3 Design Tips For Creating A Small Verandah That Looks And Feels Spacious
Verandahs are an iconic feature in Australian architecture. They've been an important element on homes around the country for almost two centuries and they're a great addition for old and new homes. As well as providing an all-important outdoor living space, verandahs can add charm and character to the exterior of your home.
Although the idea of a large, sweeping verandah is very appealing, if you're short on space, then it may not be a something you can logistically achieve. However, it's still possible to add a small verandah that feels spacious, airy and bright if you plan it properly. Here are three tips for creating a verandah that's small in size but big in impact and attractiveness.
1. Ditch the railings
When space is at a premium, the railings along the edges of your verandah can make the area feel penned in and even smaller than it actually is. Keep your verandah open to increase the feeling of space and increase the amount of light that enters the verandah area.
If you really need to have railings installed for safety purposes, choose a type that will minimise disruption to your line of sight when using the verandah. Glass panels, similar to those commonly used for pool fencing, are an excellent option. Timber posts with thin, wire railings are also an unobtrusive choice.
2. Keep the roof high
When floor space is limited, you can create the feeling of more room by ensuring that your verandah roof has plenty of height. This creates a more open visual effect that will make even a tiny verandah feel bigger and airier. Ensure that the roof is at least as high as the roofline of your home and keep the pitch shallow so that the entire verandah has a high roofline.
A high ceiling also gives you the opportunity to free up the precious and limited floor space on your new verandah. You can add hanging pots for plants instead of using pots that sit on the floor. It also allows you to add a decorative outdoor ceiling light without encroaching on the space too much.
3. Stick with light colours
In interior design, it's common knowledge that a light colour palette can help to create the illusion of more space in a small room. The same principle is true when it comes to outdoor living spaces and your verandah will feel bigger and brighter if you stick with whites, creams or soft versions of hues like grey and blue.
This applies to the structure of your verandah and also the furniture and decor you choose to add to it. Keep chairs, tables and fabrics light, soft and unfussy to prevent your small verandah from feeling claustrophobic and far too busy.
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