How to Make Your Garden Appear Bigger

Having a big and beautiful garden is every homeowner’s dream, but not all properties are blessed with the extra space to make that happen. Don’t let limited garden space deter you from having a beautiful garden though because there are still so many things you can do with the patio area.

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In this article, we are going to focus more on making the garden appear bigger than it really is. These next several tips we are about to discuss will help you get started in no time.

Limit the Use of Lawn

Lawns are great in bigger gardens, but too big of a lawn area can actually make your garden appear smaller without the right design. On top of that, you also have to invest in lawn maintenance to keep the garden looking pristine in the long run.

Instead of using a lot of lawn, use beds with simpler designs in order to create the appearance of a large space. The simple design will help keep garden maintenance simple too. You can combine the planting beds with other garden features for a cleaner, more spacious design.

Utilize Straight Pathways

Another great and simple way to make your garden appear bigger is to use straight pathways. Curves will only make the garden appear cramped and smaller; straight lines create the exact opposite effect, which is the effect you want to go for.

It is also a great idea to use darker colors or colors that blend well with the surrounding elements. Aside from the standard pathway colors, you can also turn to decomposed granite colors or other finishing colors to achieve different results.

Add Elevation Changes

Changes in elevation is another great way to create the illusion of space. You can add a deck closer to the house. Raised wooden decks work best for this purpose.

You can even make the elevated areas more pronounced to further push the effect. The area can then be used for the kids to play on or for placing patio furniture to use on special occasions.

Scale the Design

One thing to avoid when you are trying to utilize a small garden space is using design elements that don’t fit size-wise. Adding a water feature that is too big for the garden, for example, can quickly make the garden appear smaller.

Use scale to your advantage when trying to make the patio area look bigger than it really is. When choosing pavers, find the right size to achieve the desired effects. The same can be said for trees, water features, and other elements of the garden. A consistent scale across all of them is what you want.

Keep It Functional

Last but not least, keep the garden functional with furniture and patio items that fold away. You can avoid a cramped-looking garden by storing the furniture away when they are not in use. When you do want to host a garden party or a relaxing afternoon in the garden, on the other hand, the furniture is still available.

These tips will make your garden appear bigger. Utilize them the next time you remodel your garden and have a beautiful and spacious garden at the end of the project.

What You Should Know About Perimeter Surveying

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Perimeter surveying is one of those subjects that you probably know very little about as it is not something which often affects you. However, it is something that you are likely to need one day and for that reason alone it is worth knowing what a perimeter survey is and why it is important. In fact there are several types of land survey which you should know about.

The Perimeter Survey

The perimeter survey is undertaken to establish the exact boundaries of a property and, in the process, define an accurate size of the land and any property on it.

In addition the perimeter survey will acknowledge and show any easements or encroachments which affect the property. It can be useful to know the exact area of your land and also discover that the local farmer has the right to walk through your living room!

As part of this survey land markers will be placed at the edges of the property; helping you and your neighbors know where the boundaries are and who is responsible for them.

An important part of a perimeter survey includes a detailed topographic survey. It is wise to use a reputable and experienced firm when having these surveys undertaken.

The topography of a piece of land is the dimensions; this includes undulations in the land, the location of nearby streams and other features, fire hydrants, drainage and even the sewers.

Of equal importance is the fact that the topography shows the heights of the surrounding buildings; this can be exceptionally important if you are looking to build a property or extend the current one.

Why Have A Perimeter and Topographical Survey Completed

The answer is actually very simple; to ensure that all the relevant information is available to you before you buy your land and building or even just a building site. A topographic survey is an important part of any building process, from small houses to multi story apartment buildings, you will always need a few surveys to ensure the safety of the building.

All the facts displayed in these surveys will help you to calculate the cost-effectiveness of your project accurately. This will help to ensure you have the necessary finances before you start.

