FIVE WAYS TO: MAKE A ROOM LOOK BIGGER

When decorating a bijou bedroom or under-stairs nook, there are myriad ways to create a sense of much-needed space

- Kiera Buckley-Jones

In the words of Leonardo da Vinci, ‘small rooms or dwellings discipline the mind; large ones weaken it.’ We're not all lucky enough to live in homes of vast proportions - and even the grandest abodes can still sport small corners - but with some creativity and careful planning, even the humblest room can be transformed into an elegant space. Whether you're battling with a box room that’s become a storage area for winter clothes and Christmas decorations, or struggling to find enough room for a burgeoning collection, here are five stylish ways to boost that feeling of space.

1 CLEVER COLOUR

There's a reason estate agents and property developers promote clean, white walls: a neutral palette gives the space room to breathe. If bright white feels too stark for your tastes, consider light yellow, pale blue, or soft beige for a warmer alternative. To enhance the height of your room, paint the ceiling and woodwork in a slightly lighter shade than the walls, to harness a light and airy feel. (If you're after a cosy, cosseting ambiance, a darker ceiling will generate the opposite effect - picture an inviting snug for movie nights).