by Roberta Velyn

Created on: September 13, 2008   Last Updated: October 01, 2009

Many of us face the challenge of living in a space that's smaller than we'd like it to be. Fortunately, decorating a small space is much less costly than working with a larger area. The most important rule to follow in furnishing and decorating a small space is the "KIS" principle: KEEP IT SIMPLE! Here are some tips for achieving that simplicity.

1. Live large

For each room, select a few substantial pieces of furniture rather than an assortment of smaller pieces. Hang one large picture on the focal wall of each room, or group a collection of smaller pieces in complementary (not necessarily identical) frames so that they have the appearance of a single work of art. Place a few significant ornaments in strategic spots; don't clutter up the space with lots of little trinkets on every surface. If you have several small items to display, create a vignette by arranging all of them together.

2. Look "through", not "at"

Hang sheer or semi-sheer drapes in a neutral color, floor to ceiling, over windows to achieve a feeling of privacy without having to shut the blinds. Look for places where you can set or hang mirrors so that the room will be reflected back, increasing the feeling of space - inside a china cabinet, over a dresser, in the entry way. Replace an ordinary closet door with a mirrored one and watch the space open up! Use glass-topped tables so that your eye sees right to the floor instead of stopping at the table top.

3. Use a monochromatic color scheme

Select a color that can be used throughout the entire space - on walls, floors, upholstery, drapes, bedding and cabinets. Rather than abrupt color changes, use a paint color that's a shade or two darker or lighter on some walls or on architectural features like trim boards or columns.The different textures in paint, carpet and fabrics add dimension without making things "jump out".

4. Choose one or two accent colors

With the walls, flooring, window treatments, and major furniture pieces all in a similar neutral tone, select an accent color or two to give the room some punch. Choose one or two of your favorite colors from the painting on the wall and add cushions, fresh flowers or a couple of coffee table books that repeat those colors, tying the room together.

5. Clear the clutter

Organize your storage space so that everything has its place - behind closed doors or in a drawer so that stuff doesn't pile up and create visual clutter. Look for furniture that serves double duty - a hassock that opens to store extra bedding, or kitchen chairs with a lift-up seat that has space for writing materials, stamps and a calculator. If the bedroom's tight, invest in a closet organizer instead of a chest of drawers and store all your clothes in the closet.

6. Keep it clean

Don't let dirty dishes or crumpled newspapers pile up through the day. Each time you get up to walk somewhere, spend a minute tidying. Wash those few dishes and leave them in the sink to air dry. Next time you walk through, put them in the cupboard and stash the dish drainer under the sink, leaving the counter looking much larger.

It doesn't take long to sweep a small kitchen or vacuum a little living room. Keep the cleaning equipment handy so that you can get at it easily and use it frequently. A little mess in a small space is more noticeable because you're so close to it.

Revel in your small space! Replace your little counter with granite and your collection of plastic vases with a single exquisite crystal piece. Since you don't have roomfor quantity, concentrate on quality. Make your small space a nest of luxury that beckons you home at the end of a hectic day.

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