Additional Facts About Perimeter Surveys

Perimeter surveys can also help to resolve any ongoing dispute between you and your neighbors. It is a relatively cheap process and will show all the current fences, hedges and even walls. Combining this with accurate and marked boundary posts will ensure that you and your neighbors know exactly where they stand.

You can also get an ALTA land title survey for even more certification that you in fact own the land and can build what you want on it. They are relatively easy to set up with a certified contractor too.

It is generally cheaper than a full land survey as you can opt for a perimeter survey without the topographical part.

The perimeter survey is conducted with information from the deeds to the land and surrounding properties. It will be completed with a mixture of compasses, old fashioned tape measures and GPS devices.

If you want the topography mapped as well then you will see the familiar tripods with laser leveling equipment.

It can take less than an hour to complete a survey or it can take all day, the time required will be dependent on the size and complexity of the land.

If you are considering a perimeter survey then it is important to use a local firm with a good reputation; this will ensure you receive a good level of service and an accurate report.

How to choose the perfect kitchen stool

The kitchen is where the family really resides. It is a place where family members and guests eat, chat and make beautiful memories together. Every other room has a singular purpose, whereas the kitchen welcomes all and serves all! Consequently, your kitchen space needs to be well furnished, making it both beautiful and functional. Stools are among the first things you need to consider when choosing your benchtop style and kitchen cupboard layout. Ensuring space for kitchen stools allows you to be flexible with guest seating, casual dining options, and keeping the chef company while cooking. A breakfast bench or kitchen island is a necessity for a great kitchen design. The perfect kitchen stool needs to be at a suitable working height for your cooking helpers and ergonomically designed to make it convenient to sit for long chats and casual meals. Here are some points you should consider when buying kitchen stools:

Choosing the perfect height

How will you most commonly use the kitchen stools? Do you want a stool for the island kitchen or something that can also act as a bar chair? Needless to say, you will have to measure the height that you would be comfortable sitting at. A general recommendation is to have the seat between 9” and 13”. A chair stool is typically designed to seat at 18” from the floor. These can be easily paired with an island kitchen that is between 28” and 30” in height. Counter stools, on the other hand are designed between 24” and 26” and can be paired with counters and tables that are between 36” and 39”. Lastly, bar stools come at an average height of 29”. They are best paired with counters that stand between 40” and 42” in height.

The number of stools that you need

While you can always have an extra stool in your kitchen or stored as backup, it is necessary to have comfortable spacing between your usable stools. When at dinner or socializing, you don’t want to be bumping elbows. The rule of thumb is to allow between 21” and 22” of space per stool. In case, you are going for stools with arms, you will need to extend the spacing in between.

The style of kitchen stool

This depends on whether you are looking to make a kitchen design statement or if you want to keep the seating discrete and tucked away under the benchtop. Also, you will need to consider comfort level which varies greatly amongst stool styles. The longer people will typically sit on the stool, the more you need to consider comfort. Stools with deep seating, arm rests and thick padding are designed for comfort and typically used for cafe furniture seating.

If you have a small or narrow kitchen, you will want to choose stools that take up the minimum space. Backless stools are perfect in this case. However, backless stools are not the ost comfortable choice.

Futhermore, It is necessary to consider the material of the stool. The kitchen can get damp, smokey, messy, and you use harsh chemicals to clean up. Your stools need to be made of hearty materials that you can easily clean and that will last a long time in a harsh environment. Metal, polished wood and leather materials are good choices for this.

There are many stool design options. Do your research, have fun, and find the perfect stools that will make your kitchen even better!

Four Ways to Spruce Up Curb Appeal

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Curb appeal is usually something that homeowners do not consider unless they are planning to put their houses on the market. The notion of your property making the best first impression, however, is something that you should pursue even if you are not planning to sell anytime soon. Here are four ways for you to spruce up your home’s curb appeal.

