Use these five strategies to create a space that feels big even with a small footprint.

Living in Chicago means getting creative with space, especially when your living room is also your dining room, office, entryway, and yoga studio. When space is tight, it’s tempting to go small with furniture and decor, or to default to an all-white everything. But even small spaces can be big on personality.

Whether you’re in a vintage Lakeview walk-up or a sleek West Loop high-rise, these five tips will help you design a small apartment or living room that feels larger, bolder, and uniquely yours.

1. Pull Furniture Away from the Walls

Everyone says to push furniture against the wall to “open up” the room. We say: float it.

Even just a few inches of breathing room between your furniture and the wall can improve flow and make the space feel more intentional. Anchor with a rug, use a console or side table to create definition, and suddenly your space has zones, even if you live in a studio.

This trick works especially well in long, narrow Chicago apartments and condos.

2. Add Color For Depth

It’s true that white walls can make your space feel bigger. But we’re big believers in adding a moody accent wall, dramatic wallpaper, or painted trim to add depth and personality without making the space feel cramped.

If you have natural light (even that elusive north-facing kind), your space can handle more color than you think.

Try painting parallel walls a darker color to create a tunnel effect and make your space feel longer.

3. Use Rugs to Define Zones (Not Shrink the Room)

You might be tempted to buy a smaller rug for a small space. But tiny rugs can make your space feel…tiny.

Rather than downsizing, use rugs to create separation. A large area rug can ground your living space, while a second rug under a dining table adds cohesion. Layered rugs are also great for visual interest and flow, especially in open-plan or studio apartments.

We use layered rugs in our own place to define the living and dining zones. It makes everything feel larger and more cohesive.

4. Go Vertical with Storage

Closet too small? Welcome to Chicago.

Think beyond floor space. Tall shelving, wall-mounted cabinets, and slim vertical storage towers can make use of awkward corners and tight layouts. Bonus: open vertical storage draws the eye upward, making the room feel taller.

We love pairing closed storage (like ottomans or media consoles) with open shelving to provide form and function.

5. Choose Low-Profile Furniture

Bulky furniture = bulky energy.

When space is tight, choose pieces with thinner profiles, open arms, and visible legs. Low-back sofas, curved chairs, and pieces with metal or wood legs let your eye travel through the space, which makes everything feel airier and more open.

A chair you can “see through” visually expands the space around it.

Ready for more small-space magic? Check out Part 2 for five more bold moves to level up your home.

Still Feeling Cramped?

Whether you're in a vintage Lakeview walk-up or a sleek West Loop high-rise, we can help you maximize every inch. Book your free discovery call below and let’s make your small space feel larger.