Choosing the right colors and design elements can make cramped homes feel more open.
Overall,new construction homesare becoming increasingly smaller each year.
Real estate experts are sharing their best tips for how tooptimize space in a smaller home.
Credit: KIM CORNELISON
Chances are it has more sentimental value, so take a picture of it, she says.
Choose Furniture Wisely
As you shop, look for furniture that takes up less space.
A tall table with storage units under it is a great multi-functional piece.
Use Lighting to Your Advantage
The right lighting can make a tight or crowded space look and feel better.
I like soft white lighting.
I use a lot of lamps with white shades or very light shades, Christensen says.
Dont forget to open up curtains and blinds, too.
Windows in the ceiling provide natural lighting, Johnson says.
Utilize vertical space with tall cabinets, pull-out shelves, and built-in organizers to reduce clutter, Whitney says.
Consider adding closets, pantries andbuilt-in shelves in your kitchensand bathrooms, for example.
Install features that serve multiple purposes, such askitchen islands with built-in storageor vanities with drawers, Whitney says.
Foldable or pull-out counters can also add flexibility.
And dont forget the garage.
Increasing the ceiling height in your garage to allow for storage above the cars, Whitney says.
This space is usually less dollar-per-square-foot to finish, and will allow lots of storage.
Nothing should be on the counters in the kitchen.
In general, a tidy space will make things feel more open.
Keep high-traffic areas clear, Whitney adds.
Stick with a neutral colorway and accessorize with pops of color, Christensen says.
This makes the space feel larger and cleaner.
Useblack as an accentfor a modern pop of color.
Where you put the paint matters too.
Light and bright always feel larger, Whitney says.
A tip is to add 2 inches of the ceiling color to the top of the wall.
This will help the room feel taller.
