Four Clever Interior Design Tricks for Small Homes
Greetings, seekers of splendid spaces! At Design Seven, based just outside Bristol in charming Wick, we’re positively enchanted by the art of making small homes feel grand. Whether it’s a terrace in Redland, a flat in Wells, or a cottage near Frome, we believe compact spaces can brim with character and comfort.
As interior designers serving Bristol, Bath, and Somerset, we’ve developed a knack for turning even the tightest corners into triumphs. So, pop the kettle on, settle in, and enjoy four clever interior design tricks to help your home live beautifully - no matter its size.
1. Built-In Brilliance: Smart Storage That Disappears
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as joinery that feels made for the space - because it is. Built-in shelving, window seats, and concealed cupboards help small homes stay tidy without compromising on style.
In places like Bristol’s Victorian terraces or Bath’s period flats, where awkward corners are common, made-to-measure storage can completely transform the way a space feels. From a stairwell nook in Clifton to a loft eave in Stokes Croft, there’s almost always an opportunity to build in beauty.
2. Light & Mirrors: Make Your Space Feel Bigger
Mirrors are the small home's best-kept secret. Placed opposite a window, they reflect natural light and create the illusion of depth. Add warm, layered lighting - like soft LEDs or subtle wall sconces - and you’ve transformed a once-cramped room into a welcoming haven.
This approach works beautifully in Bath’s historic crescents, Somerset’s farmhouse halls, or modern flats along Bristol’s harbourside. Even a narrow hallway in Lansdown or a shaded stairwell in Taunton can feel radically different with thoughtful reflection and lighting.
3. Bold Touches: Small Homes with Big Personality
Just because a space is small doesn’t mean it has to play it safe. A deep green wall, a bold rug, or a standout piece of artwork can bring energy and identity to a room. The trick is balance - let one element shine while the rest stays simple and neutral.
In compact homes, especially in areas like Clifton or Montpelier, even one well-placed bold accent can elevate the whole space. And in countryside settings near Frome or
Clevedon, a punch of colour or texture can contrast beautifully with natural materials and soft lighting.
4. Flexible Furniture: Designed to Adapt
In small homes, every piece of furniture should earn its keep. Think extendable tables, modular shelving, and sleek sofa beds that transition effortlessly from day to night. These adaptable pieces keep your space open, useful, and ready for anything.
They’re ideal for smaller properties throughout the South West - a one-bed in Bedminster, a studio flat in Stokes Croft, or a characterful cottage on the edge of Taunton. Smart furniture lets your home keep pace with your day.
As our Creative Director Paul says: “A home should flow with you, not fence you in.” It’s all about designing with flexibility in mind - allowing your space to support your lifestyle, not limit it.
Why Small Spaces Deserve Smart Design
Whether you live in a bustling Bristol flat, a heritage home in Bath, or a rural retreat in Somerset, chances are your space asks for a bit of creativity. From terraced homes in Stokes Croft to Georgian gems in Walcot or stone cottages in Wells, every home tells its own story - and deserves design that helps it shine.
At Design Seven, interior designers serving Bristol, Bath, and Somerset, we don’t just arrange furniture - we reimagine how you live. We focus on sustainable, thoughtful design that respects both the architecture and your personal rhythm.
Ready to Reimagine Your Space?
Square footage doesn’t limit brilliance. Whether you're looking to maximise storage, brighten a dark room, or bring personality to your home, we’d love to help. Our team is here to listen, create, and transform your small space into something extraordinary.
Drop us a line, or better yet - come visit our design studio for a cuppa. Let’s turn your home into a cosy masterpiece.