6 Tips to Make Your Small Living Space Looks Bigger

By Michael Sta. Ana 


Condominiums and other studio type rooms/ apartments are now becoming part of what we call 'modern day living'. It's demand is obviously greater than how it was used to be during the 90's.

Since condo units are now becoming more affordable, the living space in these units is a little bit compromised though. A forty to fifty square meter would be awesome but most of the time, the house buyers could only afford units that are smaller--typically from 20 to 24 square-meter studio type rooms.

Desperately, people living in this smaller dwelling places often ask and seek help on how they can make their units looks a little bit bigger than the usual. Well, as a matter of fact, there are a lot of ways to handle this. In this article, we'll talk about not just how to make your small room or house looks wider but also we'll tackle how to keep your things look neat and more organized.

So listen up, here are some ways to make things done:


1. Go for lighter shades instead of the darker ones. 

Homeowners sometimes make it difficult for them to decide what would really make a perfect interior wall color scheme should look like. But what is the most fascinating about painting your interior wall, this could easily change the aura and even plays an optical illussion on how to make a small space looks even bigger to the eyes.

Warm colors instead of pure white would be most appealing. Colors under the shades of red, yellow, brown and orange is pretty much comfortable to the eyes while it quietly illuminates every corners of the room, making it look wider and more stunning.

2.  Opt for smaller yet more functional furniture

Putting in a huge, thick couch in your studio type apartment could be a big no-no since it eats up a lot of spaces (and I think you already know that). Practically, shop for furnitures with double purpose! 

Nowadays, there are some type of couches such as sofa beds (as most people call it) that could serve as a cute, little couch during the day and could also be converted into a softy, single bed during bedtime.

You may also try to utilize even the smallest spaces in your room. Have you ever thought that you can even extend your closet under your bed? If your bed is elevated and have some space underneath, use that space and put in some boxes there where you can put some of your clothes and other stuff too. 

3. Don't block your windows with thick curtains

Have that sprinkle of sunlight come in to your room every morning or every sunset. This radiant yet soft touches of light could usually illuminate your room and can stir a it-looks-bigger effect.

Don't use dark and thick curtains; instead, use some light, free-flowing, thin-as-silk curtains. 

4. Play with mirrors, frames and plants

Having just a small living space does not mean that you can no longer put anything to make it cool.

Interior designers suggest that putting in some plants can make your room looks bigger. You may hang or hook some small pots of this green stuff on your wall. This way, your room can look even fresher too!

And please do not underestimate the use of mirrors. With its reflective and refractive capabilities, this could create an illussion that may somehow trick the eyes, but it usually has a desirable effect of making your room looks bigger.

How about hanging some picture frames on your walls? Narrow walls deserve smaller frames. Avoid hanging big paintings which can accomodate most part of your wall. Though it can be an eye-catcher at first, it won't help to make your living space looks bigger.

5. Become a minimalist rather than a Victorian

Your home interior design or theme matters when it comes to making your house looks bigger. Keep that in mind.

If you think that a Victorian-inspired theme could make your place looks classic, think again. This interior design might not suit a small living space due to it's lavishing details of art and extravance of grand furniture. It may look nice, but it could never be ideal.

Minimalist designs on the other hand could be so comfortable to the eyes. With it's simple and raw details, putting fewer items inside your house would definite make your space looks bigger.

6. A clean and well-organized house never fails

Above all, nothing beats a clean and a well-organized house. Removing away some unimportant items and clutters often leads to a better place to breathe and live in. 

A clean, neat house does not only looks bigger but it usually comforts the eyes and can relieve your day-to-day stress too!



Small living spaces may seem to be a problem at first. But remembering this cool home innovations could make things easier for you. In case you find your apartment small enough, this does not mean that you can no longer do anything to make your place looks awesome. Instead, why not take this as a challenge? As a matter of fact, it does not really matter how big or small your place is. Because a perfect house or room always falls on how you manage and organize everything. 

How do you want to see yourself on your retirement which comes in a matter of years? For sure, you want to see yourself worry-free on a bright sunny morning checking if your peas have matured enough to be harvested while sipping your second cup of coffee.

Your friends and relatives must have warned you against picking the wrong place to settle in because none of your loved ones would be happy to see you old and yet unsatisfied with the house you are staying in.

Baguio City, with the help of real estate developers like Goshen Land, is a great choice to choose. Here are the reasons why Baguio is a perfect candidate to be your next home when you flip to the next pages of the calendar:

1.    Baguio City has a very healthy climate that is good for your tea parties. We know that no one wants to sleep in the afternoon hoping that someone switches the air conditioner on.

Imagine yourself watching the sun goes up on a cold September morning while cuddling with your darling and remembering the good old days when you were still teasing each other.

2.    The City of Pines is not just populated with pines but also with health spas. Do you want to relax? There are hotels and parlors that offer a wide range of massage services. Others even offer home service!

3.    Parks and restaurants are everywhere to be your date venues. Go jogging at Teacher’s Camp to maintain your health, stroll around the Burnham Lake to see how young people express their love to each other, play golf on Camp John Hay ground, eat a decent meal at Fifty’s Diner or have a glimpse of the Philippine Military Compound (PMA) in Loakan.

