Making More Room Without an Extension: Genius Interior IdeasMaking More Space Without an Expansion: Clever Interior Ideas 17

One winter afternoon, I stood in the narrow corridor and realized I was sick of it. Not in a “burn it down” kind of way. More like when you stop liking something without noticing. Like cheap coffee, or a shirt that starts smelling weird no matter how often it's washed.

It was claustrophobic, and there was this weird patch where the paint flaked like old glue. Just a wall. But somehow it felt like it was part of the problem. Of what? No idea. Everything, maybe.

I didn't set out to get into all this. I planned to patch that spot. Maybe swap the fitting. Then I tugged the edge of the wallpaper, and underneath… well. Orange and brown. Looked like it was printed by someone on drugs. The kind of wallpaper that makes you step back.

And that's how it begins. You touch one thing, and the house sighs like it was waiting.

Next thing I knew, I was Googling things I'd never heard of. Architrave. I developed strong opinions for paint swatches. I watched videos like it was a sport. Still don't know why one caulking gun's $12 and another's $48, but I'll fight you over which is better.

But this wasn't just more info about aesthetic updates. It was about admitting something wasn't home anymore, and that I was ready to fix it. I used to hop over a creaky floorboard by the bathroom even after I fixed it. Muscle memory is stubborn like that.

Some days went well. Some didn't. I once installed a light switch upside down and didn't notice for three Sundays in a row. Only realized it when my sister flipped it and asked why “off” turned the light *on*.

But that's how it goes. You curse, and then suddenly the space feels… yours. Not perfect. Not staged. But not borrowed anymore. That wall? Still narrow. And the paint line by the stairs? Wobbly. But it's something I chose.

It's not about style blogs. It's about saying no to busted plastic chairs. If you mess up, just call it character. That's what I do. Or at least that's what I tell guests.