Small Townhouse

Designer Joe Lehman takes a tour of a small townhouse and explains what he did to make the space feel larger.

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Filed under: Small Space, Living Rooms, Design Style

Big picture frames and other large-scale items here and there make small spaces flow nicely.

The use of a harlequin pattern on the walls pushes them out and up so it seems larger to the eye.

A simple drapery treatment with long panels, a large rod and large finials also makes the room expand out. Leham says not to be afraid to try the unexpected.

This 12' x 14' space in the same townhouse has an oversized sofa and angled rug, which pull the view to one side and expands the room visually.

A very low coffee table makes a small room look larger by giving the illusion that more space is available.

A long and tall mirror leaned against a living room wall enables the homeowner to use it for its intended purpose and also makes the space look twice as wide as it is.

Johnson wants to add light green paint to one wall to create a focal point and keep the white slipcovered couch because it's light and airy, but the dark rug has to go as it's making the entire room visually smaller.

To maximize a small space, Lehman suggests keeping the colors light and similar and to think about proportions, height, angles and the repetition of items throughout the room. He also says to have a good time when putting a space together, and then both you and your friends will be comfortable in it.

Finally, give a room a quick makeover with fresh paint on the ceiling. A crisp white ceiling with crown molding will give the feeling of more volume, making up for lack of floor space.

The soft green focal wall adds subtle variation, while sheer curtains with a vertical circle pattern pull the eye up. Patterns and shapes are a good technique when designing a small space because they deter the eye away from the size of the room. Round mirrors mimic the curtain pattern and are a good idea in any room.

Lehman's ideas are put to work in homeowner Heather Guthrie's small 8' x 13' living room. Interior designer Antieris Johnson works with Guthrie to change the room to make the most of every square inch.

round rugs, table lamps, white curtains (IKEA)
mirrors, nesting tables (Open House)
decorative throw pillow (Petulia's Folly)
metal and stone candleholders (Abode)
curtain rods (Bed, Bath and Beyond)