So, you've moved into a new home only to find out that it seems a lot smaller than you originally thought? Here are a few small space survival decorating tricks to make your new space not only function better, but look stylish:
1 Choose consistent colours and tones that blend evenly. If you tend to gravitate toward darker, richer tones of woods, paint colours and fabrics, then stick with that look throughout your entire space. This will help to make the space visually appear larger and keep you focused on a direct decorating scheme.
2 Be practical with the size of furnishings that can fit into a room. Today's small condos are not made for big three-seater sofas, highboy dressers, formal dining tables and large-screen TVs. This is where the value in custom-sized furniture can really pay off.
3 Add grandeur without taking up space. Items such as large pieces of art, a floor-to-ceiling bookcase, floor-standing mirrors and tall, hotel-style headboards can add a sense of roominess to any room without taking up valuable floor space.
4 Invest in pieces that travel well. A six- by nine-foot area Persian rug, good artwork, stylish lamps and a comfy armchair are elements that can add style to your new space, yet travel to a new home and fit in almost any other room in the future.
5 Keep draperies a similar colour to the walls. By choosing fabrics which are just a little lighter or a little darker than the paint colour chosen for the walls, you will create a soft look to frame the windows and help to visually keep the space appearing open.
6 Remember the rules of wood: darker colours for furniture and flooring tend to imply a masculine, solemn or sophisticated look to a home while lighter toned woods imply casual, fun and contemporary. Choose a look you are drawn to and stick with one wood tone throughout your space.
