The kids are growing and things are feeling somewhat cramped on the home front. Your house isn’t particularly large to start with, and now you want to create more usable room within the space that you do have. If this seems like an impossible challenge, don’t despair.

A great home remodel doesn’t have to be as major as you might think. You’d be amazed at what the design team of a creative construction company can do when faced with a seemingly impossible idea. The boundaries of reality may be wider than you imagine.

Start with the framework of the available space and work from there. Once a smaller space has been opened up physically, there are also interior design tactics you can follow with to maximize the illusion of even more space. Stretch the limits. Read on to find out how.

Create Extra Space … Like Magic

A good home remodel construction company will have experienced architectural design and renovation staff plus interior design consultants on their team, all with good ideas to take your space from tiny to terrific. Here are some solid suggestions:

1. Restructuring. Your living room might be better off without that wall separating it from the dining room. Maybe the kids’ bedroom could be opened up to make use of that rarely used little sewing room next to it. Even if you don’t yet have very specific ideas about how to go about a successful home remodel, make sure you give the experts a chance to show you what’s possible.

2. Soft and light hues. Once your new space is opened up, consider the effect that color can have on the size of the room. Dark colors tend to make a room appear smaller and more contained. Lighter shades can really open up the space, reflecting more light and giving a sense of even greater openness.

3. Furniture size and contrast. Even the upholstery of your furniture can make a difference to the illusion of space. Not to mention its size. Consider tasteful but smaller, more compact tables, armchairs and storage units to make the scale of the space more appropriate and less dense. Think, too, about the color of those items: accenting with a darker piece or two is fine, but keep lighter tones in mind for furniture fabrics and keep the patterns simple.

Another tip: when the general décor tones in nicely and complements the wall color, the room takes up less mental space, as well.

4. De-cluttering. Quite simply, to make a space seem larger it’s best to take away some of the clutter. Once your great new home remodel space is complete, consider putting fewer items back into it.

A definite plus comes from being able to see tabletops without moving stacks of outdated magazines or decorative items that just get in the way. If you find you have to keep moving that souvenir glass paperweight every time you want to put down your coffee cup, it’s time to de-clutter. While your home remodel is in progress, take the opportunity to go through everything to select only the necessities … and jettison the rest.

5. Lighting fixtures and windows. Let as much light as possible into the room. That’s a good one to discuss with your construction and design experts in the planning stage of the home remodel. If the space being remodeled doesn’t have space for windows, there may be other strategies, such as glass bricks or pony walls, to keep light on the scene.

Don’t forget about lamps and other artificial lighting; any room will look larger if it’s illuminated effectively. A home remodel is a great opportunity to take advantage of some new and nifty interior lighting options.

Are You Ready to Open Up?

Don’t underestimate the possibilities that a well thought out home remodel project can provide. More room to move can have a great effect on your whole outlook. A home with improved, expansive living space can provide you and your family with an atmosphere of real comfort and freedom. Open up to it.

Greg Nelson
Greg Nelson is the owner of Nelson Construction & Renovations Inc. He is a Florida State Certified Building Contractor, creating artistry in all areas of design and construction projects. He is a musician, and artist. A husband and father, Greg appreciates all the wonderful elements of family life.

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