| Living in a small space is definitely challenging. And, | | | | the visual flow. |
| small room decorating is a challenge in itself. | | | | 4. Paint the ceiling a lighter color than the walls. Avoid |
| People live in small homes for a variety of reasons. It | | | | using a heavy patterned wallcovering in a tiny room. |
| may be that they can't afford a larger home or | | | | 5. Select furniture carefully. Choose styles that are |
| perhaps they just want to live a less complicated | | | | multipurpose. Furniture like ottomans that have |
| lifestyle. Whatever the reason, there are certain rules | | | | removable tops and tables that have drawers for |
| that should be followed in decorating small rooms. Here | | | | storage are ideal for a small room. Trundle or bunk |
| is a list of the most important ones: | | | | beds or even loft beds are just the ticket for kids |
| 1. Plan, plan, plan. Go through your home and note | | | | rooms or a den. Taller end tables with curved, narrow |
| down how you actually use the space that you have. | | | | legs draw the eye under the piece, thus making the |
| Then, look at it with an eye toward how you can | | | | space feel larger. Dining and coffee tables that are |
| better utilize that space. You'll need areas for cooking, | | | | made of glass provide a place for accessories without |
| entertaining, relaxing, sleeping and possibly a home | | | | blocking the room's view. |
| office. Write it down and then decide on the best | | | | 6. Use lighting to make a room look larger. Add lighting |
| places to fit those uses. Don't need a formal dining | | | | such as track or recessed lights. Also, eliminate heavy |
| room? Make it an office instead. A room doesn't | | | | draperies. Use light sheers that will allow the sunlight to |
| always have to be used the way the architect | | | | show through, or use no window coverings at all if |
| intended. | | | | privacy isn't an issue. With the right kind of lighting, you |
| 2. Get rid of the clutter. When you have a lot of "stuff" | | | | can use darker colors in paint and furnishings. In fact, |
| and very little space, the clutter-filled space that you do | | | | the result can be quite dramatic with the correct lighting |
| have can look a lot smaller than it actually is. So the | | | | effects. |
| first task is to clean out what you don't really need. | | | | 7. Use a mirror to visually enlarge the space of a room. |
| Have a garage sale, give to a charity and throw the | | | | Not only will its reflection make the room feel twice as |
| worn out items into the dumpster. | | | | large, but it will reflect light around the room further |
| 3. Use color to visually enlarge the space. Choose | | | | increasing the visual space. |
| lighter colors to give the room a more open look. Also, | | | | Visualizing the ways your rooms should work for you |
| try to go monochromatic. Choosing tones that are in | | | | is a good first step to take when decorating a small |
| the same color family fools the eye to make spaces | | | | space. Small rooms do not have to feel cramped and |
| seem larger. Your furniture colors should blend in with | | | | unusable. They can be beautiful and cozy with a little |
| your wall and carpet colors so that they don't break up | | | | planning and creativity. |