Designing Eye: Big Solutions For Small Spaces

Many people live in a small home, a small room or just a small space. And often these spaces can feel pretty cramped. But if you believe, as I do, that small can be just as beautiful as big, use these guidelines to maximize your space with stylish, transforming and eye-deceiving tips.

Sheer drapery adds an open feeling

• Go vertical. Draw the eye up with vertical lines and tall pieces. Eliminate chair rails, which cut the room visually in half and make it feel smaller. Use vertical striped patterns, and make sure your window treatments go all the way to the ceiling.

• Look through it. Use glass tables, which don't take up much space but also don't stop the eye, creating an illusion of largeness. Sheer or mesh window coverings allow some sunlight in and add a more open feeling.

• Remove or open doors. An open entry between rooms will prevent the space from feeling boxy and broken up.

Larger art and larger scale furniture makes the room appear larger!

• Go big. Hang large artwork on the walls to give the appearance of a larger space.

• Mount lights. Wall-mounted sconces take the place of lamps, saving space while lighting up the room.



Extend the wall color up to the ceiling for a larger appearance!

 • Connect the ceiling. Wall treatments and paint colors that continue onto the ceiling gives the walls the appearance of extending up indefinitely.

• Large furniture. Look for a large-scale piece, such as a round table in a corner or a big, comfy chair, to trick the eye and make the space feel larger. You can make a compact room feel much bigger by choosing a few large, bold pieces rather than many smaller ones.
• Hang mirrors. With mirrors you can play with light and reflections, which creates the illusion of a bigger space. Especially effective placed across from a window.
A smaller space simply requires a more creative approach with decorating. Small is beautiful!