by Carol Gioia

Created on: June 18, 2009   Last Updated: December 02, 2011

If your home has limited space, there are actually ways to trick your mind into thinking you have more room than actually exists. Whether dealing with inadequate square footage or awkwardly shaped rooms, you can overcome the challenge of cramped quarters.  A home is only too small, if it is not functional.

Here are some decorating tips that will not break the budget, but will give the illusion of spaciousness:

In the kitchen

Keep all countertops and surfaces cleared of clutter. Either store small appliances in a cupboard, or place them on a rolling cart in an out of the way corner when not in use.

Use stools pulled up to the counter when feasible for breakfast and lunch. If you have a dining area, or dining room, serve meals there and eliminate a table in the kitchen. Store the trash receptacle under the sink in order to maximize floor space.

In the bathroom

Keep all countertops cleared off. Have shelves above the commode to make use of empty wall space. Have a laundry basket in each bedroom closet to avoid needing a hamper in the bathroom. Remove towel racks and replace on the back of the bathroom door. That couple of inches not protruding from the wall will give the illusion of more space.

In the bedrooms

Eliminate the headboard and footboard and place the box spring and mattress on a frame with casters. Place a small dresser inside the closet. Use blinds and a curtain topper for a no-fuss window treatment. Avoid clutter of any kind. Hang a full length mirror on the back of the door. Use a monochromatic color scheme in bedding, walls, rugs.

In the living areas

Hang mirrors instead of pictures to give the illusion of space. Place a long narrow table behind the sofa, in lieu of end tables, for placement of lamp and picture frames. Use a glass top coffee table and dining room table to create an illusion of open space. To accompany an upholstered couch, use lightweight, open, artist chairs as side chairs. Use a trunk as a coffee table, which will double as storage.

Use paint to enhance the look of spaciousness. One color throughout in a neutral tone will immediately give an illusion of stretched space.

Simple window coverings and floor coverings in the same color, or a similar value of color will trick the eye into believing your home is spacious.

Use a minimum of wall decorations with clean lines and no protrusions. Be careful to avoid harsh glaring light, particularly in the kitchen and baths.

Whenever you have occasion to replace existing possessions, think small and low-key.

Avoid patterns in upholstery, bedding, shower curtains and carpets. Purchase a television that attaches to the wall. Have baskets or containers in each room to hold magazines, remotes, and any other items that might translate to clutter.

You can also redecorate your mindset in order to make a small dwelling more inviting and less cumbersome. Adopt the attitude, A place for everything, and everything in its place.

By enlisting some of these suggestions, where applicable, you mightl find yourself referring to what used to be too small living quarters as your cozy home.

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