Utilise every corner - Use the shape of a room to create activity zones, giving the space a second or even third function and therefore making it feel bigger. For example, if your room has a bay window, fit a window seat in it to create a comfy spot for reading. If you paint the area in a slightly darker shade to the rest of the room it will become a focal point, drawing the eye to the window. A seat built into an alcove would work just as well.

Try Transparent materials - Furniture with a solid base can look bulky and seem to take up a lot of space so opt for beds, sofas and chairs with slimline legs that let you see the floor underneath. For dining sets and occasional tables, try glass or clear plastic styles as they’re the least space demanding; head for John Lewis for the dining suite shown, or to Heal’s or Cargo HomeShop for similar pieces. Alternatively, choose mirrored or glossy finishes that make the most of the available light – Laura Ashley and Next Home stock mirrored pieces and lacquered items for bedrooms and living rooms.

Contrast dark and light - If pale schemes leave you uninspired, don’t be afraid to use brighter tones or darker pieces, but follow a few simple rules to make sure they don’t limit the feeling of space. If you prefer dark furniture, team it with pale floors and use light cushions and throws to break up the expanse of colour. Use bright accent pieces and a textured rug to bring the focus away from the walls and into the centre, distracting the eye from the boundaries of the room.

Add Glazing to increase light - Break up solid external doors with glazed panels to prevent them acting as a barrier to the outside. To maintain privacy, use opaque film to allow daylight in but stop neighbours, or potential burglars, from seeing in. If you don’t like panels, try adding portholes for a contemporary look – North 4 Design have a range designed for easy installation.

Use flooring to make spaces flow - Keep your choice of flooring consistent from room to room throughout your home, so that the eye is led from one area to the next. Continuous flooring can make you perceive two rooms as one, with the floor appearing to be one expansive space.

Create height in low-ceilinged rooms - Adding vertical lines to a room, in any form, will draw your eyes upwards and create the illusion of height. Whether you use striped wallpaper, vertical wood panelling or tall accessories, such as lamps and vases, this is an effective trick. Running full-length curtains from floor to ceiling is another simple way to give the impression that ceilings are loftier than they really are – and it works no matter how tall your windows are.

Redecorate a room with pale colours - White is the ultimate space-faking colour, but brilliant white can be stark and hard to live with, so add a hint of colour for warmth. To keep things neutral, use cream, ivory or taupe. We like Natural Calico from Dulux and Soft Linen from Wickes. If you prefer something a little more colourful, pale blue, lilac and light green work well as they recede into the distance. However, they can also make a room feel chilly, so add warmer-toned accessories or patterned and textured items to make your space feel more homely.

Allow natural light to flood into your home - Daylight is key to creating a feeling of space, so make the most of the light that comes into your rooms by opting for blinds instead of curtains. As blinds pull completely out of the way during the day, you won’t block any of the available natural light.

Source: House Beautiful May 2006