Make your small space seem so much larger with these easy to use tips.

Most of us don't have a large amount of space to work with in our own homes, but with a few simple tips, your space can look twice the size as it does now.

Color:

A lot of people just go with white or beige walls in smaller rooms because they don't know what else to do or are too scared to put color on the walls. Sometimes not having any color on the walls can make a room seem so much smaller, and for me, sanitarium-esque.

A great way to open a room up is to go light and bright with your wall colors. You should avoid paint colors that are too dark because they will close the room in, making it seem that much smaller. Some great paint colors for small rooms include light greens, yellows, and any neutral shade.

I love color; if I had my choice, my whole house would be painted a bright shade of pink. So for my small rooms, I follow the overall neutral "rule", but I have to have some bright punch of color. For those of you who are like me, I suggest having a bright accent wall. To do this, paint three of the walls in a room a nice neutral shade (I like a light gray), but then paint one wall in a bright, fun color that you like (mine's pink). Having the neutral shade on the majority of the walls still accomplishes the goal of opening a room up and making it look more spacious, but the accent wall adds color and most importantly, it adds your personality to the room.

See the photos for great examples of accent walls, both traditional and contemporary in style.

Check back for vol.2 of Must Know Secrets to Making a Small Room Look LARGER

All images obtained through Photobucket.com