To cope with the projected population growth to over 53,5 million people in 2101 (released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics end of 2013) Australian cities will have to cater for many different demographic and cultural groups.
The need for high-density housing options is increasing.
There is no denying that Australian cities are going through a major physical change.
Already 25.
8 per cent of Sydney's households are living in apartments according to Urban Taskforce Australia.
More and more people choose to live in low maintenance apartments rather than big houses for various reasons: simplifying their lifestyle, saving money on furnishings, appliances and energy, gaining more time for travelling and hobbies, or downsizing to start a new chapter of their life.
Small spaces require clever space management and room layouts.
This article provides tips and ideas how to make a small space look larger.
1.
Manipulate a Space Through Colour Colour is the most powerful tool when it comes to non-verbal communication.
It is the design element that can change a space immediately.
A different colour on the walls can completely change the atmosphere of a space.
Colour brings individuality to a space and it is one of the most useful tools to master when decorating.
Visit a hardware store or paint shop to dive into the realm of colour.
Pick colours that instantly speak to you.
See if you can match your favourite colours to colours you have found in nature or during your discovery tours.
When choosing a colour for your home, it is important to think about the mood and atmosphere you would like to achieve in a space.
Colour can stimulate us or evoke feelings of calmness and serenity.
Colours remind us of past events in our childhood or great holidays we spent with our family.
Colour not only manipulates the proportions of a room, it also creates a certain mood and atmosphere.
Depending on the size and shape of your room and the height of your ceilings, there are different methods to manipulate a room through the way you apply your paint colour.
To make a small space look larger, use light tones of your chosen colour on all surfaces: floor, walls, ceiling.
This ensures that the most light possible will be reflected.
If your apartment has a dark floor, work with area rugs in light tones of your chosen colour scheme.
Cool colours in light tones recede, which means, that a wall painted in a cool colour will seem further away and make the space look larger.
Conversely, if you paint your walls in warm colours and darker tones, it will advance and make the space look smaller.
To raise a ceiling, use a colour that is a lighter tone than the wall colour and paint the walls right up to the ceiling.
To widen a corridor, use light tones of your chosen colour on all surfaces to maximise the light reflection and make the space less confining.
Conversely, if you want to shorten a long hallway or a long narrow room, paint the end wall in a warm colour and a darker tone to make it advance.
To change the proportions in a long corridor or long narrow room, use darker tones on the floor and ceiling.
This will make the space appear lower and wider.
What applies to paint colours is also valid for colours in decoration.
An all white or neutral interior can be brought to life with the colours you choose for decorative items like rugs, cushions, throws, art, accessories and flowers.
2.
Implement Intelligent Design Good design will always add value to your apartment.
Depending on your needs, look for intelligent design solutions for your home.
Think of storage wall units in your living area to hide your TV when not in use.
This is my favourite solution to not let the big black screen take over the living area and be automatically the focal point.
Design your dining area with stylish tables that come in different sizes, shapes and colours.
Use an extension table as a flexible solution for you and your guests.
Research wall-hung display and storage units.
Everything mounted on the wall will make your floor space larger.
Wall hung units can be used in living areas, bedrooms and bathrooms.
Sideboards are elegant, functional and great for storage in any room.
Hide your stuff in drawers and behind doors and create eye-catching vignettes with your favourite items on top.
Look for furniture companies specialising on apartment furniture.
You will find lots of ideas for clever and versatile pieces you may not have thought of.
3.
Source Clever Furniture Furniture for small spaces needs to be stylish and practical.
The trick is to find a versatile piece that can be used for different purposes.
Look for furniture that can be used as a standalone piece, or be used in combination with other pieces for a different purpose.
For example, timber of upholstered cubes can be used as tables, footstools or additional seating.
When arranged as a set of four in a larger square they also make a great coffee table by adding a tray on top.
In no time, you can arrange your living area to your needs.
Additionally, these cubes are stylish decorative pieces to play around with colours, textures and materials to coordinate with any interior.
4.
Focus on the Floor A very simple method to make a space look larger is using the same flooring throughout the whole apartment.
Especially in open-plan living areas, a single finish from the entrance through the living and dining area will widen the space.
This will additionally be enhanced by continuing the chosen finish to the outside entertainment area.
There is a huge choice of floor tiles with indoor and outdoor versions available.
Timber tiles are also very popular as they add the warmth of the timber look to a space and can be used in the kitchen as well.
5.
Decorate like a Pro In decorating your home you can unleash your creativity! Even if you think you are not creative at all, give it a go and start being inspired by interior designers from all over the world.
Research design blogs and follow the ones that speak to you.
Browse design departments in large bookstores to dive in the realm of interiors.
You will discover that most interior designers love to share their work and inspirations.
Borrow the things you like and implement them in your own home, with your modifications.
Check out Kit Kemp's famous design hotels for inspiration to layer colour and pattern.