| When it comes to decorating, small spaces can be | | | | parties, for tree decorating at Christmas time. |
| a bit of a challenge. Designing a comfy looking | | | | Both can easily be transported from one room to |
| environment without cramping what little space is | | | | another for additional seating when extended |
| available takes an extra dose of creativity.Let's | | | | family and visitors stop by.When arranging |
| start with the walls. Light walls are more reflective | | | | furniture, select low pieces for placement near the |
| than dark and will also help to open up the room. | | | | room's entry. Taller furnishings should be placed at |
| They don't have to be stark white; you can | | | | the end of the room opposite the entry, to keep |
| select pale, soothing colors, such as light mint, soft | | | | the eye level unobstructed.Create a conversation |
| peace, or cream beige. Paint moldings and trims in | | | | area by placing conventional or bean bag chairs |
| a lighter, coordinating color. This is another | | | | turned slightly inward, on each side of the love |
| effective way to make the room appear larger | | | | seat. Even if the room is carpeted, the addition of |
| than it really is.Don't be worried that the room will | | | | an area rug with colors that blend in with the |
| look too bland. Rely on furniture, pictures, curtains, | | | | room's color scheme will help to set the area |
| and accessory choices to warm and brighten the | | | | apart, and make it feel more cozy and |
| room.Soft, even lighting will eliminate shadows, | | | | inviting.When arranging furniture, always be aware |
| which tends to make rooms look smaller. | | | | of traffic patterns. Traffic should flow |
| Incandescent lighting is a good choice. Avoid using | | | | uninterrupted throughout the room.Less is more |
| ceiling lighting, because this will make the ceiling | | | | when it comes to making a smaller room look |
| appear lower.Another trick of the trade to use | | | | larger, so go easy on accessories. Those used |
| when decorating a small living room is to select | | | | should have reflective surfaces. This will help |
| smaller, more compact styles of furniture. | | | | create the illusion of more space. Inflatable pillows |
| Over-stuffed chairs and cumbersome hutches are | | | | add bright color as well as a shiny, reflective |
| unwise choices.A love seat with exposed legs, a | | | | surface. Several in contrasting colors can add a |
| few side chairs, and a small round or oval glass | | | | nice touch.Mirrors are also great when it comes to |
| top coffee table are much more practical than a | | | | an effective, low-cost way to reflect light and |
| bulky, regular-sized sofa with matching love seat, | | | | create the illusion of more space. A mirror placed |
| and a large, solid wood coffee table.When it | | | | on a wall facing the entrance will really open the |
| comes to small room decor, large patterns should | | | | room up. A large oval mirror is especially |
| be left to accessories, not furnishings. A light, solid | | | | attractive for this purpose; select one with a |
| color love seat with large print throw pillows, for | | | | frame that will compliment the rest of the |
| instance, is much more attractive than a sofa | | | | decor.Last but not least, use plants, mirrors, and |
| with big, floral print.In the family room, inflatable | | | | vases to fill in the spaces and bring balance to the |
| sofas and love seats, or bean bag chairs are fun, | | | | room. Now light a scented candle, sit back in a |
| colorful and handy. Bean bag chairs can easily be | | | | chair, look around, and compliment yourself on a |
| stacked. Inflatable items deflated and stored when | | | | job well done!Joshua Rogers - Interior Decorator |
| extra space is needed; as dancing space at | | | | Author HotBeanBags. |