by Susan Hibberd

Created on: April 12, 2009

Looking at a small space and wondering how you're going to decorate it can be a bit daunting. Forget tiny living rooms filled with ornaments and over-stuffed sofas, kitchens bursting with chickens and half-empty packets. Forget bedrooms that you can't even turn around in. With a little bit of planning you can create a light, airy room that will be a joy to use.

Firstly, decide what you want to use the room for. Small spaces need to be dedicated to one activity only. If you try to make your smallest bedroom into a guest room, a computer room, a storage room and a play room then it's going to look crowded and like the back end of a garage.

Once you have chosen the main use for the room you can take time to think a little bit laterally and come up with some ideas for adding in extra uses. For example, a fold-away bed in a cupboard could help an office double as an occasional guest room. Drawers under a bed mean a guest room can be used as a sewing room. Try to think outside the box!

Now you have thought about what the room is going to be used for, you can start to think about colors. Even if dark colors are in vogue, don't be tempted to use them. You need to choose pale colors in neutral shades.

If you really MUST have wallpaper, then choose one with a tiny pattern, or better still with a self-colored pattern on it. You need to fit the pattern to the size of the room as if you were decorating a dolls house.

Choose a dark floor covering. Depending on the use of the room, you will choose a carpet, hardwood or linoleum. Again, go for a plain color, but in this instance, go for a darker shade.

Paint the ceiling white to reflect light into the room and make the most of the height.

Keep window dressing simple. Choose blinds if you can, or unfussy drapes. Make sure your curtain pole is wide enough for you to be able to pull the drapes right away from the window when you open them. This will let more light into the room.

Now you can start to fill the room with furniture. Think simple' and think small'. Think about the style of the room, and consider vintage chic. Go for a shaker-style or elegant Georgian feel. Avoid country cottage floral and exotic brights.

Several manufacturers, such as Ikea, make small sized furniture for tiny spaces. Use these items as the basis for your room.

Choose furniture that has legs rather than a solid side and kickboard. This means you will be able to see the floor covering underneath it and it will make the room appear larger. Also, choose simple

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