Let’s be honest, we all need some personal space. But when the little space we have feels even smaller, it’s time to get creative. And that’s exactly what we did when we moved into our fabulous new apartment. We thought we’d share some of the design tips we used to make our new space feel like a home and not a hotel room.

-Let the sun shine in. Uncovering windows and adding lighting, other than the typical ceiling fixture, will chase out shadows and make the room seem more expansive and inviting. Rope lighting behind a bookshelf and spotlights in a dark corner are just two ways to add extra light.

-Lighten up. Smaller rooms look much more open when filled with lighter colors. We liked the idea of matching an ecru couch with an ecru wall, and adding other pieces that were different tones of this same color. Accessories in bright colors keep it interesting, like a vintage red rotary telephone.

-Mirror, mirror not on the wall. We all know that mirrors create the illusion of more space in a room, but hanging up a mirror is so predictable. Instead, we love the idea of framing a large, floor-length mirror and leaning it against a bare wall. Placing a custom-cut mirror on top of a coffee table or side table is another great alternative.

-Minimize to maximize. Placing only a few pieces of furniture in a room keeps it clutter-free and functional, making it seem more spacious. This applies to wall decorations as well. One large painting versus several smaller prints complements the simplicity of the room setup.

Making a room seem larger without tearing down a wall is all about the visuals. And you don’t have to be a magician to play a few tricks. But if you are, we’d love a free show.