Interior design tips for small houses

by Denise Mason 11/26/2025

living room space with text

Living in a tiny home or studio apartment? Smaller living areas can be cozy, but sometimes it’s a challenge to get the most out of less space. Here’s a beginners guide to interior design for the small spaces in your home.

Add depth

Adding depth to your room can make a small space appear larger. Adding reflective mirrors or glass does a fantastic job accomplishing this. Reflective surfaces give the illusion of more space in a room. Painting and decorating with light shades can make the space feel even more dimensional, open and airy. 

After you’ve added depth, it’s essential to utilize the area to the best of its capability. The next section reviews how to get the most out of the space in your small home. 

Every corner can be a hangout space

Every corner in your home can be useful and fun. For example, you may enjoy board games. Add a coffee table with storage space to your living room. You can enjoy light refreshments with your household along with creating a space to enjoy the games you love. 

Open furniture layout in all rooms

It’s essential to make sure there’s enough open floor space in your home for movement. Small homes can become cramped quickly. Using more compact furniture helps to give the appearance of more room. For example, a two-seater dining table can be added to your kitchen. This leaves more kitchen space open to maneuver.  

Make the most of vertical space

As the last section mentioned, you want to keep your space open for free movement. Vertical furniture can help you get the most out of small spaces. For example, bunk beds can hold two individuals and don’t take up as much floor room as two separate beds. 

You can create space in your small home with the right layouts. Add reflective surfaces to any small room for depth. Keep an open furniture layout and make the most of vertical space.

About the Author
Author

Denise Mason

Hi! I'm Denise Mason. WELCOME to my Website! Being a full-time REALTOR® gives me the opportunity to assist in achieving your wants, desires, needs, and priorities in selling or finding a home. My goal is to take care of my real estate clients by providing an exceptional, no drama experience that you not only deserve but should demand in the hectic and competitive marketplace of today. I work closely with you throughout your entire real estate transaction. I work to be your family REALTOR® for life. Success begins and ends with good communication. I love what I do and do what I love! I am positive, enthusiastic and truly enjoy people and the real estate business. My commitment to you, my client extends far beyond a single transaction. My goal is to communicate, educate and exceed expectations! As the daughter, wife, and mother of active duty and retired service members, I've had numerous relocation experiences; renting, buying and selling a home. I grew up in Arlington County, VA and lived there for more than 20 years. Upon my husband's retirement from the Army we could think of no better place to call home than Virginia, the place of our childhood. I have been a Prince William County resident since 1997. We have raised and educated three children in the Prince William County School system. My family is my pride and priority which makes me no different than you or any other individual who wants a safe and comfortable environment for yourself, family and friends. I look forward to helping you achieve your real estate goals. Call me at 703-283-0969 or email me so we can meet over tea or coffee & I can get to work for you!