Small living spaces often require some compromises in decorating. You may long for a spacious ocean-view property, but for now it is a one room apartment or a tiny bungalow with little elbow room.

Of course, there is one great tried-and-true way to deal with small spaces: make them cosier.

“Using dark colours, soft upholstery, and dramatic lighting can turn most any tiny nook into an intimate and wonderful corner.” says Deborah Joell who is in the process of decorating her entire home in Somerset.

“However, if you still long for wide open spaces, then these solutions for small rooms may help. Colour techniques, furniture arranging and lighting considerations can all give the look of space.”

Mrs. Joell and her husband Voorhees moved into their new home, Southern Star, in Somerset, in March this year and decided to decorate the entire house — room by room, by buying Bermuda.

Speaking from experience, Mrs. Joell offers the following tips on making a small space look larger.

[bul] Use lighter colours on your walls: “If you love light and airy colours, then you’ll love they way they also help small spaces feel just a bit larger. Cool colours like blue and green will also add to the effect.”

[bul] Go monochromatic: “Think soothing tone-on-tone for paint techniques, fabrics, and patterns. Cream and white, icy blues, pale greens, and butter yellows are just a few of the combinations that can open up a small room.”

[bul] Eliminate obstructions: “The farther you can see into, and through, a space, the larger and more open it will seem. Arranging furniture down one wall of the room gives it depth, which makes the room look longer. Whenever possible arrange furnishings to open up areas of floor and avoid blocking views to windows and doors. Low benches, ottomans, and armless chairs are one way to accomplish this.”

[bul] Match furniture to wall colour: “Are your walls pale golden yellow? If so then you might want to consider painting some of the furniture to match. Even large chests and armoires will begin to melt into the background when finished in a colour that’s close to the wall tone. Add tone-on-tone stencil details to doors for added interest.”

[bul] Bring in more light: “Banish room-darkening shadows by uncovering windows and adding additional light fixtures. Instead of draperies that tend to hide the outside light, build some in-expensive cornus boards and over them in fabric that contrasts the colours of the room. Consider cove lighting, up-lights, rope lights, bookshelf lights, and any other of the myriad of light fixtures available.”

There are other less obvious techniques you can use to make a room look, and feel, a bit bigger.

[bul] Mirrored Surfaces: “Add sparkle and reflection with mirrors. While a framed mirror is a traditional look over a mantle or sideboard, you might consider a more innovative approach like setting an oversize mirror on the floor leaning against a wall (be sure to attach it to the wall securely however, and just pull the bottom of the mirror away from the wall a few inches). A mirror table topper is another great way to add some shine to a plain or skirted table. Very simple furniture shapes like square tables or chests can be completely mirrored by a professional glass shop like Island Glass.”

[bul] Sheer fabrics: “Look for filmy, gauzy fabrics for window treatments and tablecloths. These lighter-than-air fabrics let the light shine through while adding softness and personality to a space. Look also for patterns that range from flowers and vines that exude romance to straightforward stripes and plaids to give sheers a more tailored look.”

[bul] Larger pieces and accessories: “Reduce visual clutter by using fewer, larger pieces of furniture and accessories. Simple lines and shapes can also help to bring a sense of calm and open space into your room. Update your current furniture by adding crocheted coverings to give them a brand new appearance.”

[bul] Plain Upholstery: “Emphasise a sense of space by covering sofas and chairs with plain or textured upholstery rather than vibrant prints. Neutral tones in lighter colours will usually make a room feel larger, yet if these aren’t your style then use plain or textured upholstery in colours you love — perhaps sage green or navy blue.”