5 Tips to Supersize a Smaller Living Room

Interior designers know that it can be a challenge to style a smaller living room so it provides enough seating but does not appear cramped. By using some tried and true techniques, you can design a compact space so it appears inviting, cozy and uncluttered.

Here are five good ideas that can open up your smaller living room to the eye and make the best use of your space.

1. Capitalize on Symmetry
If your living room lends itself to symmetrical furniture placement you can create a feeling of balance and calm. A good way to create symmetry is to arrange two small sofas or loveseats around a focal point. If you are fortunate enough to have an architectural feature that acts as a natural focal point, like a fireplace or a bay window, place your sofas on either side with the cocktail table between them. If you don't, you can create a focal point with a large painting or a wall-mounted electric fireplace.

Make your Sofa the Star

By introducing a sofa in a show-stopping color to a smaller living room, you can make the sofa the star of the room. A sofa in a spectacular color will direct attention away from the size of the room and focus it on the furniture instead. Color blocking to make a bold statement of style uses a combo of larger areas of color, so use a contrasting shade for the chairs or the walls. Be sure to repeat the sofa color when you accessorize with throw pillows and other home decor items.

3. Bring the Outside In

This year decorators are bringing the outdoors in with live plants and verdant accents like shades of green, botanical fabrics and foliage patterns. Greenery indoors can give your smaller living room an airy, roomy and uncluttered feel.

4. Add Interest