1. Paint the front door and window seals

Many people think of dollar signs when they consider exterior painting. You, however, do not need to give the entirety of your home a complete color change to have a new look. Painting your front door with a bold color provides the same shock factor at a fraction of the cost. Consider matching your door’s color scheme with the outer window seals and overall trim of the home for added effects. While painting the home's trim, consider checking the exterior of your residence for necessary repairs. It is usually during minor renovations outside that homeowners discover problems that only skilled roofing contractors in San Antonio TX or Harrisburg PA for example, or indeed anywhere across the country can address. Just think: your simple paint job can spruce up your curb appeal all while helping you catch acute issues that could cost you thousands if left untreated.

2. Swap out your mailbox

Installing a new mailbox takes just over an hour, depending on the size and mounting of the box, yet it revives your property in ways you may have never thought possible. Many view the mailbox as the first welcoming aspect of the home. If such is the case, then you need to make sure that your box reflects your personality. Consider splurging with a bit of creativity for large mailboxes. You can remain innovative and practical with built-in mailboxes as well by decorating the area surrounding the flap. In all of your creativity, make sure that you check with your city’s ordinances to ensure that your mailbox complies with regulations. The last thing that you want is to have to remove your mail holder because of a hidden rule.

3. Install flower boxes

Plants work wonders for curb appeal. Installing a few flower boxes or plant bowls is a great way to add color to the outside of your home. It is important to remember, however, that failing to care for flowers associated with the front of your home is counterproductive to your mission of a beautiful curb appeal. 

4. Install LED Lights and replace address numbers outside

LED lights make the environment safer at night, and larger address numbers allow visitors to find your house with ease. New LED lights and placards come with an abundance of benefits aside from contributing to curbside appeal. You should consider upgrading your light fixtures alongside new LED lamps for an even more improved exterior look.

Many people think that upgrading curbside appeal will cost thousands. The truth is that you can make small improvements that will have lasting effects on the exterior of your home. Remember that the outside of your residence is the first thing that guests see. You, therefore, want it to reflect your vision just as much as the interior portion of your home.

Home Ownership: Two Areas to Watch out for

Home ownership is an integral part of the American dream. However, despite the rewards of home ownership, there are undoubtedly costs — physical, monetary and time — of being a home owner. Anyone who has spent a brisk fall afternoon cleaning out gutters stuffed with soggy leafs can tell you that it is not a fun task, and neither is nailing down loose shingles or patching cracks in an old foundation.

Given how daunting home ownership can be — particularly for first time owners or those who have an older house — many people do not have the slightest idea about where to start. What are the projects that people should focus on first? There is no one clear cut answer to this challenging question. For some homes, the answer is easy — if your roof leaks every time it sprinkles, clearly a new roof should be your first priority. On the other hand, if sparks shoot out of your outlets every time you plug in a lamp, then getting a qualified electrician out to assess your electrical system should be priority number one.

Not all necessary home repairs, however, are big ticket items, such as a new roof, upgraded electrical, or all new plumbing. Some projects are much less costly and less time intensive. But, this does not mean that these smaller projects can be overlooked. In fact, overlooking these everyday chores can lead to long-term problems and even bigger costs.

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Two important everyday chores that a homeowner should definitely place on their to do lists are cleaning their carpets and pumping out their septic tank (even the mere mention of a septic tank is enough to get a nose wrinkle or a loud EWWWWW out of even the least squeamish homeowners).

Even though vacuuming is on most people’s weekly list of things they have to do, vacuuming alone is often not enough to get dirt, germs, and grime out of a person’s house — particularly if people regularly wear shoes into the home. A recent newspaper article explained that carpeting is often the single dirtiest item in a home — far surpassing the toilet seat as a petri dish of bacteria, dust, and millions of other creepy crawly things. If vacuuming alone is not enough to get your carpets clean, then what should you do. The answer is relatively straightforward. You should arrange for professional carpet cleaning, ideally steam cleaning, at least once per year. The cost of this cleaning will vary, depending on the location where you live and the size of your house. The bigger the house, the higher the bill. But, even for a large home, the costs are relatively reasonable.

