11 Small Space Design Rules You Might Want to Break Up With

Rules are sometimes meant to be broken.

Rules exist for a purpose, but it's okay to not always stick to them rigidly. Here are some traditional small space design rules that you might want to consider bending, depending on your unique space.

❌ 1. Stick with soft, light tones, preferably neutral

Okay, okay. So we've all heard of the power of white in small spaces. But light and airy isn't the only option for small spaces! 

We are here to break the rules, and dark tones can be your secret small-space weapon. Instead of shrinking the room, they can actually bring in comfort, creating a cosy haven that feels surprisingly welcoming.

Design: The Local Inn.terior

❌ 2. Paint the room the same colour

We'll doled this advice numerous times ourselves—a small room can really benefit from being painted one colour, since it will increase visual depth. But hey, who wants a boring box? 

Liven things up by playing with colour on both the ceiling and walls.  A darker shade for the ceiling beckons drama without stealing any precious floor space, while a lighter ceiling creates the illusion of extra height, making your snug nook feel that much more expansive.

Design: ROOOT Studio

❌ 3. Choose small pieces of furniture

Size matters in a small home, sure, but it's about finding the perfect fit, not shrinking everything down to dollhouse proportions. In fact, a room crammed with tiny pieces can feel more cluttered than one featuring a single, well-chosen statement piece.

Embrace the power of scale! Bold artwork instantly grabs attention and adds personality, while a large area rug grounds your living room, creating a cohesive and defined space.

Design: The Local Inn.terior

❌ 4. Push everything up against the wall

For those of you living in small spaces, don't feel like you always have to stick your furniture against the walls. By floating your furniture, you can create the illusion of more space and a feeling of openness. Just be sure to leave enough room for walking around and keeping a good traffic flow. It's an opportunity to rethink your layout to better fit your lifestyle and preferences. It may just be your ticket to elevating your small space. 

Design: Happe Design Atelier

❌ 5. Maximise vertical storage

Think outside the "maximise everything" box! While utilising wall space is key in small homes, avoid anything that makes the room feel closed in. In your kitchen, consider removing some upper cabinets for a more open feel. Similarly, for the living room, explore multipurpose furniture that uses floor space efficiently, eliminating the need to clutter walls with additional pieces.

Design: The Interior Lab

❌ 6. Focusing only on overhead lighting

Overhead lighting isn't the only lighting option if you don't have a lot of room to play with. While they help to save floor space, relying on them alone creates a sterile, uninviting atmosphere. Harsh overhead light can also cast unflattering shadows and shrink your space visually.

Instead, we are all for embracing a layered lighting approach for a homey vibe. What this means is going for a lighting plan that includes different functions. You want to add task lights for specific areas where you need to do work, mood lights for ambience and ambient lights for general lighting. Consider strategically placing slim floor lamps to brighten dark corners or space-saving options like concealed light strips to create a warm glow without sacrificing floor estate.

Design: Key Concept

❌ 7. Don’t build in front of the windows

Is the window really a sacred space in a small home? Not necessarily! While the traditional advice is to keep furniture away from windows to let in light and air, sometimes it just makes more sense to prioritise function. Placing your workstation, TV console, or bed in front of a window can actually work really well, depending on the layout. So go ahead and embrace what works best for you and don't be afraid to try something new. 

Design: BlendbyImC

❌ 8. Kitchen islands are too big for a small space

Don't write off the idea of a kitchen island in your small home too quickly. These versatile pieces can really work wonders. They're not just for prep—they can also double as a dining area, workstation or entertaining hub, perfect for casual meals, work-from-home days or hosting guests. And let's not forget the extra storage they provide, helping you keep your kitchen clutter-free.

In a smaller space, a thoughtfully designed island can offer so much more than just the space it takes up, making it a real win in terms of design.

Design: ARK-hitecture

❌ 9. Avoid curtains

While blinds are known for their space-saving profile, curtains can add a layer of cosy charm that shouldn't be discounted if you have a small home. The key is to maximise their impact.

Hang them high, with the rod mounted close to the ceiling to draw the eye upwards and create the illusion of a taller room. Opt for lightweight fabrics that drape gracefully, avoiding bulky materials that can overwhelm the space. 

Design: The Local Inn.terior

❌ 10. Go bespoke and built-in all the way

Custom built-ins aren’t the only answer to small spaces. While bespoke solutions can be tempting, they can quickly stretch a budget for a small space. Be strategic! Identify areas where off-the-rack furniture works well, like with clever shopping and careful measuring.  Ready-made pieces can sometimes offer surprising versatility, allowing you to rearrange the space as your needs evolve. So, before diving headfirst into custom everything, explore your options first. 

Design: Cream Pie Studio

❌ 11. Hide all clutter

Don't feel like you have to conform to the trend of having a minimalist museum in your small home. Every space deserves to have some personality. By curating collections and displaying special mementos on shelves, you lend a personal touch to your space, turning it from sterile to soulful. Plus, these shelves can also help with storage and keep things organised. Just be ready for a bit more dusting to keep everything looking fresh and chic. 

Design: BuildBuilt