Presto, Chango: Tricks To Make A Small Space Seem More Spacious

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

The one thing all women want is more space..at least when it comes to the space in our kitchens and overall in our home....I suppose that's why open concept living has gained greatly in popularity.

Still not everyone can have an "open-concept" home or a spacious living space. Still, there are tricks of the trade that can help give it a much bigger appearance.

* Start by avoiding clutter. Instead streamline your space with multifunctional pieces or furniture and accessories. Think ottoman for storage, for use as a "coffee table" and as a footrest.

* Lighten up...at least when it comes to wall paint. Deep, rich colours may be all the rage...but they can make a space look cramped and cluttered. Opt instead for brighter shades of the same hue.

*Add a touch of glass. Embellishing your space with a few strategically placed mirrors can help open up a small space it give it a much "grander" appearance.

* Use your space wisely by spacing items out rather than trying to pile them in one area or another. Giving your furniture some elbow room or arranging it in a eclectic way can open up many options and your living space.

*Make sure to minimize when you can. For example....if your kitchen or dining room table can be expanded and retracted, keep it on the smaller side...unless you’re entertaining.

*Go Mono-tone. Use various shades of the same colour for decor and/or for painting a room. Use darker tones only for trim and detailing.

* Draw attention upwards. Achieve this by painting your ceiling in a bright vibrant hue that will automatically bring the eye UP.

* Let the sunshine in. Rather than covering up windows with curtains or shades, give rooms a greater perspective by leaving window "uncovered" giving the room a pretty view and a greater depth.

*Remember...bigger is better...at least when decorating a small space. Think one main, attention-getting piece of furniture.

* Keep it all in the family when it comes to decorative accents and knick knacks. Group like items and colours together to give your added extras, extra uniformity.