Once you have tackled your carpeting, the next step on your to do list should be pumping out your septic tank. Many homeowners forget that their properties have septic tanks, and even more overlook the necessity of regularly pumping one’s tank. In general, a septic tank will need to be pumped once every one to three years — but the frequency will depend on factors, such as the size of the tank and the size of your family.

Forgetting to pump your tank can cause expensive and smelly failures. But, regularly pumping your tank need not break the bank. Most septic tank pumping can be done for less than $300. And with some basic skills and YouTube tutorials to help you, many homeowners can figure out how to pump their own tank.

Being a homeowner can be one of the greatest joys in your life—but these joys also come with costs and responsibilities. Don’t forget to regularly repair and maintain your home, from major tasks (such as replacing your roof) to the more mundane (like having your carpet professionally cleaned and your septic tank regularly pumped).

5 Reasons To Live the Urban Life

In the beginning of the 18 and 1900s most people lived pretty harmoniously within the countryside. Then throughout the 19th and 20th centuries the cities began to take shape with industry and more development which brought a surplus of jobs.

With development across the globe, people continue to flock to the city to enjoy the benefits of an easier and more accessible lifestyle that with globalization has brought many multicultural attributes and opportunities. Within the central city in particular you may have less spare square footage, but the trend now is quality over quantity. There are many great reasons to live in the city.

Ditching the Car and Living Consciously

All of us have a responsibility to know and understand our carbon footprint on this earth and how we can individually take responsibility and action. When you live in the city, you may be able to exist just fine without a car. Most urban areas  are seeing the impact of our carbon footprint, which is in part traceable to our love for macho SUVs and our preference to drive  into the city. Some cities like D.C or San Francisco that offer extensive public transportation systems. If you live in the city, you should consider taking public transportation when you can; better yet, you can seek an apartment that is a walkable distance from your job, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. In you may be able to exist without a car at all.

Fun In The City

Living in the city just obviously has a ton more things to do than living in the countryside.  The opportunities of having fun are endless depending on what makes you happy. Almost everything you need or want to do is easily accessible, and there are opportunities to interact with others.

Many places to live allow you to walk, take, the bus, bike, or take a taxi to many things within minutes. A good example is, If you live at The Cole New York City NY or Denver Tech Center Apartments then you are minutes from fine restaurants, cafes, chic shops, grocers and speciality stores, convenient services and a variety of parks and outdoor recreation destinations.

Networking Is Easy In An Urban Center

In today’s world, we all want convenience  Using our smartphones, we are able to use an app to get anything and everything within seconds from food, to a cab or Uber, to even a date. Being in a city in multiplies the opportunities for all this because of the sheer population density.

When you allow yourself to have the opportunity to meet other people from different countries, different lifestyles, and different socio-economic backgrounds, it really opens up opportunities for networking towards career and maybe other things such as dating or friends.

Educational Opportunities Abound

Many of the better universities and other educational institutions often have a campus in the bigger cities. This may be because they partner with a hospital or other institution who provides part of their funding. For you, as an urban resident, this means that you have opportunities to take  an evening class when you work, while enjoying other educational related activities like museums, libraries, and other science or research Institutions which tend to be nearby.

An urban university often attracts teachers with diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds and a host of experience gained from traveling. These attributes can lead to stimulating discussions and the opportunity to open your mind to new ideas. Many find teachers work in small college sounds, but you will  get your money’s worth if  you take advantage of an urban university.

Experience Great Healthcare 

As with universities, most hospitals have a significant presence in the city. You will have access to excellent health care at facilities that  are staffed with well-paid competent medical staff.

Is living in the city for you? If so, an interesting, convenient life awaits you.

Upgrade Property Value And Outdoor Utility

The Pergola Factor
Modern technology is merging with stylistic outdoor solutions in more and more appealing ways. Consider the pergola. Basically, this is a slatted roof that can be opened or closed depending on the weather. Sun or rain, your outdoor plans remain the same. Just flip a switch and the slats close, keeping out the rain.

