The Qube Exchange

How did restaurants manage to make dining at communal tables a novelty? What is the allure of slurping up over-priced, Asian-fusion cuisine next to a complete stranger? Perhaps Americans are intrigued by the close quarters partially because as a culture, we tend to value our personal space. We loathe middle seats on airplanes, we buy king-sized beds so that we avoid any chance of rolling over in our sleep and (gasp!) grazing our significant others, and we grow paranoid when someone stands too close behind us at the ATM.

For city-dwellers in particular, space-seekers are sometimes forced to face the harsh reality of scant square footage. Don’t let a small space cramp your style, and learn how to live large with these tiny tips:

Start Fresh. Do you really need your spelling-bee medals from fifth grade on display in the living room (especially if you came in eighth place)? Clean out your closets and dispose of clutter—anything that you haven’t worn or looked at in two years probably means that you still won’t in ten. Clearing off surfaces and minimizing dust-attracting “tchatchkes” will immediately make your space appear more breathable and orderly. Cleaning up also creates an excuse to be charitable—anything that no longer fits can be donated to the local good will or other thrift shops.
Hidden Treasure: Use a trunk or a coffee table with drawers to store magazines or books. Consider substituting end tables with nightstands, which usually have cupboards with concealing capabilities.

Get Cozy. Even in sprawling homes, the smallest rooms are sometimes the most inviting. Harsh lighting should be the first to go—not only will you look better (what wrinkles?), but overall mood will improve. Instead of oppressive, overhead lights, try buying eclectic table lamps with colorful, textured shades. Imagine that you are setting the stage for a secret, romantic tryst, and fill the room with multi-height candles—you’ll be glowing!
The Upshot: Since smaller spaces require fewer furnishings, your budget will allow you to spend more on these decorative pieces. You’re better off spending less on a sofa that will get tired in two years, and more on a rare or interesting item that could last a lifetime.

Lighten Up. We’ve all heard that dark colors make things appear smaller (ever wonder why women just love the color black?), and that light colors make things appear larger. Painting a small room dark brown will not only strip the space of any natural light, but it will make you feel like you are living inside a Hershey’s Kiss. Choose a softer and much, much paler color for walls and ceilings, and if you must have a burst of color, limit it to one wall simply as an accent. Don’t settle—colors can be custom mixed so that you don’t end up with a sterile white or a bland beige.
Cheat Sheet: The British Colonial look works extremely well in tight spaces. Offset white, breezy curtains, white carpeting or bleached wood floors, and white walls with dark, wooden furniture. The simple contrast will create an airy and tasteful tone, and color can be reintroduced with throw pillows or hand-blown wine glasses from Murano or the Czech Republic.

Tone it Down. If you’re seeing spots, that’s usually not a good sign. The doctor is in—downsizing means downplaying preppy ginghams or floral explosions on your linens or upholstery. While patterns can be fun, they get tiresome and can create traffic in a clutter-free zone. Stick with subtle solids instead, and if you want to get busy, buy an exotic, brightly colored carpet which won’t show spills or dirt as easily.
The Low-Down: Natuzzi features modern, Italian sofas with clean lines and neutral shades. Their “Dreamfibre” fabric wears well and is easy to clean, making entertaining and pet-ownership worry-free.

Hang-up Therapy. If your kitchen or bathroom is lacking in counter or cabinet space, take things up a level. Dangle pots from the ceiling with a suspended rack—your friends will actually believe that you cook. Get hooked—instead of wide racks, use antique hooks in the bathroom to hang up towels. Shelves above the commode will keep toiletries out of your way—just keep in mind that they’re not the best places for a toothbrush unless you have many-a-spare.
Final Touch: Drapes can be hung to shroud those things that are best kept hidden. Instead of investing in an expensive armoire or dresser, fold clothes on bookshelves and attach a sliding curtain. Hang up sheer fabric to create doors, walls of privacy, or an ethereal vibe.

Prepared to make your space-challenged home HGTV-ready? Go for it in a huge way!