Big Style For Small Spaces

How to furnish and decorate a small living space

alt Finding the perfect apartment is difficult enough on its own. What do you do when you've found your dream home but the size of it leaves something to be desired? Not to worry! There are plenty of ways to bring contemporary style into a small living space - and without triggering claustrophobia. If you're stuck with 400 square feet or less, check out these helpful tips to transform your little room into the lap of luxury.

Choose a colour scheme

Lighter tones in combination with lighter coloured wood are said to bring warmth to a space, and an impression of fresh, open concepts. Lime greens and pastels are fun and vibrant enough to really open up the area. If you're looking for a more intimate, sophisticated look you might want darker wood and some neutral tones of brown and beige. Whatever you decide, be consistent. Colour clashing can break up a space so blend, blend, blend!

Big and tall furnishings

To create an illusion of space, use tall furniture pieces. Full length mirrors, floor to ceiling book cases, high-back chairs, slender but tall dressers....this is the kind of stuff that is going to make your living area proportionate and appear larger than it actually is. Long and narrow is the way to go for widening the room.

Be resourceful

You're going to want multi-purpose items around your apartment. A small coffee table that can also be used as shelving space underneath. A futon to be used as both a bed and a sofa. There's no question that when it comes to decorating, you're going to have to compromise a little - but with just the right adjustments and an awareness of space, you will be able to accommodate your living style.

Be organized

When your space is limited, your mess has to be as well. In this type of living situation everything is out in the open and the less clutter, the better. IKEA has tons of items specifically designed for smaller spaces, so take advantage of miniature shelves, racks, whatever you can find for storage. Remember that 90% of your household items are going to be visible.

Be well-lit

Open windows, extra strength lightbulbs, strategically placed lighting.....this is important, particularly in the kitchen and seating area. Make sure there's more light than you might normally consider and this will really make a difference in the appearance of space. As long as you keep your space open and unobstructed, you should have enough to work with for decor. Refer to as many Home & Design stores as you can for consultation and remember to keep everything as minimal as possible.

Courtney Gilmour
		About the author:
		Courtney is a published writer, stand-up comic, and shameless Internet enthusiast. She holds a double bachelors degree in English Literature and Communication Media Studies, specializing in semiotic theory, however she doesn't get Shakespeare and has never won a game of Scrabble. Currently she lives in Toronto and works as a writer for WOMAN.CA.
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