Embellishing Small Spaces

To create the illusion of a larger space, use smaller pieces of furniture that are raised up off the ground with slender legs so that you can see the floor beneath the furniture.

But don't think that you must you small furniture because the space is small. Larger furniture can make a room feel warm and inviting. You will just have to use less of it.

In general, keep key furniture to the neutral tones. Neutral does not mean beige. There are neutral blues and greens as well. Terra cotta when used properly can also be considered a neutral. Seagrass is a great source, neutral and yet interesting - try integrating a seagrass rug into your room.

I didn't say keep it all bland. Spice up the room with colorful accents using area rugs, plants, throws, accent pillows, curtains, and wall art.

Substitute coffee tables and chests at the foot of the bed with nice ottomans. Purchase the kind with hidden storage inside. These will double as extra seating when you have guest. To make a plush ottoman into a table for every day use, simply purchase a large decorative tray to set on top and voila! Coffee table/Foot rest/Storage for your DVD collection.

Bookshelves everywhere. They're not just for books anymore. Use them in your closet to store shoes, purses, and sweaters. Find baskets to put on the shelves and you can keep all your socks together as well.

In the living area, store the obvious, books, along with pictures, DVDs, Jars filled with goodies, sculptures, collections or small paintings. Flank one on either side of a large mirror and you just created the focal pint of the room.

In the end, size doesn't really matter. With a little planning and a lot of creativity, your tiny abode will soon rival Buckingham palace and give the Taj Majal something to aspire too.

Whoever said "Big Things Come in Small Packages," did not live in a 500 square foot flat in the city. And yet, when properly designed, 500 square feet can be plentiful and highly functional to the city cat with places to go, and people to see.