Subtle
lighting will make a big impact immediately. If you have fluorescent
lighting, get rid of it. Opt for softer, less abrasive light. Affix lighting
high on the wall instead of the ceiling. Choose lighting fixtures that are thin
and sleek and steer clear of bulky piece. You’ll like the look they create.
Avoid
“Attack of the Tsotchkes.” The more small boxes, picture
frames, and candles you use, the more filled up a space looks. Place a few
well-chosen items on a narrow shelving unit for maximum impact in minimum
space.
Your
furniture should not overpower the area. Choose shelving
that leans against or mounts to the wall, or something that fits snuggly into
the corner. You will save a lot of space that way.
The
art you choose can easily open up the room. A lot of
Starbucks coffee shops have done a stellar job of making their smaller
locations look large by hanging black and white photographs surrounded by large
white mattes in matte-colored frames. By hanging these in multiples against a
darkly painted wall, you’ll create the illusion that the room stretches farther
back. White and off white are great colors for creating space, so if you don’t
want to paint the room white, go for white-matted sketches, photos, or simple
designs instead.
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