5 simple design tricks to make a small home feel bigger.

When it comes to developing your property, dealing with tight spaces can often be inevitable. However, a compact space doesn’t necessarily mean it needs to feel small, and with some smart design choices, you can easily enhance the spatial experience of your home!

1. Open-Plan Layouts

Open-Plan layouts are one of the most fundamental design choices that immediately create a noticeable difference in the perceived size of the living areas. Combining the kitchen, living and dining spaces, and ditching any separating walls, can instantly result in a layout that feels open, and creates a seamless flow between each zone. Not only that, Open-Plan layouts often result in better natural light distribution, making the home overall feel much brighter.

• Higher Ceilings

Ceiling height plays a significant role in how spacious a home feels. Lower ceilings tend to result in a more intimate, cozy feeling, whereas higher ceilings generally create a sense of openness and grandeur to a space.  At Property Subdivision, we generally as a default include ceiling heights of 2.7m to a home’s main living areas. It is also important to note that ceiling height depends largely on each individual site, as factors such as walls on boundaries, overshadowing, maximum building height, etc. may impact how high you can build.

• Large Windows & Mirrors

Maximising natural light is another extremely effective way to make a home feel more spacious. Larger windows, glass doors and skylights can help bring in natural light, which makes the interior space feel brighter and more airy. These openings also help to create a connection with the outdoor areas, particularly the dwelling’s Secluded Private Open Space (SPOS). Mirrors can also be strategically placed opposite windows or along walls, which helps to reflect light and further adds to the sense of space. It is important to note that window height & types may depend on your site’s overlooking requirements, boundary offset, and any other external factors relevant to your site.

• Lighter Colours & Tones

Incorporating lighter colours (such as whites, soft greys, pastels and soft earthy tones) throughout your home’s interior help to create a brighter, more open and breathable environment. Lighter colours help to open up a space, whereas darker colours tend to absorb light, which can significantly make a home feel much more enclosed.

• Smart Storage Solutions

Efficient storage is crucial in compact living environments, such as backyard subdivision projects. Utilising built-in cabinetry, linen cupboards, storage sheds, shelving, and even furniture can help to minimise clutter, maximise floor space, and create an overall calming and more breathable open space.

A well-designed small home can be just as comfortable and functional as a larger one. By using open layouts, high ceilings, natural light, lighter colors, and smart storage solutions, homeowners can create a space that feels more expansive and inviting.

Interested in developing your property? Contact us to see how we can help bring your project to life!