A large, empty room can make you feel excited or overwhelmed. While it’s exciting to have such an ample space to fill with your decor, it can also feel like a task that’s too tough to tackle. Fear not. The same design rules apply to every space, large or small. You need to think about scale, proportions, and colors. Here are seven tips on how to decorate a large space:
1. Avoid pushing everything against the perimeter of the room. Your first instinct may be to place your couch against the wall. And the chairs. And the console table. Think again. Move your furniture, especially the sofa, away from the wall. To create a warm and welcoming space, you should keep furnishing closer together. A good rule of the thumb is within three feet of each other.
2. Utilize the room’s architecture. Does the space already have architectural features like columns or moldings? If so, use these to your advantage. Not only are they visually appealing, but they can also serve as focal points. If there aren’t any architectural elements in the room, consider adding some.
3. Choose colors wisely. To play it safe, choose neutral colors for your walls. You can add pops of color to the room throughout its accents. If one color all over feels dull, you can paint the walls different colors as long as they’re complementary. Don’t abruptly change the color but use a place where there is a natural break, like molding, to start with a new shade. You can also paint two-tone walls if you want the room to feel smaller and cozier.
4. Divide the room into individual spaces. Sure, a large space may seem like it can only be used for one function, but that is not the case. The way you arrange your furniture can make one room feel like a few different ones. For example, you may place a large L-shaped couch in front of a fireplace. Behind the back of the sofa, place a console table. Now you can create a separate area beyond the console table like a reading nook, a space to eat, or a place to watch TV.
5. Make sure the space flows. Despite being able to create private spaces in your large room and paint with multiple colors, you still need to make sure the room flows. There should be cohesion. You can achieve a uniform look when you pick complementary colors, repeat fabrics in each unique area of the room, and arrange the furniture in a way that makes the space easily accessible.
6. Play with scale and proportions. High ceilings grant you the opportunity to play with height. You can incorporate tall potted plants and trees. Artwork of all sorts – paintings, vases, and statues – can be larger than usual. Don’t over clutter or decorate the room just because there is more space.
7. Add texture and warmth. Large spaces can feel cold and uninviting. Add texture and warmth through area rugs, curtains, and throw blankets. These accents can be layered, and they can also help soften the vibe of the room. Instead of a coffee table, consider using an oversized ottoman in its place. Flowers, candles, and photos spread throughout the space are small additions that add a personal touch.
Make your one large room feel like multiple rooms that are warm and inviting! For more help with decorating your large space, contact Marina Colella today.
