10 Tips: Decorating Small Spaces...

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Inexpensively

Moving into a small space doesn't mean you have to live in a bland, boring space. Here's some simple tips on how you can create a beautiful living space without spending a lot of money.

1. Recycle –
If you need to purchase something for your space, don't fork out a bunch of money buying it brand new. Head to your local thrift store, second hand store, a yard sale or go online to Craigslist.com; but you can also save money by knowing what you want to get ahead of time! Make a list and stick to it.

2. Create a focus -
Instead of hanging up a whole lot of picture, try to create one central focus. Hang one large picture over the sofa, or a gathering of picture to make up one large focal point. Don't hang a lot of picture throughout the home, as covering too much wall space will make tight spaces feel even tighter.

3. Flexible furniture –
Just as you don't want to use a lot of pictures, you don't want to have a lot of small pieces of furniture hanging around. Try using furniture than can easily multi-task, such as comfortable chairs that can be used at the kitchen table as well as additional seating in the living room.

4. Clear clutter -
One mistake many people make is having a lot of knick knacks; clear off those shelves and coffee tables! Donate books that you don't use anymore; in fact, you may be able to sell those books to have some extra spending money – try using cash4books.com.

5. Hang it up -
If you have a flat screen TV, save space by hanging your television on the wall. You can also use floating shelves instead of traditional shelving; they look clean and classy.

6. Create dual-room spaces
Make the most out of small spaces by having your kitchen table double as an office, or, if you're in a studio apartment, have your living room double as a bedroom. This ties into having flexible furniture; sometimes making a small investment in a piece of furniture, such as a nice futon or daybed, can be worth it.

7. Lighting –
Lighting not only brightens up a room, but it also makes it feel more expansive. Don't block out your natural light with heavy curtains.

8. See through items -
Glass tops and open backed chairs don't take up as much room visually, and helps make the room feel bigger.

9. Color choices –
Light colors are airy and create space, and dark colors make a room feel warm and cozy. Only use two or three colors at the most – one 'main' color and one to two accent colors. Having too many bold, bright colors will clash and make the room feel more confined.

10. Create space –
Let your colors flow into every room of the house to help unite it, as it will help make the house feel like one larger space as opposed to a lot of tiny ones. Make use of a few well placed mirrors; the reflection will trick the eye into thinking it is larger.