Home decor for a claustrophobic

The main factor that contributes to that cramped feeling that one has in small spaces is clutter. Newspapers, magazines or books thrown haphazardly in the living room add to that “locked in” feeling. Simply stacking the magazines or placing them neatly on a table will add space to a room. The kitchen or dining room table is another culprit when it’s piled high with mail, keys, or other things that one tends to drop there because it’s quicker and easier than putting them away. The author had an aunt who lived in a very small house (so small that people called it a doll’s house) that was always clean and tidy and never made one feel cramped. Aunt Leta’s motto was “everything has a place and everything is in its place.” Above all, she keep the floors clean and tidy.

Light or neutral colored walls and floors add a sense of space to the room. Leave windows uncovered and decorated with blinds that can be opened during the day and closed at night for privacy and/or consider curtains that frame the windows rather than cover them. Too many pictures on the walls can close off a room. Too much furniture can narrow your space and make it feel cluttered. Furniture should not only be small in number, but should be light or neutral in color with perhaps one or two colorful accent tables. Light gray furniture comes to mind accented with hints of blue and orange pillows.

Let’s move on to the dreaded kitchen, a place that seems to be especially susceptible to that closed-off feeling. If one can afford it, a skylight is extremely useful for providing light and ventilation. White cabinets and light neutral countertops with just a few strategically placed frequently used items can add a lot of space to a room.

Children’s rooms can be helped by providing convenient places to store unused toys and games. A desk and bookcase in an older child’s room will provide storage space for those items that often contribute to clutter, such as books, CDs,

etc.

If you are looking for a new home, look for one with high or vaulted ceilings. It’s amazing how high ceilings can open up a small home. Large windows will open up the house and make it appear larger. Hardwood floors are less limiting than wall-to-wall carpeting. Imagine hardwood floors with some strategically placed rugs.

So one doesn’t have to spend a lot of money to provide an atmosphere of openness. This whole article seems mainly devoted to the importance of good housekeeping, doesn’t it? I’m sorry about that! But it is important. So let’s get rid of the clutter, clear the dining room table, and place a budget accent or conversation piece in the center. Then sit back in your favorite chair, look around the room and perhaps out the window, and enjoy the space you’ve just created.