There are quite a few surprisingly effective outdoor pergola designs, and they can be very useful in allowing a get-together to remain outdoors and sustain any weather; according to DeckRemodelers.com: “…you can plan ahead without worry…guaranteeing that your event will go on as planned.”

Adding a pergola to your rear deck area can additionally increase property value. It may not be an increase requisite to your cost of installation, but then again, depending on the options you choose and your inhering property value, it could very well be. If you’re careful about how you buy, what you choose could end up paying for itself.

Maximizing Value
If you really want to maximize your value increase pertaining to such exterior additions, you might double down on your remodel. Deck remodeling options can also be performed on a DIY basis that saves time and money. You might reconfigure your deck for the most cost-effective applications of a pergola.

A new deck with a new environmental shielding device that is built by the homeowner could be affordable enough to source and implement that there’s a very real chance of the combined effect increasing property value. And there are other less transformative solutions you can bring to the table as well, like landscaping.

You don’t have to completely reconfigure the yard for effective landscaping. Cut the grass and get rid of the weeds, then plant grass, flowers, fruit bushes—the works. Spend a year or two on it, and you’ll have a thriving garden. But you’ll want to be careful to institute pest control, as floral ecosystems do attract certain organisms.

Ponds And Mosquitoes
Some like to have a pond in their backyard, which is another thing that can be done with or without professional help, and at varying levels of effectiveness. Ponds attract mosquitoes. One of the best Summer backyard tips is to safeguard the premises against infestation.

When it comes to the Asian tiger mosquito, NJ is a place very likely to be affected; though it’s not only the Garden State  who deals with the pest—according to DelseaPestControl.net, “Nearly everyone is affected by mosquitoes during the warmer months of the year.” Now, there are ways to combat such iinfestation through professional pest control services.

So take a step back and consider the bigger picture. You’ve got a pergola on top of a new deck facing a backyard that may or may not have a little pond with some koi, but likely has exceptional flowers in aesthetic arrangements, no pests, a few rose bushes, perhaps some blackberries, and a ubiquity of pruning to produce the finest effect.

A Winning Situation Either Way You Slice It
You could spend $5,000 and upgrade your property’s value $15,000. Or you could spend $1,000 and multiply value by $5,000. Either way you slice it, you still get to enjoy the fruits of your labor, and it gives you a worthwhile project for the summer. Plus, with a pergola you’ve got additional utility on your premises.

If you haven’t looked at your backyard recently and considered what may be done, it could be worth your while to give it some consideration. There could be thousands of dollars just waiting for you to groom them into profit.

10 Ideas For Your New Kitchen

The kitchen is “the heart of the home” and is (along with the bathroom) the most frequently remodeled room of the average house. So, you are not alone in your kitchen remodeling endeavors, and there is much to learn from others in how to create that perfect kitchen you’ve been envisioning for so long.

Modern American kitchens are a combination of enduring legacies from the past and a never-ceasing stream of new innovations. Every era has left its mark, and there would seem to be no end of the possibilities that continually arise.

10 Great Ideas For A Modern Kitchen

While a full list of trending kitchen elements could fill volumes, we offer here a brief introduction to ten of the most popular components of the modern kitchen:

1. Spacious, high-performance sinks. No more being forced to crowd your dirty pans on the counter and squeeze them into that under-sized sink one at a time! Many modern sinks combine generous space with built-in splashes, stainless steel builds whirlpool water action, sunk-in side soap holders, and high-efficiency garbage disposal units.
   
2. Contemporary kitchen fixtures. Swan-like necks, long, flexible spray hoses, and simple, squarish lever-action faucets are all in vogue. But one of the most important facets of your faucet is its material. Polished silver, chrome, nickel, or oil-rubbed bronze adds a new level of elegance to any kitchen; and these are materials with a shine and inherent value that endures.
   
