Ottoman used for storage, seating, or a table top
You’ll need to think of clever ways to hide things and clutter that you don’t want to see all of the time in a small space. This could be a bookcase with a desk shelf for working on your laptop, an extendable table for entertaining guests, a bar cart on wheels that can be wheeled out when needed, or an ottoman bed that lifts up to store blankets and clothes you’re not using; I’ve even seen a footstool that conceals a single pull-out bed for a guest.
*Flexibility is key in a small space, so it can adapt quickly and easily to your needs.
Color tricks and tonal tips
*To create the illusion of depth, use mirrors to bounce light around. Mirrors deceive the eye into believing that there is space beyond, and in some cases, entire rooms, when used properly. Place them strategically to reflect the best views in your space, such as a beautiful painting on the opposite wall rather than the coats hung up in the hall or the obnoxious microwave in the kitchen.
*Lighter colors make a room appear larger, brighter, and more generous. White paint reflects light, whereas dark colors absorb it and make a room feel smaller. This is ideal for making a north- facing box room feel cozy, but not always for south-facing living rooms or bedrooms. However, I’d be wary of using white paint in a north-facing room because it can appear cold and stark in the dim light–so you might be better off going with a different color scheme.
It’s more difficult for the eye to distinguish where the walls end and the ceiling begins when the walls and ceiling are painted the same color, a room will appear taller. Similarly, painting the skirting boards and walls the same color will add height to the room. If the radiators and window frames are also the same color, it helps to blend the surroundings into the background for a more seamless look.
*You can use color to your advantage by matching your main pieces of furniture – such as your sofa or bed –to the walls so they blend in and don’t visually take up as much space.
It would look good with a navy sofa against a dark blue wall or a beige sofa against an off-white wall.
Pic By Home-Designing .com
*Then you can add accent colors with accessories.
To create a sense of balance and prevent a room from feeling too claustrophobic.
Please come back to Cornerstones Website tomorrow for part 3
