[Kristin]

By: Lauren Flanagan

Source: www.realsimple.com

Just because you live in a small space it doesn't mean that you have to use small furniture. Sometimes using large pieces when decorating small spaces can actually make a room look larger.

Using a lot of small pieces of furniture can make it look like you're trying to cram too much in and the room can end up look cluttered and cramped. The key to keep this from happening is to use large furniture, but just use less of it.

For example, in a tiny living room rather than trying to fit in a sofa, chairs, ottoman, coffee table and side tables, try using a sofa, a single table or bench, and perhaps a single side chair. If you have the space you can even include a large armoire for storage. Get rid of excess small pieces and instead include only what you'll actually use. Then try to open up the space with an oversized mirror on one wall (if you can get it across from a window so much the better).

It sounds crazy but it works. Before trying it out draw up a floor plan on some graph paper or use an online room planner to experiment with furniture placement.


Article Source: http://interiordec.about.com/

[Kristin]

5 Ways to Make a Small Space Look Larger

Source: www.housebeautiful.com

It can be tough to create an airy and open atmosphere in a few hundred square feet, but when properly planned and thought out a small space can be just as beautiful and functional as a large one. In fact, there are plenty of things that can be done when decorating small spaces to make them look larger. Here are a few tips.

Use Mirrors

Source: www.styleathome.com

Mirrors are wonderful decorative accessories for small spaces. They reflect light and create a sense of openness. That said there are a few rules to using mirrors in small spaces.
- Rather than use a few small mirrors, try to use a really large one with a lovely frame. Lean it on the floor, on a tabletop, or over a mantle – the bigger the better. Using several small, framed mirrors can add visual clutter and defeat the purpose.
- If possible place your oversize mirror across from a window. It will reflect more light and showcase whatever you see through the window. It will make it appear as though there are more windows and thus create an airier and more open atmosphere.


Use Large Furniture

Source: www.buzzfeed.com

This is confusing to some people, but when you put large furniture in a small space it can actually make the space look larger. Too many small pieces crammed into a small space can look cluttered and impede traffic flow. A few well-thought out large pieces can be more functional and create a sense of space.


Try Armless Seating

Source: www.forbes.com

One way to maintain an open feeling in a small space is to use seating without arms (slipper chairs and slipper sofas). It reduces visual clutter and gives the illusion of more space. However, be practical: if you're the type of person who likes to lie on the couch and rest your head on the arm don't buy a slipper sofa (it might drive you crazy).


Avoid Billowing Window Treatments

Source: www.pinterest.com

In a small space it's a good idea to use streamlined window treatments such as roman shades, shutters or blinds. While billowing fabric can be rich and luxurious, it can take up a lot of visual space. If you want your small space to look larger keep windows simple.


Use Light Colors

Source: www.colorcherish.com

Dark colors can be great in small spaces however they don't make a room look larger. If you want to create a sense of space, stick with light colors. When it comes to paint use the same color on the walls, trim and any other details that might exist. If you're not crazy about that idea and still want a little depth try using a different hue of the same color on the trim.



Article Source: http://interiordec.about.com/