3. Wide open spaces. It’s not just hallways and entry areas that benefit from high ceilings or only living rooms and dining rooms that can be enhanced by breaking down needless walls and barriers. Kitchens too are moving toward open layouts and an “uncluttered” look. Double D Home Improvement of New Jersey recommends you first get a professional analysis of the costs of this kind of re-construction, but they also note it’s stunning design effects are very much worthwhile.
   
4. Quartz countertops, not granite. Granite is a beautiful, durable natural stone that is quite befitting to a kitchen countertop. But, alas, it is also a high-maintenance product that can too easily get damaged. Quartz is up and coming as an alternative engineered stone countertop material that requires far less upkeep.
   
5. New or upgraded plumbing. According to Plumbing Fix, the new, high-performance appliances of modern kitchens require a good deal of specialized plumbing fixtures, along with detailed knowledge of proper installation techniques. And if your kitchen has older pipes, you might even be better off repiping it in copper or PEX and, at the same time, adjusting the plumbing setup to perfectly accommodate your newly remodeled kitchen.
   
6. LED overhead lighting. With stylish lamps positioned strategically over your counters and islands, your kitchen will be well lit and cozy. Add LED bulbs, and it will be energy efficient as well, far more so than incandescent or even halogen/fluorescent.
   
7. Induction burner cooking surfaces. To save energy and keep your kitchen cooler during cooking, an induction burner is a smart solution. The surface stays safe to the touch and yet (magical as it might seem) manages to cook quite efficiently. Plus, induction burners don’t need a very big hood, saving you valuable space.
   
8. Less high-reach cabinets with deep drawers. Extra deep pull-out drawers at arm level can hold most of your everyday plates and bowls. Built in pegs or other devices keep things organized, and the easy-reach height keeps things convenient.
   
9. “Integrated” appliances. While modern kitchen appliances are indispensable for their performance, they can create a hodgepodge look you may not want. Panel in or build cabinetry around each appliance, and a seamless, unified design comes forth.
   
10. Decorative ceilings. The kitchen ceiling is often ignored, but design it with patterned cavities or clever moldings, and it can bring your new kitchen to life or make it seem more spacious (particularly with the aid of well placed lighting).

With a little creativity and the services of great contractors, you can make your new kitchen more functional as well as more beautiful.

Best Plants for Clean Indoor Air

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Inside or outside, plants provide some much-needed color in any environment. Indoors, office plants can help soothe tension, creating a more relaxing and productive environment. Houseplants are ideal for the hobbyist, and indoor herbs provided add scent and flavor to foods prepared in any kitchen.

Indoor plants can help improve the air your breathe, creating a cleaner, healthier environment. Check out some of our favorite interior plants to find one that fits your urban oasis.

Spider Plant

For those who survived the 1980s, the harmless spider plant should be well known. A long-bladed, grass-like plant, it produces tiny, spiked shoots often referred to as "spider babies" for their appearance. These plants are easy to grow, needing little attention and indirect sunlight.

Dracaena

While the leaves are thin and bladelike, similar to the spider plant, this green interior plant has a more tree-like base. Available in over 40 varieties, dracaena is said to remove pollutants including benzene, formaldehyde, xylene, and trichloroethylene.

Boston Fern

Described as a plant that can remove more formaldehyde than any other, the Boston Fern is a favorite for its beauty and bushy appearance. Unfortunately, these plants may not be good for the beginner, or for more changeable climates. The ferns require a significant amount of water — but not too much — and may need misting in drier climates. Additionally, these ferns frequently will need plant food during growing season, and occasionally during winter months.

Ficus Plants

Ficus plants are one of those trees you see in office lobbies with small, shiny green leaves. Many variations in these hardy trees include woven branches or neatly trimmed shapes. Mature ficus plants can grow up to 10 feet tall, yet still do well in container settings. While ficus plants are primarily indoor plants in the United States, they may be taken outside during milder months or in gentle climates.

