The Home Improvement Guide

Ask any Manhattanite how to make the best of living in an apartment the size of a closet, and you will get a flood of ideas. Decorating, remodeling and enhancing your limited space can bring out your creativity and actually be a lot of fun. Making the most of a small space is part illusion, part science and part art. There are many ways to remodel a small room, and you are only limited by your imagination.

Color

The colors you choose for your room’s paint, decor and furnishings can make a huge difference in the perceived size of the room. Colors like white, icy blue, cream and ecru visually create a feeling of openness. Light colors emphasize brightness and create an airy, open feel. Monochromatic color schemes that create an even tone across the room can also make a small space appear larger. Avoid dark paint colors, matte colors and dark furniture when you are making your remodeling your small room.

Furnishings

Choose smaller pieces of furniture to maximize the look of your space. Select furniture that can serve multiple purposes—ottomans with extra storage, bookshelves that can double as television stands and beds with storage drawers. Move the furniture to the perimeter of the room to open the space in the middle and create the illusion of depth. The more floor space that is visible, the larger your room will appear.

Lighting

Natural light is one of the easiest elements to use to make your small space appear larger. Allow light to filter in from outside, making the space look airy and open. Avoid heavy drapes and go for sheer curtains to allow more light in from outside. If your apartment lacks natural light, use florescent lighting that will brighten the room. Low wattage bulbs often give off a softer glow, making your space look cozier, warmer and smaller. To make the space look larger, focus on “cooling” the tone of the room with brighter lights.

Minimize

Keep your furnishings minimal to create the illusion of more space. In a bedroom, avoid filling a wall with framed pictures or having a lot of pieces of furniture. Make the bed the focal point of the room and decorate it to draw attention to it. Avoid large rugs and clutter in small rooms, which will only make the space look cramped.

Mirrors

The use of mirrored walls and tabletops reflect light and make the space appear more open. They create depth by reflecting the focal points of the room and tricking the eye into believing there is more space. Clear shower curtains in the bathroom also have the same effect.

There are many ways to make a small space feel and appear larger. Summon your inner magician/artist to create the most out of your small room.