Decor Tips: Small Spaces

by Sherry Holetzky | More from this Blogger

12 Jan 2006 12:46 PM

Decorating small spaces does not have to be an exercise in frustration. Small spaces can be just as comfortable and stylish as larger ones. All it takes is some creativity, efficient use of space, and an eye for detail.

These simple ideas will help you pull your small rooms together and make them feel more inviting.

To make a small room appear and feel larger, start with a light or bright color. Use this color throughout the space. Painting shelves, furniture and any other large items the same color as the walls will cause them to blend in rather than stand out. This applies to artwork and accessories as well.

Like colors make the room feel larger, while contrasting pieces will make the room feel more crowded. Use window treatments in similar tones as well, since anything that breaks up the space makes it feel smaller. If your walls are pale green, opt for pale green sheers for the windows, and add a carpet in a similar tone. When the eyes move around a room easily, it appears more spacious.

This means that you should also avoid busy prints and large patterns, unless used in very small quantities. Subtle prints and patterns will help maintain the visual flow better. If you love wild prints and patterns, use them on something small such as an accent pillow instead of for a slipcover or window treatment.

If your space feels small and closed in because of low ceilings, paint it a light color, and add a border to the ceiling itself instead of at the top of the walls. Tape off a 6" strip around the entire ceiling and paint it a darker color, at least two to three shades deeper than the wall color. This will create depth, making the ceiling seem higher, and giving the effect of a tray ceiling. Up-lit corners will also help elongate the walls and make the ceiling appear higher.

Learn more about Sherry Holetzky

Sherry Holetzky is a work at home mom and freelance writer. Married to her best friend, Sherry and her husband are raising their family in a quiet rural setting in the beautiful Ozark Mountains.

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