10 Things for Maximizing Small Spaces

1. Be cool. Light and airy colors will help small spaces feel just a bit larger. Stick to cool colors like blue and green.
2. Go monochromatic. Think soothing tone-on-tone for paint techniques, fabrics, and patterns. Cream and white, icy blues, pale greens, and butter yellows are just a few of the combinations that can open up a small room.
3. Keep it open. Whenever possible, arrange furnishings to open up areas of floor and avoid blocking views to windows and doors. The farther you can see into, and through, a space, the larger and more open it will seem.
4. Make a match. Consider painting some of your furniture to match your walls. Even large chests and armoires will seem to melt into the background when finished in a color that's close to the wall tone. Add tone-on-tone stencil details to doors for added interest.
5. Lighten up. Uncover windows and add additional light fixtures to avoid dark, dreary corners. Brighter spaces will automatically make the room feel larger.
6. Clear the table. Bring in some see-through style by using glass tables. They'll provide useful surfaces as dining or end tables, yet practically disappear in a visual perception of the room.
7. Two-in-one. Maximize space with furniture that serves multiple functions. Some headboards double as bookshelves, for example or try an ottoman with built-in storage space.
8. Living large. Incorporating limited larger pieces of furniture will help reduce the visual clutter of several smaller pieces. Stick with simple lines and shapes to help create a sense of calm and space.
9. Keep it simple. Cover sofas and chairs with plain or textured upholstery rather than vibrant prints. Neutral tones in lighter colors will usually make a room feel larger.
10. Reflect your style. Add sparkle and reflection to your space with mirrors. Try this tip: Place mirrors on a wall opposite the windows to increase light and reflect outside scenery.