Whether you live in a cosy London flat or a compact family home in the suburbs, making the most of your space is always a smart move. Luckily, you don’t need to knock down walls to create a bigger feel — small changes can make a huge difference.
At Buildaway, we help homeowners across London, Kent, and Essex transform their properties with clever layouts, lighting, and finishing touches. Here are some simple, effective ways to make your home feel bigger — without moving house.
1. Open Up the Layout
Removing walls between kitchens, dining rooms, and living areas is one of the best ways to increase flow and natural light. An open-plan layout instantly makes a home feel more spacious, sociable, and modern.
- Consider a kitchen-diner or lounge-kitchen combo
- Use half-walls or breakfast bars to define zones
- Install wide openings or sliding doors
At Buildaway, we manage layout changes as part of our home refurbishment and extension services, ensuring structural safety and building regulation compliance.
2. Use Light Colours and Simple Finishes
Dark colours and heavy textures can make rooms feel smaller. Stick to light, neutral shades for walls, floors, and ceilings to reflect more light and open up the space.
- Opt for white, soft grey, beige, or pastel tones
- Use matt finishes to avoid glare
- Keep flooring consistent across rooms to avoid visual breaks
Our painting and decorating team can recommend colour schemes that brighten your space without losing warmth.
3. Maximise Natural Light
Letting in more natural light can dramatically increase the sense of space in any room.
- Use sheer curtains or blinds that roll away completely
- Place mirrors opposite windows to reflect light
- Consider adding skylights or larger windows in key areas
We also install modern lighting systems that mimic daylight and reduce shadow-heavy corners.
4. Built-In Storage That Blends In
Clutter makes rooms feel cramped. Integrated storage helps maintain clean lines and a tidy feel — even in busy homes.
- Built-in wardrobes and cupboards
- Under-stair or alcove shelving
- Bench seating with hidden storage
As part of our refurbishment packages, we can build custom storage solutions that fit your home’s layout perfectly.
5. Upgrade Doors and Flooring
Swapping bulky internal doors for glazed or sliding versions can open up sightlines and create a more spacious flow.
- Use pocket or bifold doors for flexibility
- Install consistent flooring for a seamless feel
- Choose light wood or LVT to reflect natural light
Our team provides flooring installation and finishing as part of our wider home renovation services.
6. Declutter and Zone Smartly
In smaller homes, every item should earn its place. Decluttering and smart zoning can help rooms serve multiple purposes without feeling overcrowded.
- Limit decorative items to a few key pieces
- Use rugs and lighting to define living and dining zones
- Wall-mount your TV and use floating shelves to free up floor space
A well-zoned space feels calmer, cleaner, and more spacious — even if the footprint stays the same.