by Tierney O'Hara

Created on: July 25, 2009

When you have a small space it isn't necessary to miniaturize your furnishings, art work or window treatments. You don't have to make your room monochromatic and you don't have to give up bright colors or patterns.

No matter what you do to your small space, guess what? It's going to remain a small space. Nothing you do will trick someone into thinking it's anything other than a small space. So decorate it in a fashion that you like, providing you keep an eye on over-crowding, over-cluttering and over-whelming the space with too much of anything.

For example, a small space should not have multi-layers of draperies, shades or blinds on the windows. For privacy, light and elegance, install blinds or shades colored to match your window trim. These can be pulled up for most of the day and only lowered for privacy at night. Hang thin, floaty curtains made from a light material like cotton or silk. Have the curtains go down to the floor - they can even "puddle" on the floor - that's fine, but don't use heavy, thick or highly textured fabrics and no valances.

You love deep red? Sure, paint a wall deep red, the pop of color will not make your space appear smaller and will give character to the room. Painting all walls deep red could overwhelm the space so paint one wall first and see if that's enough red to keep you happy.

Decorators recommend you highlight the wall that's the focal point of the room, like the wall the bed goes against or the fireplace is on for example. And, if your room doesn't have a natural focal point, you must create one with paint or furnishings for the most appealing space whether small or large.

Who says you can't use that huge, ornate armoire in your tiny living room? Sometimes one large interesting piece of furniture can take a small room and make it less cluttered. Put your TV, audio equipment, DVDs, books, magazines, etc. in your armoire and when you close the doors your space is clean, airy and tidy.

Try angling any large piece of furniture on a wall as this method of furniture placement can often free up wall space and enhance the perceived square footage of the space.

This method can also work with your bed. Try putting it on an angle and see if this works for your particular space.

It is also wise to only use furnishings that are raised up on legs exposing floor space. This way the eye can see the whole floor space and the room appears larger.

Put that huge painting over the fireplace but then scale down everything else in the room. Use pops of color to balance the space and keep it visually harmonious.

And the most important rule of decorating a small space is this: Love every single thing you put into your small space. You don't have room to store, exhibit or draw attention to anything you don't absolutely adore.

If you follow this last rule, you'll see how your small space might very well become your favorite space of all.

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