Some might call it "quaint" or "cozy," although when you find yourself creeping through a maze of furniture day in and day out, it can be hard for you to think of your home as anything but small. Before you give up and commit to dreaming of more spacious digs, there are a few techniques that can help to create more room - or at least the illusion of it.

Get rid of clutter!
     Use organizers that fit in hidden areas of your house to store what you can't bear to toss out. If you aren't able to stow your belongings under your bed or in a closet, it's time to get creative. Use space that you normally wouldn't think to use, for example, install hooks on the ceiling to hang plants or mount shelves above doorways.

     Many pieces of furniture are built to multitask, serving their intended purpose as well as having storage capabilities. Interior designer Lynn Fenwick believes the best investment someone can make with an item of this nature is an armoire, because it has "huge storage space" and can hold everything from a television to clothing.

Colour is a powerful tool.
     Lighter colours, such as pale blues and greens, tend to make a room seem larger than it actually is. Rich, vibrant colours, while they establish a warm atmosphere, can visually contract the walls in a house. However, you don't necessarily need to shy away from those colours. Fenwick suggests keeping paint and furniture in the same colour family so the tones blend rather than contrast. "Deeper colours make a house feel warmer faster without a lot of accessories. It gets a more finished look immediately," she says.

Keep paint and furniture in the same colour family
so the tones blend rather than contrast.

     Regardless of the shades you choose, a rule of thumb is to adhere to a simple colour scheme and keep it constant throughout your home. "Don't choose red and green for one room, and blue and yellow for another," Fenwick says.

Choose sleek furnishings and lots of light!
     Furniture doesn't have to be rigid to be considered sleek - just look for modern qualities that won't sacrifice comfort. Chairs with round edges and low backs create a visually open space while still fulfilling their purpose. Opt for a mix of textures in your furniture to add a sense of depth.

Opt for a mix of textures in your furniture to add a sense of depth.

     Décor that encourages the flow of light in a room can also maximize its perceived space. Invite sunlight in through sheer curtains, or position floor lamps throughout your home. Floor lamps direct light to the ceiling, which in turn expands the apparent space.

     Use your imagination and don't hesitate to push the limits - you may find that your house has a lot more character than you realized. Work with its unique traits rather than against them; that's what makes it interesting. A few minor changes are all it takes to make a world of difference - all while keeping the same address.

Source:
Fenwick and Company Interior Design (Lynn Fenwick)