One-room living (studios and dorm rooms): While studios and dorm rooms can be a bit claustrophobic, they suck a lot less if they're pleasing to the eye and well arranged. With single-room living spaces, you have two options. You can either keep the room as spacious and open as possible, or you can divide it into areas of activity by using screens and/or large pieces of furniture that appear to "section off" one area from the next. Either way, be sure to keep it simple. Limit your color palette, and avoid clutter and excess furniture. Consider getting a two-in-one piece like a sofa bed or a futon to save space.
Dark rooms: Brighten up dark rooms with light-colored walls, sheer curtains and plenty of plants. Mirrors also help by reflecting light and limiting the appearance of shadows. Opt for blinds instead of shades on your windows, and choose minimal lampshades with a translucent effect.
Tiny rooms: Go with pale, cool colors, and fill the space with as little furniture as possible. Instead of a free-standing bookcase, for instance, try a shelf that's mounted to the wall with brackets. Also, if your room is really small, avoid busy patterns on items like curtains, tablecloths and bedspreads.
Boxy rooms: The key is to create a focal point in the room. Paint one wall a different color than the rest, or hang up a funky mural or tapestry.
Low ceilings: Use up-tilting lamps to cast as much light on the ceiling as possible. Paint the ceiling a shimmery, satiny, pale color, and do the walls one or two shades darker. Draw attention to the bottom half of the room with floor cushions, interesting rugs and low-to-the-ground seating.
SoYouWanna know more? Check out our full-length article SYW decorate your apartment (cheaply)?
