Designing Small Spaces for Big Impact

By Ester White Gherea | WBN News | May 26, 2025

Have you ever felt like your room was too small to be beautiful? Like no matter how hard you tried, there just wasn’t enough space to do something amazing with it?

Let me tell you a secret: you don’t need a big space to make a big impact. Some of the most beautiful, cozy, and creative designs I’ve ever done were in tiny rooms.

Small spaces have something special. They’re personal. They wrap around you like a warm hug. And when you design them with care, they can feel bigger than they are—and even more magical.

Less Space, More Thought

In a small room, every decision matters. Where you place a chair. What color you paint the walls. Even how you hang a mirror. You don’t have to fill the space with more things—you just have to choose the right things.

One soft rug can make a room feel grounded. A floating shelf can hold books, plants, and personality without taking up floor space. A light-colored curtain can bring in sunlight and make the whole room feel airy.

Tricks That Work Like Magic

Here are a few of my favorite design tricks:

Use light colors to make a space feel open and clean. White, soft gray, or pale blue walls can stretch the room visually.
Go vertical. Tall bookshelves or hanging storage bring your eye up, making the space feel taller.
Pick furniture that works double duty. A bench that opens for storage. A coffee table with drawers. A bed with built-in shelves.
Keep the floor as clear as possible. The more floor you see, the bigger the room feels.
Let in the light. Natural light makes everything look better. If you can’t get much of it, use warm lighting to keep the room feeling cozy instead of cold.

Your Space, Your Story

Designing a small space isn’t just about where the furniture goes. It’s about how you want to feel when you walk in. Calm? Energized? Safe? Inspired?

When you’re thoughtful with your space, you get to shape those feelings.

So maybe your living room is just one corner of your apartment. Or your bedroom has room for only a bed and a lamp. That’s okay. You can still create a space that feels just right for you.

Let’s Talk

What’s the smallest space in your home? What do you love—or wish you could change—about it? I’d love to hear what challenges you’re facing or help you brainstorm ideas.

Ester White Gherea is an Interior Designer and the founder of Gherea Studios.
She can be reached at 236-339-6644 or estergherea@gmail.com. Connect with Ester on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ester-white-gherea-6b339a2b5/. Connect with Ester at https://www.ghereastudio.com/.

TAGS: #InteriorDesign #TimelessStyle #DesignTrends #HomeDecor #ModernLiving #StylishSpaces #GhereaStudio