“Think about how you use space and lay out furniture accordingly, making sure to define zones for entertaining, sleeping, and working from home,” says interior designer Heather Hilliard. “Tuck one or two ottomans under a console table to pull out into the space when you need extra seating for guests. Try to include pieces of furniture that can have more than one function, like a desk that can be used as a dining table. With the right layout, you can pack a lot of utility into a small space.” Now that small space living has become more popular, a wide variety of furniture pieces are available to do double duty—offering extra storage or folding to become more compact. “Murphy beds are always good, plus ottomans which open for storage. Sofabeds are great, too—I slept on one from Avery Boardman for years!” says interior designer Brett Beldock. “IKEA has terrific storage units and movable closets which can divide a room.” If you want to add something eye-catching to a wall, why not try art? “Instead of accent walls, I prefer gallery walls with a mix of framed artwork or prints to add personality and interest,” says interior designer Wendy Labrum. Mirrors will trick the eye, too. “Use mirrors to create the illusion of space and to bounce light – it’s the oldest trick in the book,” says interior designer Jason Grant. “Position them opposite your window to double your view.”
