Introduction to Space

In this section, there is advice on how to improve the layout of the bathroom , bedroom , dining room , kitchen , living room and office . There's also an invaluable guide to creating a room plan.

But before you go into the details, what are the tricks you can use to create the illusion of space? Take a fresh look at the space you have, could you make it more stylish, or make better use of it? It's impossible to physically make a room bigger, but it can be made to feel bigger. To do this, you need to delude your brain - trick it into thinking the space is bigger.

Go out and come back into your room and take a fresh look. Decide what purpose the room is going to be used for and what your eye is drawn to - what's the focal point? Is it what you want it to be, or does it need to be changed?

• Windows - these can have the effect of expanding a room. Placing an eye-catching object in front of a window, such as a statue or a plant, will draw the eye and extend the view. Think of it as a cheap extension.
  
• Pattern - our virtual room will give you ideas on how pattern can increase the feeling of space in a room.
  
• Colour - certain colours can expand a room, while others will make it seem smaller?
  
• Soften the edges - place a picture in the centre of a wall to draw the eye away from the edges of the room. Paint the skirting boards in a similar colour to the carpet to make the floor appear bigger.
  
• Furniture placement - move furniture away from the walls. This shows up more floor space and stops the eyes wandering to the corners, so the room appears bigger.
  
• Lighting - emphasise the good points and hide the bad with clever placement of lights.