Consider The Invisible
The principle of “negative space” is a key concept taught in art school. It refers to the area that surrounds an object within an image. We called it “formal trash” because we were so clever. It is essential to define the boundaries of images and bring balance to a composition.
This is a key point to keep in mind when you want your room to feel spacious and airy. Minimize as much space as you can. This does not necessarily mean you need to have less furniture. However, it will allow you to be more selective about the choices that are available for your time.
Instead of having a sofa with a skirt that extends to the floor, consider a sofa that shows the legs. This is the “invisible” portion. The sofa’s bottom is not visible to you. Although you only see the back and seat, your mind knows that there is likely space underneath. It is indeed. You can see the wall if you hold the box at your eye level. This creates the illusion that a smaller block is being used than a larger block.
Similar is true for tables. They should have thin tops and shorter legs. Mirrored tops, if genuine, can reflect more light.
The viewer can see beyond the curtains, which creates more space. One large piece of art may appear to take up less space than a group of similar-sized pictures.
Keep books and other small items on flat surfaces at a minimum. Open-back bookcases are less bulky than those with closed-backs. You can use a vase, two or three books, or a picture frame to decorate one of the shelves. You can almost see through the wall.
Furniture Spacing
You can also give a small room more space by placing furniture. These ideas are only relevant if your project is based on reality.
Traffic flow should not be interrupted. Do not block doors so that someone has to pass around a table or chair. Traffic should flow freely, without obstructions.
You should not place a coffee table too close to your sofa if you can see the top of the room box through glass or a vinyl cover. It’s fine to cheat a little if your miniature is only viewed from the top.
Avoid blocking windows with furniture. Avoid placing furniture against walls. Instead, arrange furniture in a group so people can sit together and have a chat. Be surrounded by negative spaces.
The rug should be used to anchor furniture. Place the sofa’s front legs on the rug, and the back legs on the floor underneath. You can use more than one piece of furniture to angle it across a corner. You can also angle the rug. It is important to create the right angles for each object. It looks as if you have cut off a corner with one piece.
Do not have the entire furniture pointed at the TV if it is a modern dollhouse. Living or family rooms should be used for socializing with others, not looking at a TV. You are not making a statement about our times.
