STEP 1: Make it look bigger. Keep all—yes, all—of the finishings (trim, flooring) consistent throughout your home. “That gives a sense of spaciousness because the adjacent rooms are connected visually,” says interior designer Brian Gluckstein. He also suggests using the same colour palette in every room to boost continuity.

 

STEP 2: Storage is key. Clutter is the enemy of a small living space. Try to sneak in storage wherever you can: under tables or seating, or even built into the walls. Interior designer Tiffany Pratt is a big fan of custom-made storage, like a made-to-measure entertainment stand that has a compartment for your laptop.

 

STEP 3: Don’t forget the walls. Most landlords will let you paint, but it’s best to ask beforehand to avoid any awkwardness. Another option? Peel-and-stick wallpaper. It’s easy to apply and won’t ruin the walls if you want to change it up. We love B.C.-based company Urbanwalls, which has hundreds of patterns to choose from.

 

 

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STEP 4: Put up some art. You can’t go wrong with black-and-white photography, says Toronto-based interior designer Montana Labelle, who also recommends prints of your favourite works or DIY art.

 

STEP 5: Sweat the small stuff. “Even changing the cabinet knobs in your kitchen or on your vanity will go a long way to making the place feel like home,” says Labelle.

 

This article originally appeared in the September 2018 issue of Elle Canada.