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Designs on Small Spaces

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There can be many reasons you may find yourself in a smaller apartment or home. Many people who retire choose to downsize and move to a smaller space. Young people, just getting started, find living spaces they can afford and this usually means buying or renting a smaller space. You may think this means making sacrifices when it comes to design, but don’t give up hope. You can have a beautiful and functional space no matter what size it is.

It is important to plan your design before getting started since a small space presents many challenges. Make sure you are taking advantage of every square foot of your home or apartment. There are several things to consider. First, you want to decide on the benefits of the space and focus on the areas where creative design can have the most impact.

Color selections are very important. Use light colors to give rooms an airy and serene feel. Consider painting the walls and trim the same color. You will be amazed how this makes the ceiling appear higher. Also, Select furniture that is slightly smaller than typical furniture. Using round tables or tables with glass tops will open the space up visually.
Floor to ceiling bookshelves will let you take advantage of floor space and allow you to display many of your treasured items. Do not put doors on your media centers or bookshelves. Every time you add a door you close off a space. And consider removing doors between rooms and just leave the space open.

Add a light colored carpet to a room that has dark floors and place several lamps throughout a room to brighten the space at night. Light can have a profound effect on small spaces.

Many people work from home these days and in a smaller space you want to combine your office with the living room. There are several manufacturers that produce hide-a-way office armoires, so at night you just close the doors and your desk becomes and beautiful piece of furniture.

In the bedroom you should consider the classic Murphy bed which folds up into the wall. During the day this will create a much larger space. For those people living in efficiency apartments this is a great way to combine a bedroom and living room in one room.

If you have a traditional bed all is not lost. One of the most difficult things to do in a small space is store valuables safely. Today there are many plastic storage units that are made to slide under beds, so take advantage of this space.

In the bathroom use open shelves and a light colored shower curtain. Solid or dark shower curtains create a barrier that makes the room appear much smaller. Add a larger mirror to the wall that will reflect light and create a feeling of openness.

If you have the luxury of changing the structure of a space you should take out walls and create a loft. If you have a large open space you can use folding walls, providing privacy when needed. These walls can also be moved when needed to create more space.

Using large mirrors throughout your home will make rooms appear larger. The materials you use in your home are also important. Glass, metal, polished wood and reflective items can keep a space light and airy.

If you have windows try to emphasize them and bring the outside light in during the day. Curtains allow you to add a vertical design element to the room that does not take up a lot of space and provides a pleasing frame for your windows.

Small dining rooms can present a challenge. Make sure you have a table that folds down or has leaves that allow you to extend your dining room table when needed. Use smaller chandeliers that do not hang low. A low hanging chandelier in the middle of a small room will make the room feel cramped.

Probably the best advice I can give is to avoid clutter. A smaller space will always appear larger when you keep the design simple! To learn more about this topic an other helpful interior tips visit my Blog at www.chetpourciaudesign.blogspot.com.