Live Large In Small Spaces

Did you ever try to obtain design ideas from decorating magazines or paint company websites? Ever notice how the showcase rooms are always unrealistally large, unique, architecturally detailed and nothing like what most people live in? Yeah- me, too.

As a designer, I can tell you that most people have the same simple, rectangular, odd-placed-window, standard type rooms. We dont have niches, built-ins, ready-made window seats and trey ceilings. So, what I want to talk about is how my in-the-field-design tricks can help to make smaller, standard rooms appear larger and more designer-esque.

First, think BIG. Instead of filling a small room with lots of little pieces, opt for overscale furnishings and accessories to cut down on clutter and make the room feel more spacious.

Second, go monochromatic. When color is spread throughout a room, the eye doesn't suddenly stop and get stuck on something. You want the eye to flow around a room so it seems larger.

Third, use color on the ceiling. Paint it a shade or two lighter than your walls so the eye won't immediately recognize where the walls stop and the ceilings begins.

Last, think of the room as a stage show. There are stars and supporting actors. To avoid fussiness that can crowd a small space, choose just one star for each wall. A large picture that is proportionate to its wall is all that may be needed to accomplish drama and make a small space look larger than it may actually be.