by Amber Shannon

Created on: November 10, 2009

Small spaces are practical and easy. No matter your reason for living in a small space you can make it feel larger. You'll need to compromise, make a few changes in your decor, create function and organization. It might take some creativity but it is possible to make a small space feel less cramped. Make your space feel cozy, with great upholstery, warm color and lot's of lighting.

Simple and affordable the first step is to get rid of clutter. The one thing that makes a small space feel cramped is having too much stuff. Keep your space open. If you're a collector and have lot's of memorabilia keep out a few key pieces arranged neatly and on shelves, the rest of your things should be put in hiding. Inside cabinets, in closets or stored in plastic bins until you have more room to accommodate such collections. Get creative and utilize wasted space. Decorative boxes placed under beds or in closets create extra space and they look great. Baskets can be used on bookshelves to store items in. Items that can create a cluttered look should be kept less visible. This idea is best for showing of space in your less then spacious living quarters.

Keep furniture clear of walkways. Arrange furniture along the walls to open up the area. Be cautious of the furniture you pick out to put into your space. Pick out pieces that are small. Ottamans are great pieces of furniture to incorporate into small areas. Choose ottamans that have storage compartments in them. When you want space these ottamans can be pushed under tables or benches and when you need more seating they can be pulled out and used. Pick out armless chairs or open chairs. Love seats instead of couches and benches with cushions make great furniture pieces as well as extra storage. Above all keep as much visible floor space as possible, this will make your room look much larger.

Use a monochromatic color scheme. Dark warm and rich colors can make a room feel cozy and intimate. But can make a space feel smaller. Use colors that are light and airy to open and brighten up your space. Use colors that are in the same family. Use tone on tone along with rich fabrics that are cool colors. Throw in bursts of accent colors with your accessories.

Keep your room uniform in color. Choose colors from the same family. Decorate a room in all one color but in different shades. Too many contrasting colors can break up space. Keeping the room all one color will blend in furniture and let your accessories pop. This keeps a room looking

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