small-room decor solutions, contd.

Orangey tints can be on your furniture, window shades, lamps and other decor. If you want woodstain go for lighter shades all in one color.

2) Calm colors, unfussy furniture and subtle patterns can be dull if you don't add excitement, like a colorful bedspread or wall art (with your orange as an element).

3) Keep junk and small pieces at a minimum. Use walls by filling them with shelves and bulletin boards. One pic you sent in, Josh, shows a window on the 2.5m wall. You can fill the idle walls around the window with a floor-to-ceiling wall to wall closed cabinet. Roomy bottom drawers on casters (wheels) will stash all trash and more.

4) Paint all bookcases, chests and other large items the same color as the wall to make them seem less bulky.

5) Keep only the most important furniture, specially those that do double or triple duty, such as a chest/table/stool (when you need a table, you remove the cushion) or a file cabinet instead of a night table.

6) Slim see-thru furniture like director's chairs or a bench with throw pillows for backrests will take up less room than upholstery and heavy carved wood.

7) Avoid heavy textures like a very furry rug.

8) A small room seems larger if decorating activities are concentrated on two walls at most.

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