Make Your Small Space Shine

Designing a small space is a balancing act. You want to create a home that's striking, but as anyone who has lived in a small space can attest to, storage can be a major issue. It can be a challenge to create a visually appealing space without too much clutter, but with a little forethought your small space will shine.

When planning the space, the furniture is very important. Furniture with a lighter footprint won't suck up as much space from the floor, so choose items with lighter frames. The space around the furniture is also important - this is referred to negative space. For maximum comfort levels you want to try to balance the negative space with the occupied area. Choose items that can be moved around more easily for maximum flexibility, including pieces with wheels. Arm chairs may have more flexibility than a full sofa, for instance.

Plan to get the most out of your furniture - find pieces that have additional functions such as daybeds, an ottoman that doubles as a storage space and a table that sidelines as a desk or can be added to a counter to create a larger dining space. With an increasing number of people choosing urban living, many of today's designers are very conscious of space.

Other space creating ideas include loft beds and compact appliances (think under-counter fridges and washer/dryer combination units). Use hooks in the kitchen to hang pots and pans out of the way, but keep your collection minimal. Small spaces require a firm hand on the clutter accumulation. You should have a spot for everything and ensure that items make their way back into their place immediately after use. If you are a packrat, you will require a regular purging schedule in order to keep your space livable.

Shelves can be a handy storage solution and allow you to display items. However, too much stuff may make the space appear smaller and collect dust. Furniture with doors that close can hide away your treasures, dust free.

Another essential element in your design is appropriate lighting. Dark shadowy corners will make your already small space loose even more floor space, so use the lighting to create bright, airy spaces. Mirrors are a smart addition: use them to reflect light and give the illusion of more space.

Muted or light colors are often recommended for their ability to make space appear larger, but you can use darker colors in moderation. However, small spaces can be made smaller by too much contrast, so paint the adjoining walls and ceilings similar shades.

You should aim to create focal points in each room; areas that your eye will be drawn to. You can use large colorful canvases or sheets of fabric to add color and excitement to a space, but again, consider the contrast. In a small space you might choose to use a bold pattern, but work the surrounding decor around it, keeping things in complementary tones. Curtains and pillows can add a lot to a room, but don't overdo it.

Don't forget the details. The beauty of a smaller space is that it costs less to finish - unique carpets, tiles or even the handles on your kitchen cabinets are little touches that set your small space apart from the rest.

By keeping it simple you can create a sanctuary that combines funky and function and will have your friends wishing that they too lived in such a fashionable abode.