). Opt for low-profile pieces with slim legs to create the illusion of openness. Bonus points if your furniture serves double-duty — think ottomans with hidden storage or coffee tables that moonlight as desks.
Hot Tip: Floating furniture in the middle of a room can actually make it look larger by defining zones. You’re not crowding — you’re curating.
Light It Up (Like You Mean It)
If your room’s lighting is still relying on that sad overhead bulb? Girl, no. Lighting makes or breaks a space.
In the video, I walk you through layering light sources to add depth and warmth. Think:
Tall floor lamps in dark corners,
Sconces for soft, glowy walls,
Fairy lights or LED strips to highlight bookshelves or cabinets,
And yes — mirrors. Lots of mirrors.
Mirrors bounce light around like Beyoncé on a world tour, making everything look bigger and brighter.
Play With Color Like a Pro
Let’s talk color palettes — and no, you don’t need to repaint every wall white (unless you want to). Cool tones like soft grays, pale blues, sage greens, and warm neutrals open up your space visually.
Accent walls? Go vertical. Stripes, paint patterns, or wallpaper going up draw the eye to the ceiling and add height. And if you’re feeling extra bold — go for monochrome. A room in varying shades of one color reads sleek and expansive.
Designer Secret: Paint your ceiling just a shade lighter than your walls for a subtle, soaring effect.
Declutter Without Ditching Your Style
Listen, I’m not saying go full Marie Kondo — but if your countertops are screaming for help, it’s time for a glow-up. Decluttering is the glow-down prep before the real glam.
But decluttering doesn’t mean bland. Use:
Decorative baskets for everyday items,
Trays to organize clutter into cute little “stations,”
And wall-mounted shelves to lift the mess off the floor.
In the video, I show you how less stuff = more space + more style. Let your favorite pieces shine, and pack away the rest (we love a seasonal rotation moment).
Use Rugs and Zones to Define Space
Want your open space to feel intentional instead of just... open? Use rugs to visually divide and conquer.
For example, place a cozy rug under your seating area to define the living room, or a bold runner in your hallway to give the illusion of length. Stick with lighter tones and minimal patterns if your goal is expansion — dark or overly busy rugs can shrink a space faster than you can say "cozy chic."
Add Plants for Life + Layers
You might not think a plant can make your home feel larger, but trust me: greenery = growth vibes.
Hang some trailing plants in corners to draw the eye upward. Pop a tall plant in a basket next to your sofa. Use small plants to layer your shelves or dress up your window sills.
And yes, even faux plants work — I won’t tell.
Size Matters (When It Comes to Decor)
Oversized furniture in a small space? That’s a no from me, sis. Instead, opt for:
Glass or acrylic furniture that disappears into the background,
Open-leg chairs and tables,
And slim silhouettes that look light even when they’re strong.
Need visual proof? Watch the video and see how swapping one clunky piece made a whole space feel reborn.
Mount It, Don’t Crowd It
Wall real estate is often underused. Instead of stuffing furniture into every square inch of floor space, look up:
Mount your TV.
Hang shelves for books or plants.
Try wall desks for work-from-home glam.
In the video, I share my go-to vertical hacks that turn walls into functional, fabulous features.
Final Thoughts: Small Space, Big Energy
At the end of the day, it’s not about how much space you have — it’s about how you use it. A well-designed home should breathe, inspire, and reflect your vibe. With just a few tweaks (and maybe a trip to HomeGoods), your home can feel brand new.
So whether you’re living in a one-bedroom apartment or just want your living room to stop feeling like a crowded closet, let’s transform it together — one design hack at a time.
Ready to get started?
Watch the full transformation here:
https://youtu.be/Awm_yK57Lsc?si=WgsToysj4aihIr8f
Let me know in the comments what your biggest design dilemma is — and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with a friend who’s always complaining about their tiny space.