Pothos Plants

You may have seen a pothos plant drifting down the balcony at your local coffee shop, or running along the edges of a bathroom. This plant is a traditional starter plant for many budding gardeners due to its hardiness. A pothos cutting may be kept in either dirt or water, and both options can tolerate a little neglect. Pothos plants can grow to great lengths, providing many long, heart-shaped leaves to help clean your air while needing minimal upkeep.

Aloe Vera

Aloe plants are widely available. Known for its healing qualities, aloe vera has been used to treat cuts, burns, and stings. Some people also like to ingest aloe vera to improve skin and blood sugar. Aloe is a succulent, meaning it thrives in a desert climate. These plants can be grown in sandy soil with minimal moisture, although they do enjoy full sun.

Common Indoor Air Pollutants

All these plants can provide beauty to your home or office, but how exactly do they clean the air? Plants absorb carbon dioxide in our atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is given off by humans and animals during respiration.

Recent scientific studies have also shown that plants can clean many additional compounds from your air, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs include benzene and formaldehyde. While these are not chemicals you normally purchase by themselves, they are used in carpet glue and upholstery fabrics. Interior plants absorb these chemicals, allowing you to breathe more freely.

Plants can vastly improve your indoor air quality, whether in home, office or retail stores. After deciding to add plants for better air quality, your next step is choosing the right plants for you. You may want to start with a low-maintenance plant, like a pothos.

For commercial planting, check out Interior Plant Services for local interior landscaping. These professional services can give you the benefit of a wide variety of interior plants without needing the knowledge of a master gardener yourself. Get started with a consultation to start improving your environment now.

Adding Style and Spaciousness to a Smaller Room

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We cannot all live in a country mansion, and many of us would have no wish to do so. All that space to keep clean and tidy, not to mention the draughts. And as for the heating bills – the smaller home definitely has a lot going for it.

One of the downsides, though, is that while small and cosy is great, cramped and claustrophobic is not – and all too often, we set out to achieve the former and end up with the latter.

Here are five clever design tips for making the most of your small, but perfectly formed, living space.

Create movement

When it comes to small room designs, you will find some experts advocating vertical lines to give an impression of height, and others insisting that horizontal is better to make the room look wider. The truth is that either will work, although you might want to avoid combining the two, unless you want your visitors to go cross eyed.

The key is really to providing a pattern, and a sense of motion – so wooden shiplap on the wall can work perfectly, either horizontally or vertically. On the subject of clever patterns, do not forget the floor.  Hardwood laminate gives the same effect, or how about herringbone flooring for an interesting pattern that catches the eye?

Small room, small furniture

It might sound obvious, but you would be astonished at how many people cram an enormous three piece suite into a small living room and then wonder why there is no sense of space.

When furnishing the room, you need to have the concept of proportion foremost in your mind. In simple terms, if any article of furniture has to be pressed up against the wall or ceiling, it is too big for the room. Always leave a small gap between furniture and walls to create a better sense of space.

Go for sleek lines in your sofa and chairs as opposed to heavy, overstuffed alternatives. They will give just as much sitting space and comfort.

Let in the light

A light, airy room inevitably feels more spacious. Make the most of natural light by getting rid of curtains in favour of blinds or wooden shutters – they also take up less space and are far easier to keep clean, so there really is no downside.

Even if natural sunlight is in short supply, for example if your room has small windows or is north facing, you can work wonders with a carefully positioned mirror, to increase both light and the sense of space.

Also consider full or part glazed internal doors. You will be surprised at how much difference they can make to the overall feel of the room.

White is right

White walls are more reflective and add to the feeling of light and serenity. They also blur the distinction between wall and ceiling, creating the illusion that the ceiling is actually higher.

If you think too much white will feel cold and impersonal, pair it up with that herringbone wood floor we mentioned earlier and some bright wall hangings for a spacious, yet homely feel.