Ideas make small space look larger

Are you making do with less living space these days? Wondering how to make boxy rooms look bigger and function effectively? Home and Garden Television is offering design tips that those living in smaller spaces might find helpful.

A new design guide on HGTV showcases a variety of small spaces, showing how designers use color, furniture placement, special installations and other devices to create the illusion of spaciousness. In the process, they explode a number of long-standing decorating truisms. Among them: Avoid bold patterns, large furniture and knickknacks; embrace mirrors and white walls.

HGTV's guide to decorating small spaces includes these tips:

--Determine your priorities, making rooms fit your needs and lifestyle. If a desk is more important than a dining table, for example, eat at the kitchen counter or coffee table.

--Furniture using clear materials such as Lucite and glass give the impression of openness while delivering function.

--Lamps placed at different heights brighten small rooms and make them seem larger.

--Round tables, rugs and pillows, and chairs and sofas with curves help small rooms feel less boxy.

--Floating shelves instead of cabinets add storage but look airy and chic.

For more ideas, visit www.hgtv.com/small-space-design-guide/package/index.html.