How to Make a Small Room Feel Bigger: Interior Design Tricks
Designing a small space doesn’t mean you have to compromise on luxury, comfort, or coastal charm. At Emily Moss Designs, we believe every square foot matters. Whether you’re working with a tiny guest cottage, a beachfront condo, or a cozy vacation rental, the right design strategy can completely transform how a room feels.
In this guide, we’re sharing our favorite interior design tricks to make a small room feel bigger, all while maintaining the high-end, coastal aesthetic our clients know and love.
Stick to a Light and Airy Color Palette
Color is your first and most powerful tool in small space design. Light, reflective shades—like soft whites, sandy beiges, pale sea glass, and warm grays—help bounce light around the room and give the illusion of more space. This trick is especially important in coastal interiors, where natural light is abundant and should be maximized.
On Anna Maria Island, we often use tones inspired by the landscape itself—sun-bleached driftwood, dune grass, and coastal mist—to bring that elevated beachy feel indoors without overwhelming a small footprint.
Incorporate Large Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces
Strategic use of mirrors is one of the oldest and most effective interior design tricks to make a room feel bigger. A single oversized mirror placed across from a window can amplify sunlight and visually double the size of the room.
Pro tip: In tight entryways or bathrooms, a tall vertical mirror can also help emphasize ceiling height and create a sleek, sophisticated vibe.
Opt for Multi-Functional and Streamlined Furniture
In small space design, functionality is king. Choose furniture that serves more than one purpose—like a coffee table with built-in storage, a daybed that can double as guest seating, or nesting side tables that tuck away when not in use.
We frequently source custom pieces for our Anna Maria Island clients that combine elegance with practicality. Think rattan storage benches at the foot of the bed or upholstered ottomans that work in both living rooms and outdoor patios.
Keep Your Floor Plan Open and Airy
Heavy, bulky furniture can make a small room feel cramped. Instead, select pieces with exposed legs, glass tops, or a floating effect to maintain a sense of flow. Scale is crucial—don’t overcrowd the room with too many furnishings. Allow for generous walking space and visual breathing room between objects.
Using rugs to define zones is another clever design trick. In open-plan coastal homes, we’ll often use a large jute or sisal rug to create visual separation between a dining nook and a lounge area without using walls.
Draw the Eye Up with Vertical Styling
When square footage is limited, think vertically. Use height to your advantage by installing tall bookshelves, wall-mounted lighting, or full-length drapery panels hung just below the ceiling line. These design elements pull the eye upward, instantly making the ceiling feel higher and the room more expansive.
In many Anna Maria Island homes, we love incorporating natural wood beams or vaulted ceilings to add architectural drama without sacrificing floor space.
Limit Visual Clutter and Embrace Negative Space
One of the most impactful changes you can make is editing. A clean, uncluttered space feels automatically larger. Keep accessories minimal and meaningful—group décor items in threes, avoid overly busy patterns, and don’t be afraid of white space.
Open shelving, concealed storage, and thoughtful styling can elevate a room’s function while keeping it light and breathable. We always tell our clients: “Let the design breathe.” That breathing room is what creates luxury.
Maximize Natural Light with Sheer Window Treatments
Heavy curtains can weigh down a small room. Instead, use sheer, linen-blend drapery that allows sunlight to stream in and creates soft movement. If privacy is needed, opt for layered treatments—like light-filtering shades underneath soft, neutral-toned curtains.
At Emily Moss Designs, we often install custom Roman shades in sun-washed cottons or flax linen to complement the casual elegance of coastal interiors while maintaining visual lightness.
Add Personality with Thoughtful Details, Not Quantity
In small rooms, each element should serve a purpose—whether functional or aesthetic. Rather than crowding shelves with décor, incorporate a single striking piece of coastal art, a large ceramic vase with palm fronds, or a textured pendant light made from natural fibers.
This curated approach keeps the space open, luxurious, and grounded in the coastal sophistication Anna Maria Island is known for.
A small room doesn’t have to feel limiting—it just needs a thoughtful touch. With the right layout, materials, color palette, and styling strategy, you can create a space that feels effortlessly expansive and deeply relaxing.
At Emily Moss Designs, we bring high-end interior design to every square inch of your home—no matter the size. Whether you’re styling a breezy guest cottage or a full-time coastal residence, our design team crafts beautiful, personalized spaces that blend luxury with livability.