Space invasion: Make room for style

In a city of predominantly high-rise living, finding interiors solutions for a small accommodation can be a challenge, but there are many ways in which you can not only make use of the space available, but also change the way in which your living space is perceived — just by using some key visual tricks. Even a small living space has room for design style. Here's how you can inject some into yours.

Think functional

There's no use falling in love with a 3x3-metre corner sofa if you live in a studio apartment, so look for furniture that has the right dimensions to fit your space without being overbearing. To maximise the use of space, consider furniture that is multifunctional and designed for spatially challenged living, such as sofa-beds or a coffee table with built-in storage. Versatility of furniture will enable you to make more out of less and gain the much-needed extra storage, which is key to maintaining an uncluttered home in small spaces.

Expand the view

You can change the perception of space just by considering a few layout and decor changes. Creating a more open-plan layout will give your apartment a sense of flowing space and openness when you enter it. If you are able to see through the immediate space and partially into the next one, a sense of intrigue will draw your eye towards the far room, thus allowing it to explore the larger space as a whole.

Create unity

If you mix and match key decor or furnishing styles in a small living space, you will visually "chop" it up into separate tiny areas, thus making it feel disjointed and disconnected — not to mention claustrophobic. By unifying key elements such as the style of flooring and the colour scheme through all adjoining rooms on the same floor, you can create a sense of seamless continuity and connectedness, and achieve a unified flow, which gives the impression of a more open space. Visually connected rooms will feel larger if they share a common colour scheme. This doesn't mean everything in them has to be the same colour, it just requires a common set of colours that go together as the basis of the colours used, and these can be used to different degrees in different areas but will tie in together in harmony. In more open-plan layouts where this technique is used, it is best to use visual definitions of individual spaces and their functionalities, rather than physical partitions. Define the main areas, such as the living, the dining and the working areas, by using rugs, furniture and/or artworks.

Get creative

Look for creative ways to generate space, such as little alcoves or recessed areas that might be good locations for built-in cabinets or display units. Recessed areas or alcoves are often ideal places to convert into areas of interest for decorative value or even added storage with the right piece of furniture designed to fit.

Use mirrors and glass

The reflection in a mirror, for example of the room or even the outdoor space through an unobstructed window, will visually double the appearance of the room or, in the latter case, bring the outdoors inside and with it, the feeling of openness and expanse. Transparent items also create a sense of openness. Consider glass-topped tables, clear acrylic chairs and glass-fronted cabinetry. Avoid using heavy, dark, wooden furniture.

Curtains or blinds?

If you opt for curtains, keep them light and airy, and avoid overlayering of the fabric. Alternatively, consider blinds, which allow you privacy when needed but will also open up the view and visual space when you don't.

The colour of the curtains is also important. By using a fabric that is tonal to the colour of the walls, it will visually flow into the walls and not intrude upon them and the space within.

To achieve the perception of a larger window and more open space, mount the curtain rods higher above the window frame closer to the ceiling and/or further out from the sides of the window frame. The effect will be a taller, wider window than actually exists.

The Arabesque modern armchair has a lot of character for a compact piece and is perfect for fitting into a corner or an alcove to provide stylish and comfortable extra seating. Bloomingdale's Home, Dh13,200.

Floor lamps

Nelson floor lamp. Lighting is key and tall, slim floor lamps lend themselves perfectly to tight corners and spaces, flooding the walls with glowing light and creating ambience. Dimensions: (H) 134cm. Andrew Martin, Dh2,640.

WOW Dining Table in stainless steel and clear glass. The name says it all — this table makes a stunning design statement and yet is perfect for entertaining dinner guests in small living spaces. Circular or hexagonal tables are more suited to small spaces, as they can fit easily into corners and are less of a spatial imposition. Dimensions: (D) 140cm. THE One, Dh9,995.

The Castle Coffee Table has 18 glass slots for some funky storage solutions. If you're not short of storage, you can use the slots as a series of display cases. Go on, be creative. Dimensions: 90x90cm. THE One, Dh3,695

Storage boxes

If it's more of a contemporary look you're going for, these Eva storage boxes made of lacquered painted bamboo will fit in nicely. Dimensions: (H)38cm, (H)43cm, (H)49cm. THE One, Dh1,995 (for a set of three).

Nesting tables are the perfect design solution for small spaces, as they can be tidied away for everyday living but also provide invaluable extra surfaces for entertaining guests. White Lacquer Nesting Tables from the Mekong Collection are minimalist, contemporary and compact. Indigo Living, Dh2,990.

Stackable storage solutions are invaluable in small living spaces and a set of six Sway jewellery boxes also provides an attractive decorative feature in addition to its functional attributes. THE One, Dh699.

The versatile design of the Vela stool in rust-resistant cast aluminium allows it to be used as either a stool or a small side table, and even be used outdoors. THE One, Dh1,795.

The use of visual partitions, such as rugs and artworks, is one way of dividing up functional areas in a small living space, but the transparent Naturally Autumn Back Parisian Partition provides a stylish alternative while making quite a statement in itself. It can also be folded away when not needed. Size: Large, from the Mekong Collection. Indigo Living, Dh11,950.

Beatrice Boardman is a UAE-based fashion and interiors consultant