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 pieces. This is not a room for pillows and throws in patterned tapestry-style fabrics. Choose plain wherever possible.
Try to find items that double up as other things. You might find some ideas in a caravan and camping shop. The things that will make your room look smaller are all the bits and pieces you leave lying around, so the more storage you can incorporate, the better the room will look.
Incorporate mirrors wherever you can, on the walls, on the front of the wardrobe or freestanding.
Make sure the light fitment is kept simple. You should be able to find an elegant design that hugs the ceiling and keeps as far out of your living space as possible.
It might seem tempting to put as much stuff as you can into this room, but try to hold back. Each item will need to be carefully chosen and should only be used if your really like it and want it in there. Don't just throw in things from other areas of the house. This is not a luxury you can afford with a small room.
Once you have finished your room, stand back and take a look. Is there anything else you could take out? The main rule for decorating a small room is the KEEP IT SIMPLE, so any bits and pieces that can be hidden or removed need to be seen to.
Work carefully, and think about everything you put into the room, and even the tiniest of spaces can look really great. Good luck!