6 Decor Details That Can Help a Small Home Feel More Grand
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When it comes to home décor, bigger isn’t always better. In fact, with the right design choices, small spaces can feel luxurious and spacious. Often, it’s not the size of the home that determines how grand it feels, but the way it’s decorated. By focusing on architectural details, using bold design elements, and creating visual illusions, it’s possible to transform a small home into a palatial retreat.
Here are six essential décor strategies that can help elevate the style of a small space and make it feel more grand and sophisticated.
Incorporating Antique Finds
Antiques are not just about adding historical value—they bring unique beauty and character that new pieces often can’t match. Amanda Kessler, principal designer of The Keeping Room Interiors, stresses that antique furniture adds intricate details that elevate any space. Items like a vintage French mirror or a pair of delicate antique drink tables infuse elegance and personality into your home.
When styling your living room, consider placing an antique decanter with a set of crystal glasses on your coffee table to create a luxurious focal point. Not only do antiques exude charm, but they also bring a sense of timelessness to a room. By blending old-world elegance with contemporary pieces, you can create a space that feels both sophisticated and uniquely your own.
Embracing Symmetry in Design
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to make a small home feel more spacious is by embracing symmetry. Symmetry creates a natural flow and harmony within a room, which helps the space appear less cluttered and more inviting. Nashville-based designer Katie Sharpton recommends symmetrical arrangements of furniture and accessories to make the room feel balanced and open.
Grouping objects in sets of three or aligning furniture along a central axis allows the eye to travel across the room without interruptions. This seamless visual journey creates the illusion of a larger, more organized space. Whether it’s two matching chairs placed symmetrically around a coffee table or artwork framed evenly on both sides of a room, symmetry can make a compact area feel more refined and expansive.
Custom Upholstery for Added Luxury
For smaller living spaces, every piece of furniture counts. Therefore, it’s important to choose quality over quantity. A few key pieces of furniture—especially a sumptuous sofa—can transform the entire room. Opt for statement fabrics such as luxurious velvet or bold prints to add a touch of sophistication. Custom upholstery allows you to tailor your furniture to your specific taste and style, ensuring that each piece feels uniquely yours.
Adding beautiful details such as contrast piping or exquisite trim can further elevate the design. These custom touches don’t just make your space more comfortable—they add depth and texture, contributing to the overall sense of luxury. A bespoke sofa or armchair instantly upgrades any room, making it feel more refined and extravagant.
Architectural Details for a Grand Presence
What truly makes a small home feel grand is the attention to architectural details. Raleigh-based interior designer Jess Borrelli emphasizes the importance of incorporating design elements like floor-to-ceiling built-ins, custom archways, and tall columns. These features add height and architectural stature to any room, making the space feel more expansive.
Even simple adjustments such as raised baseboards, crown molding, or wainscoting can bring an air of sophistication and refinement. These elements work together to create the illusion of height and grandeur, turning a modest room into something far more impressive.
A Thoughtful and Inviting Entryway
The entryway sets the tone for the rest of the home, and it’s essential to make it count. As Kessler suggests, using large-scale wallpaper or textured finishes on the entry walls can create a striking first impression. Don’t underestimate the impact of lighting either—choose a high-quality, stylish fixture that complements the age and architecture of your home.
A thoughtfully designed entryway immediately draws guests in and invites them to explore further. Whether it’s an antique console table, a piece of art, or an intricate area rug, these details not only create a sense of personality but also signal that every inch of the space is designed with intention.
Adding Vertical Elements
Vertical design features are a game-changer when it comes to maximizing small spaces. Full-length drapery, tall bookshelves, and even paneling that extends up to the ceiling instantly create the illusion of height. Sharpton notes that vertical lines draw the eye upward, making the room appear taller and more expansive.
Opt for pleated drapery in bold colors or patterns, and consider adding luxury details like trim or tassels for extra flair. You can even add a painted or patterned ceiling to further enhance the vertical illusion. These vertical elements don’t just make the space feel bigger—they also add depth and texture to your décor, contributing to the overall grandeur of the room.
Key Takeaways
Incorporating these six décor details into your small home can create a grand, luxurious environment that feels both spacious and sophisticated. By focusing on architectural features, using custom upholstery, and making intentional design choices, you can maximize your space’s potential and make every inch feel impactful. With a thoughtful approach to symmetry, vertical elements, and bold moments, even the smallest room can feel like a palatial retreat.
The key to transforming any small home into a grand space is ensuring that each design choice adds both style and function. From antique furniture to bold wallpaper, the right details can elevate the look and feel of your home, turning it into a true sanctuary that reflects your personality and taste.
