What colors can visually enrich an interior?

If you are planning to paint a small space, do not settle for just any color. There are ways to visually enlarge an interior. Instead of doing something like tearing down a wall, all you have to do is choose the colors that will cover the walls and the floor. Discover our easy-to-implement solutions to make a space look larger, regardless of its square footage.

Golden rules and restrictions for visually enlarging an interior

There are a few tricks you can try to make your home look bigger:

• It is best to choose a color with a short wavelength, such as blue. On the other hand, dark, warm colors are not recommended.
• To avoid overwhelming the space, choose a light color like white or beige. Pastels also work well.

Alternatively, if you want to make your interior more original, you can paint a border along the walls in a stronger color. Paint the edges of the walls or the edges of the doors. You can also play with color transitions on different walls of the room. Finally, a dark floor can add character to the room.

Visually enlarge an interior with light color

Painting a small interior in a light color helps to visually enlarge the space. We tend to prefer white. Although this choice lacks originality, it still makes sense to brighten the space and give the impression of grandeur. On the other hand, white walls have the disadvantage of being particularly cluttered. If you are painting a child's room or a playroom, it would be wiser to choose a different color.

Derivatives of white, such as cream or beige, are very suitable. Moreover, these two colors are less harsh than white in an interior. Light gray is also a safe option for painting a small interior. Do not forget about trendy colors such as linen, sand, greige or ocher.

If your home has a Scandinavian feel, it’s a good idea to choose a pastel color like sky blue, aqua green, or dusty pink. These different shades are ideal for creating calm and serenity.

When it comes to finishes, opt for gloss and satin paints as they reflect light. Forget matte paints. They may be great for creating a warm atmosphere, but they can overwhelm the space.

Refresh your interior with a bright color

Light colors are still the preserve of small spaces, but you can add a bolder color to your room. This is a bright choice if the space is quite dark.

Opt for bright yellow or turquoise blue. However, it’s best to limit yourself to one section of wall to avoid making the room feel stuffy. Leave the other walls white or paint them a simple, discreet color.

Create contrast to visually enlarge an interior

Playing with contrasts can brighten up a small room, which is also a good idea if you don’t want a single color throughout your space.

Take into account the natural light of the room. If the walls exposed to daylight are darker, paint them a light color. Choose the back wall to apply dark colors and paint the other walls a lighter shade. This will make the space look larger, as if you pushed the walls out.

There's another trick to adding depth to a space. Choose a light color for the back wall and a darker shade for the other walls.

Finally, painting the ceiling a lighter color than the walls can add height to a room with low ceilings. Choose a matte paint to give a sense of distance.

An optical illusion to enlarge and personalize a room

There's nothing like an optical illusion to make a small space look bigger. If you're not afraid of originality, this type of decoration is exactly what you need.

There are two trendy ideas to choose from. The first is to create a vanishing point. To do this, paint the wall in a dark color and create a stripe of the same color on the opposite wall. This is an effective way to highlight a piece of furniture or separate two areas. The color will create a perspective that expands the space.

Another idea is to use stripes in decoration. They are very popular these days and are perfect for changing the volume of a small room. Horizontal stripes are best for depth. On the other hand, vertical stripes are recommended to increase the height of the ceiling. In any case, this type of pattern expands a space while adding a touch of fantasy.

Colorful touches to brighten up a small space

You can add a few colorful touches to brighten up a room while expanding it. The idea is to create an optical illusion by painting certain elements of the room a stronger shade. The goal is to give the room a sense of depth and movement.

You can paint the frame of a door, the back of a bookcase, etc. Painting a stripe from wall to ceiling can also be used to frame a bed in a bright shade or to highlight a piece of furniture.

To add the finishing touch to your decor, match your paint color with a light fixture that is perfect for small spaces. You will be spoilt for choice in stores or online. Choose the right model that suits your home atmosphere. For example, a pendant lamp made of natural fibers (wicker, bamboo, rattan, etc.) will look great in a bohemian chic or Scandinavian atmosphere. On the other hand, red metal pendant lights will liven up a small industrial-inspired room.