By Emmanuella Abraham
Let’s face it! space is the new luxury. Whether you’re living in a two-bedroom flat in Lekki or a compact studio in Shoreditch, the dream of open, airy living can feel like a cruel Pinterest illusion. But what if I told you that you don’t need a house extension or a lottery win to feel like you’ve got room to pirouette through your lounge? What you need, darling, is drama. Big drama. Clever, deceptive, delicious drama.
Welcome to the art of faking square footage like an interior design magician.
- The Mirror Illusion: Not Just for Narcissists
A well-placed mirror can do more for your space than a renovation. Hang a large mirror opposite a window and suddenly, you’ve doubled your view, bounced natural light around the room, and created the illusion of depth. Think of it as the Beyoncé of your décor, bold, reflective, and impossible to ignore.
For bonus points, try an arched mirror that mimics a doorway, it tricks the eye into believing there’s more room beyond.
2. Go High or Go Home
Curtains are not just fabric. They’re an architectural statement. Mount them closer to the ceiling (not directly above the window) and instantly lift the eyes, and the ceilings. Your 8-foot walls? Now they read like lofty 10-foot ceilings. Pair with vertical stripes and suddenly you’re not in your shoebox flat, you’re in a Parisian loft with “good bones.
3. The Light Brigade
Overhead lighting is a betrayal. It casts shadows, draws attention to low ceilings, and makes your space feel smaller. The trick? Layer your lighting. Floor lamps, sconces, and even fairy lights can spread illumination without shrinking the room. Think mood lighting meets optical illusion. Warm light tones also soften corners, making them “disappear” and helping the room breathe.
4. Neutral with a Side of Sass
There’s nothing wrong with neutrals, as long as they don’t put you to sleep. Pale walls reflect light and open up the room, but inject personality with textured accessories in bold colours. Think velvet mustard cushions, a statement navy armchair, or gold-framed prints. This lets your space remain open, yet not sterile. Like a well-read woman in a white dress and red lipstick: balanced, bold, and full of stories.
5. The Floating Trick
If it touches the floor, it’s taking up space. Floating shelves, wall-mounted desks, and open-legged furniture all create negative space, which tricks the brain into thinking a room is bigger than it is. Ditch the clunky bookshelves and opt for a wall unit. Even your TV deserves to float like it’s meditating above a low credenza. Bonus? Easier to clean under. Your back and your cleaner will thank you.
6. Edit Like a Stylist, Not a Hoarder
More isn’t always more. Every piece of furniture or art should earn its place like a guest at a curated dinner party. Ask yourself: does it serve function, form, or fantasy? If not, thank it for its service and send it on its way. Decluttering doesn’t mean minimalism, it means giving your prized possessions room to shine.
7. Zoning: Create ‘Rooms’ Within a Room
Use rugs, lighting, or furniture arrangement to create mini-zones in your home. A corner for reading, a mini office nook, a plant sanctuary, it all gives the impression of more space, not less. It says: “Yes, my flat may be modest, but I have a lifestyle.” And really, isn’t that what we’re all after?
So, no, you don’t need to move house, knock down walls, or sell your soul for a few extra metres. You just need a few magician’s tricks and a flair for the dramatic. Because small space living doesn’t mean small dreams, it means big creativity. And that, darling, is the kind of space that will always feel expansive.
