How to make tight spaces feel more open:
Open up the ceilings
Install skylights
Use doors with frosted glass inserts to allow light to move from space to space
Keep flooring, colors, and textures consistent to create continuity
Embrace contrast - it creates depth. Don't be afraid of dark colors!
Keep light switches, receptacles, thermostats, smoke detectors, light fixtures, etc organized, so the walls don't look cluttered
Embrace found textures, weathering, grit - don't be afraid of some rawness and personality
Above all, listen to the space. Find hidden shapes. Figure out what the house wants to do - because of the direction of the framing, or where there are naturally occurring double height spaces, or where light is best.
❤️🛠️ - Marilyn
Photo: @johnahorner