Ever walk into your own room and wonder, “Why does this space feel so tiny when it really is not?” We have all been there. Sometimes, it is not the size of the room, but it is the way it is been styled. However, most of these styling mistakes are super easy to fix once you spot them. Whether you are giving your living room a makeover, redoing your flooring with materials like Marble floor tiles or upgrading the backyard with some other stone, a few styling adjustments can make your space look more open, airy and welcoming.
So, let’s check out some common home styling issues that make rooms appear smaller than they are.
1. Overcrowding the Room with Too Much Furniture
One of the quickest ways to shrink a room visually is by stuffing it with too many furniture pieces. We get it that a luxury, trendy sofa was on sale, the armchair was too cute to leave behind and the coffee table came as a set. But if your furniture barely gives you space to walk through without bumping your back, it is a sign to declutter.
How to fix it?
- Choose fewer, more functional pieces.
- Go for furniture with exposed legs to give the illusion of space.
- Don’t feel guilty donating or selling items that don’t serve a purpose anymore.
2. Dark, Heavy Colour Palettes Everywhere
Deep and bold colours can look gorgeous and sophisticated, but too much of them in small spaces can make the room feel like a compact box. Dark walls, dark floors, dark curtains, dark furniture and everything dark in the same space can make you feel claustrophobic. You home will soon start feeling like a cave.
How to fix it?
- Balance deeper shades with lighter shades.
- If you are upgrading flooring, light-shaded options like Travertine, Limestone or Marble floor tiles bounce light beautifully and brighten a space.
- You can still enjoy darker décor by simply using them as accents instead of drowning the room in it.
3. Cluttered Surfaces and Too Many Decorative Stuff
Candles, photo frames, vases, artificial plants, books and all the Pinterest mood board bits look cute on day one and after a few days, your shelves will start looking like a gift store. Clutter makes even a large room feel small and stuffy.
How to fix it?
- Keep surfaces simple and intentional.
- Style with the rule of three. Three items max per shelf or table.
- Swap decorative pieces seasonally instead of displaying everything at once. Minimalism does not mean boring; it means breathing space.
4. Ignoring Natural Light
Heavy curtains that block sunlight, placing tall furniture in front of windows or relying only on a single ceiling light can make a space look dim and cramped. Aussies are lucky with good natural lighting, so why waste it? Let the sunlight in!
How to fix it?
- Swap heavy drapes for sheer curtains or blinds.
- Add floor and table lamps to brighten corners.
- Mirrors placed cleverly across a window can double the light in the room and make it feel twice the size.
5. Don’t Match Everything
Buying furniture in sets used to be the thing, but now it can make your room look flat and outdated. When every chair, table and cushion looks identical, the space loses personality, and weirdly, looks smaller.
How to fix it?
Mix and match shapes and materials.
Smartly blend different items like wood with metal or linen with leather. For example, if your space features outdoor Sandstone tiles, then pair them with complementing rugs and planters.
6. Choosing the Wrong Flooring
Flooring has a huge impact on the perception of space. Busy patterns, dark colours or multiple floor types across one area can chop up the visual flow and make rooms feel smaller. On the other hand, materials with soothing shades like Marble floor tiles open up a room and make it feel spacious and luxe. For outdoors, paving choices matter too. Natural stones like outdoor Sandstone tiles create an earthy, lively feel in patios, pools gardens and alfresco areas.
How to fix it?
- Go for continuous, seamless flooring from one area to the next to create flow.
- Light-shaded, natural surfaces also help the eye travel through the space more easily.
7. Pushing All Furniture Against the Walls
We understand that it feels logical to push everything against the wall to make space in the middle. But in reality, sometimes it makes no sense. It can actually make the room feel awkward and mismanaged.
How to fix it?
- Pull furniture slightly away from the walls and create cosy zones.
- Floating furniture works surprisingly well and makes the space feel intentional and designed.
8. Walls with No Vertical Interest
When all décor sits at the same height, your room lacks depth and height. It draws the eye downward, making the room seem squat.
How to fix it?
Use vertical design elements like tall indoor plants, floor lamps, bookshelves and layered wall art.
Conclusion
You don’t need a mansion-like home to make it feel spacious and welcoming. Sometimes, all it takes is letting in more light, choosing the right flooring, decluttering a little and being thoughtful. A few smart tweaks can transform the vibe of your home.
