When it comes to interior design, creating the illusion of a larger space can be a challenge. But with more families choosing to stay put in their starter homes, it’s a challenge that many homeowners are facing. Luckily, Eastman’s is with you every step of the way as you grow with your home. Read on for flooring tips and tricks to make your space feel larger!
Choose Light, Neutral Colors
Lighter colors can make a room look bigger because they reflect more light, making the space feel more open and bright. This doesn’t only apply to your wall paint, but to your flooring as well! Lighter flooring blends seamlessly into walls and furniture, which tricks the eye into perceiving a room to be more spacious.
When selecting a lighter shade of flooring, consider:
- Light-toned engineered wood
- Cream, light gray, or pale beige carpet
- Neutral LVP in tones of light oak or whitewashed wood (one of our favorites is Blended Praline by COREtec)
Eastman’s Expert Tip: Dark flooring, while beautiful, can make a room feel small and cramped. If you’re set on using a darker flooring, offset the shade with lighter walls, rugs, and furniture.
Use the Same Flooring Throughout
One of the easiest ways to make a small room feel bigger is by eliminating visual barriers. By using the same flooring throughout adjoining rooms, you can create a seamless flow that enhances the feeling of continuity and openness. When there are no sudden changes in flooring, the eye isn’t interrupted, making the space feel more expansive.
For example, using the same LVP or engineered hardwood throughout your kitchen, living room, and hallway helps to elongate the overall visual space, making your entire home feel bigger.
If you’re dealing with a smaller home, consider carrying the same flooring from room to room. Even small bathrooms or kitchens can benefit from this technique when paired with water-resistant options like luxury vinyl.
Opt for Long Plank Lines
Just like wearing vertical stripes can make a person appear taller, laying flooring in long, linear lines can create the illusion of length and space in a small room. By positioning planks so that they run parallel to the longest wall, you’ll make the room feel more elongated.
For example, if you’re installing engineered hardwood or LVP, run the planks lengthwise down the room to make it appear longer.
Vertical lines trick the eye into perceiving more depth, creating the illusion that the room is longer and larger than it actually is.
Use Area Rugs to Define Spaces
Strategically placed area rugs can also contribute to making a small room feel larger. Using a rug that fits the majority of the space and extends under furniture can help anchor the room and create a sense of proportion.
Choose a large area rug in a light, neutral color or a subtle pattern to avoid overwhelming the space. If you’re working with hardwood, LVP, or tile flooring, placing a large area rug can also add warmth and texture while contributing to the illusion of space.
Small Spaces, Big Ideas
Here at Eastman’s, we’re proud to provide flooring solutions for every space. Whether you’re looking for a lighter shade of LVP to brighten your space or the perfect area rug to tie it all together, we’ve got it all. Visit our showroom to speak with one of our flooring experts today!