Out With The Old, In With The You: Bringing Your Personality into a Small Space

There’s nothing like decoration and design to make your home feel your own. Whether you’re living in a massive mansion or a minuscule apartment, no place feels truly like it’s your own until it really represents the kind of person you are — whether that means bright purple paint, a wall of abstract art pieces, or more Halloween decorations than an October department store. However, not all spaces are created equal, and it can be hard to settle in and fill your housing arrangement with your personality if said housing is on the smaller side. Worry not though, as we’re here to give you our top five tips for livening up your small space without going overboard.

Photo from Pexels

1. Go Bold with Color

One thing you can make good use of regardless of the size of your space is color! While lately the trend in apartments seems to be stark, boring white on every wall, there is absolutely no reason you need to keep it that way. Go out to a hardware or paint store and pick up some cans of your favorite colors and cover the walls. Bright colors can really liven up a space and we know it’ll bring a big smile to your face whenever you walk into your living room decked out in your favorite colors.

If you’re against painting the walls for any reason we welcome you to still emphasize some great color choices in other ways. Accessories and accents like throw pillows, lampshades, and other small items can be a great way to make a room pop and liven it up with your personality. Whether it’s reds, blues, or bright pinks, we encourage you to really go to town with the color. We don’t think you’ll regret it, and even if we’re wrong, you can always repaint.

2. Fun Patterned Wallpaper

No matter how big or small your space is, there are a few things that every home has to have. One of those, shockingly enough, is walls, which means you always have the opportunity to use them to bring out your personality. Wallpaper isn’t as popular these days as it was twenty years ago, but there are still a lot of great options for colorful and exciting prints to express yourself in your space. Like nature and the outdoors? Find a pattern with leaves or trees or green growing things! Like a more chic, modern look? Find a simple geometric design that makes your inner self fill with delight. The options are nearly endless and when you’re pressed for space, there are few ways to express yourself quite as spatially efficiently as a great wallpaper pattern.

3. Lighting Is Key

One of the issues with a smaller space is that it can feel cramped; not only do you not have enough room to showcase your decorative flair, but it may be difficult to open up a space and make it feel like something other than a dank, dark cave. One great solution to both the style and spatial dilemma comes in the form of lighting! Lighting is the saving grace of almost any space and it’s one of the most important ways you can take advantage of even a cramped set of living quarters. Using the right lighting can open up a space and fill it with life; plus, you can express your style through your choice of lamps, shades, and bulbs. Warm tones, cool, colorful shades, or austere design, lighting is crucial for anyone building their home to best represent themselves.

4. Work With What You Have

Remember how we mentioned that all living spaces have a few things — like walls? Well, one of the best ways to express your personality when you’re on a spatial budget is to work with what you — and your home — already have. In addition to the walls, your living space also has doors, windows, and ceilings, all of which can be decorated and made to express your personality. Paint the window sill or stud it with knickknacks. Add some molding to the space between the wall and ceiling to class up your home. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination, so get thinking.

5. Rugs Are Great

Your home has to have a floor, which means you have a great opportunity to bring some more color and vibrancy to your space. Rugs are a great way to express yourself, whether you like 70s shag carpet or a colorful throw rug. Between pattern, style, thickness, and color, you’re really spoiled for choice, so if you’re looking for ways to spice up your home, consider going shopping for a nice new rug. It’ll really bring life to your home sweet home.

Decorating and making a space your own is incredibly fun, but it can be a real challenge when you don’t have a lot of space to work with. With these tips in your back pocket, you should be well prepared to inject your personality into any living space, no matter the size, without going overboard. Happy decorating!