Get Some Space

Small spaces can be warm and intimate. But if a room in your home feels more cramped than cozy, there may be a simple way to improve it.

Odette Lueck, of Odette Lueck Interiors in Oakland, Md., says the best way to stretch the size of a room is to start from the ground up. "The thing I use most is diagonal lines on the floor," says Lueck, who suggests installing wood flooring or tiles in a diagonal line. "No matter which way you look, it's expanding the border."

If you're not ready for a major project, you'd be amazed at what you can accomplish with just a few decorating tricks. First and foremost is color. To make your room appear larger, stick with neutrals and keep backgrounds (wall, furniture, draperies) the same color, says Lueck. But neutral doesn't have to be boring. "Use your color in accessories," says Lueck. But beware of patterns. Too many patterns can make a space seem cluttered.

Furniture placement is also important. The number of pieces should be kept to minimum and positioned against a wall. "Use glass coffee tables," suggests Lueck. "It's one less thing to be a solid focus in the a room." Don't be afraid to use a little creativity. For example, a stack of coffee table books next to chair can serve as a unique end table.

Another option is to embrace the room's petite size. "More often than not clients

make the mistake of

thinking that room

always has to

be larger," says

Lueck. "Small is

not necessarily bad.

A lot of times, what

you're actually

striving for is a more

intimate space." To

warm up a small

room, include dark

colors, lots of wood

and plenty of cozy

fabrics.