In Baguio, there are a lot of options for a great bonding!

4.    Health facilities are now located in malls which is very convenient to everybody.

If you need to see good doctors, Baguio has accredited public and private hospitals and clinics waiting for you. Then if you need to go to Manila, all you need is a six hour- drive to reach the country’s capital for more specific health concerns.

5.    Of course, we know you are looking for a place that demands less cash but gives more fun. That is the perfect definition of Baguio! A hundred pesos in Baguio gives you two meals already. That is the reason why many “poor travelers” as they brand themselves are flocking to Baguio. Baguio City has one of the lowest costs to live in.

Let us start off by knowing the possible villages you could stay when in Baguio. Goshen Land has developed estates for you and all you need to do is to drop us a line to know more about the properties. The fresh air coming from Baguio woodlands is waiting for you!



by: Christian Aligo

Is Baguio City part of the list of places you want to visit this summer season? Certainly, it is a loud YES!

 
We would love to recommend you the following things you should fit into your bag before hitting the road.

Hardcopy or Digital Map

Baguio has a good number of tourist destinations that you can visit even without a tour guide. Asking locals about directions may work, but consulting a map is better.

Bring with you a Metro Baguio City map that shows you the way going to Mines View, Session Road, Burnham Park, SM City Baguio, Camp John Hay, etc. Or, download Google Maps or any mobile phone apps available online that so you can use to know your whereabouts and get directions on reaching a certain place in the metro.

A map will help you solve your own location problems.

Sweater or any Thick Clothes

Whether it is summer or not, Baguio City still has a temperature lower than any other cities in the Philippines. You body might not adjust immediately to the colder weather in Baguio and you might catch some flu.

Remember, a simple flu can ruin your Baguio tour! It can leave you confined within your hotel room while staring at your friends enjoying a stroll along Session Road.

Thus, never forget to bring thick clothes for emergency purposes. If you are lazy enough to pack up sweaters, you can buy one in thrift shops around the city.

In any case, bring your Vitamin C supply to boost your immune system while roaming around the woods and roads of Baguio City.

Itinerary

If you are not traveling with the service of a travel agency, make sure you research to come up with a possible itinerary.

Ask your friends who have already visited Baguio City or who are living in the city to suggest you things to do covering the span of your stay in the city. You can read blogs to get tips and extra-information that could guide your holiday.

The itinerary will make your stay in the city not a trial-and-error tour but a fruitful and memorable part of your life.

What else do you need to prepare before going to the bus stop to get your ticket? Your emotions of course because you will soon fall in love with the city and you will find yourself looking for a condominiums, apartments and house and lot property because you are relocating there!

by: Christian Aligo

Stop! Do not assume that you know everything about Baguio because you don’t. 


 
Even those who were born and raised here in the City of Pines may not know some parts of the list:

 
1.    The Botanical Garden where native herbs and shrubs grow is also known as “Igorot Village”.

2.    A 1990 Luzon earthquake at 7.8- magnitude destroyed much of the city on July 16, 1990. Ask your parents about this disastrous phenomenon and you’ll get stories that demand you to grab napkins!

3.    Some knows the Wright Park, the home of Pony Boys and horses, as “Ride Park”. Seriously! Do a simple survey to prove this.

4.    The lowest recorded temperature in the city was at 6.3 degrees Celsius. It was taken on January 18, 1961.

5.    There are 252 steps to reach the Lourdes Grotto. For sure, you will also take 252 steps to reach the bottom where you come from.

6.    Loakan Airport is the only airport in the city. This may not be true in the future when Burnham Airport is constructed.

7.    The Bell Church between Baguio City and La Trinidad observes rites that belong to Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity.

8.    Mt. Santo Tomas and Asin hot spring resorts may be well associated with Baguio City but they are not part of the city. Mt. Santo Tomas, which is about 7,500 feet high, and Asin both belong to Tuba, Benguet.

9.    Banaue, La Trinidad and Sagada are also not part of Baguio City. These are different towns located in other provinces across the Cordillera region.

10.Kennon Road was named after its builder Col. Lyman W. Kennon.

11.Baguio City was bombed on December 8, 1941 by the Japanese. Nowadays, it is being conquered by Koreans (just kidding).

12.Baguio City is 57.5 sq km. It will soon be developed by Goshen Land (just kidding again!).

13.Among the most popular products being sold in the Baguio market are silver, hand-woven fabrics, fruit preserves, flowers, and vegetables.

14.Burnham Park is a man-made lake. But the water is real. It’s made by God.

15.Panagbenga is a Kankanaey word that means “season of blooming”.

16.Baguio Beans being sold is not more likely from Baguio. These are harvests of nearby Benguet and Mountain Province famers.

17.Eating dog meat is an acceptable activity among natives of Baguio City. Despite the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, locals still practice dog meat eating.

18.The Cemetery of Negativism within Camp John Hay shows a parody of negative things people say when they are depressed or sad.

19.When talking about “pasalubong”, the first brand that comes to mind is Good Shepherd. Prove us wrong.

20. One of the most notable products of Baguio is the Barrel Man. Find it out yourself what is inside the man’s barrel.

 

Tell us, which of the facts are new to you. Share this article with your friends and let us see how much they know about Baguio City.

by: Christian Aligo