Estate and mortgageHow to Create the Illusion of Space
Mirror mirror on the wall
By positioning mirrors in the right places, you have the power to make any room
appear larger. Whether you live in a loft, or a four bedroom house, you can
follow these tips to make small areas more comfortable.
If you are living in a loft, you probably might have pillars throughout the
room. Mirror them and they"ll seem to disappear.
If you want a hallway/stairway to appear wider: stagger mirrors on either
side.
If you want a hallway/stairway to appear longer: a mirror at the end will
double its length.
Make sure mirrors reflect only things you want to see more of. Do not
place a mirror directly across from a laundry basket, or any
cluttered/generally dirty area. Instead, you might want to place it across
from a source of light, a favorite painting, or a window.
You can multiply candles, flowers, etc.
by joining together several mirrors with butt hinges and placing them behind
the objects on a mantle or table.
Consider replacing dark closet doors with sliding mirrored doors to open up
a space.
In living color...
The colors you choose to decorate a room contribute more than anything to the
feelings you associate with it. Remember the following when choosing a color
scheme:
The best color for opening up a room is bright white.
If bright white makes you shudder, try adding a few drops of your favorite
color for a tinted, warmer look.
If that"s still not your cup of tea, try beige or light grey
Bright colors like yellow and white seem more inviting & open because they
reflect light
Dark, dramatic colors like maroon and forest green seem more intimate
because they absorb the light
Always check paint stores for mistinted paint. You might find an unusual
color that appeals to you, and you"ll get it at a discounted price.
HELPFUL LINKS:
Peekaboo
defines paint terms (hue, tint, etc.)
UDA Home Design
helps you choose which paint colors will be best for you.
Paint and Decorating Retailers Association"s
site lists paint-related links.
Move it or lose it...
To make a room appear spacious when it isn"t, you need to minimize your
posessions. If you"re moving from a large home into a smaller one, take this
into consideration:
Purchase dual purpose furniture (fold out couch, futon, flip out bed,
coffee tables with storage underneath, etc.)
Put unneeded furniture in storage, or ask your friends/relatives if they
could borrow it until you need it again
Get rid of clutter. Unless you are sentimentally attached, you don"t need
many nick nacks. They will only make your rooms appear smaller.
HELPFUL LINKS
More advice on creating space
Remember...just because you live in a small space doesn"t mean it has to feel
that way
Also See:
Saving Space in the One-Room or Small Apartment
Reeeally Cheap Decorating Ideas
Cheap Tricks For Decorating Your Apartment
Keep Your Apartment From Feeling Lonely