I believe organization is the key for making the best use of space, especially small spaces. An example would be having one large storage unit for office supplies instead of many small ones. Makes finding things much easier, as well as, clears up some floor space. Speaking of floor space, you can save it by going up when planning storage. Floor to ceiling shelves, for example, take up less floor space than two smaller book shelves. Maintaining more floor space gives a room the illusion of vastness.
It's okay to use knicknacks in small spaces. But its better if those knickacks are functional. For example, a crystal candy dish could easily be used in the bathroom for cotton balls. Perhaps you like decorative boxes to sit around. This would be a great place for magazines, hand-sewing supplies, knitting, remote controls, and the list could go on. Point being we have to use or imagination and be creative to obtain the look we want and yet keep it functional.
You don't have to be afraid of color in a small room. True a room in all white may appear larger, but who says it has to be white? Once, I had a small bathroom with white walls, floor, ceiling and tiles. It seemed cold and small, like the inside of a refrigerator with the light on! I painted the walls and ceiling teal and changed the floor to a pewter grey. The change was quite inviting. Everyone commented that the room looked so much larger. The reason I was able to use such a deep jeweltone was because of having a south facing window. If it had been a north or east facing window, I probably would have went with more of a pastel color, but still painting walls and ceiling same color.
In my livingroom, which is only 14' 6 x 14' 8, I painted the walls and ceiling a satin mauve. It scared me when I began, but I figured its only paint. If I don't like it, paint it again. :) I placed a large mirror on the wall opposite of the picture window and used gold and bronze accents with little touches of crystal for sparkle. At night, when the lamps were on, the effect on the ceiling was dramatic. It looked even better by candlelight!
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