8 Design Secrets to Bring Out the Best in Any Living Space

Great design can quite literally turn any living space from zero to one hundred. You could be working with 400 square feet or 4,000, but regardless of size, the way a space is designed has the power to make it feel larger, brighter, more functional, and especially more personal.

Of course, the secret doesn’t lie in trend-chasing as it’s more about the choices you make — choices that balance style, utility, and comfort.

Below are timeless design principles that can help transform any living area into a space you’ll love to come home to.

Maximize Natural Light

The best way to add light to your living space is possibly the most straightforward tip: allow as much natural light into your home as possible.  Natural light has this way of instantly opening up a room. Plus, it makes any room larger and more alive.

If your room lacks good windows, use mirrors to bounce light around. Placing one directly across from a window makes it more impactful. Even switching from yellow, dim bulbs to daylight-toned LEDs can give your room a more energetic vibe.

Use a Cohesive Color Palette

There’s no way around it — the colors just have to make sense. Color is essentially the backdrop of your space. A cohesive palette can make separate rooms feel like they belong together and help small spaces feel calm and ordered. 

You can start with a neutral base and use off-white, sand, and soft grey. Then, you can make things more interesting in your living areas by adding complementary tones through furniture, rugs, or wall art.

Incorporate Built-in Storage

One thing many people neglect to consider in their homes is storage. Clutter instantly shrinks a space. Hidden or integrated storage options, like a bed with drawers underneath, a bench with a lift-up seat, or a wall of sleek cabinets can help you keep essentials out of sight while maximizing floor area.

Even in small bathrooms or kitchens, tall cabinets or pull-out shelves can create order without compromising style. The more you can tuck away, the more open and inviting your space will feel.

Layer Your Lighting

Good lighting involves using different forms of lighting. For example, ambient, task, and accent lighting can add some dimension and help set the mood. 

A combination of desk lamps and pendant lights adds character and warmth while staying multifunctional at the same time.

A dimmable pendant light over the dining table, for instance, creates ambiance. But if you have a focused desk lamp in your work corner, it can help you stay productive.

Choose the Right Furniture Scale

It’s best to choose furniture that fits just right in your living space. Oversized furniture can be overwhelming, while pieces that are too small might feel awkward and out of place.

To do this in smaller living rooms, for example, opt for a sleek, low-profile sofa rather than a bulky sectional. Nesting tables, modular pieces, or foldable furniture can also help maximize flexibility without sacrificing comfort.

Add Texture

The next tip to bring out the life in your living space is to add some texture. A room containing purely smooth surfaces might feel a little cold or even fall flat.

Texture can somehow create a story by adding warmth, depth, and that wonderful feeling of livability. Mix materials like wood, stone, linen, metal, and glass to create some contrast..

Try a jute rug with a velvet armchair, or combine matte ceramics with glossy tiles. Even in minimalist spaces, layering makes a significant impact, though it is often underutilized.

Define Spaces with Rugs and Furniture Arrangement

Open-plan living may be popular, but defining zones for functionality can create a more visually appealing space. Area rugs are a simple and stylish way to separate a living area from a dining or office space.

Likewise, furniture placement can help set some boundaries. Float your sofa away from the wall and pair it with a rug and a coffee table. The next thing you know, you’ve instantly created a cozy lounge space, and it doesn’t even matter if it’s in the middle of a studio apartment.

Let Statement Pieces Shine

Every room should have a star — in this case, a statement piece, some sort of focal point.

This could be a bold piece of art or even a unique vase that you bought on one of your holiday vacations. It should simply be a piece that draws the eye and gives the space personality.

You see, great design doesn’t necessarily require an exorbitant budget or even a perfect layout. Remember, even the tiniest change, like adjusting the lighting or defining spaces with furniture, can make a big difference in how your home looks and feels.

Susan Knof, Creative Director and Owner