In a smaller space keep all your furniture finishes the same. (Courtesy of Cheryll Gillespie)

Are your rooms too small? Did you recently downsize and now you feel all cramped up? If your space is a tight squeeze, here are some designer secrets to help you loosen the belt - so to speak.

In a smaller space keep all your furniture finishes the same; allowing the eye will flow will then flow around the room because design is about creating visual illusions. Having said that, it is okay to have one standout piece such as an antique armoire or a fabulous curio that serves double duty as an entertainment or bar service. Consider attaching the vertical pieces directly to the wall to help visually expand the space - every inch counts.

Urbanites are often blessed with loft-styled or wide open spaces. Remember that you can use furniture as room dividers as well as good looking functional pieces. The placement of a sofa can signify a separate space as easily as a credenza or open shelf system can. Be creative, designers also love to use screens to divide a space as well as serve a great piece of art.

With respect to your upholstered pieces keep the fabrics low key or discreet –avoid stand out patterns or colours. Also, choose a style that has no skirt or flaps, a clean wood or metal frame will help to keep the room light and airy and to separate them from the floor. Backs should also be low. Horizontal surfaces such as your coffee table should be glass or glossy to reflect light.

On your walls and floors, employ lighter colours as these will reflect rather than absorb natural day light. Speaking of reflections, use mirror. Consider an entire wall of mirror to literally double your space in a bedroom, living room or dining room. In the kitchen replace a tile backsplash with mirror for great looks and more room.

Consider pushing the walls out as outdoor spaces are the ‘new living room’. Be sure to include a balcony or small yard into your design plans not only will the exterior spaces of our homes make the house feel larger but I believe that it is important for us to connect with nature on a daily basis. Consider creating a small Japanese garden or a English rose garden just outside your door. Even the smallest of spaces can enlarge our living rooms.

Built-in cabinets and shelving is a fabulous way to add extra storage and architectural interest. Look for opportunities to build in storage under stairs, beneath windows (window seats) and closet spaces that can simply become part of the wall.

In smaller spaces smart designers know to employ portable storage as well. Carts, drawers and bins on casters for flexibility and function. Units can be made of wood, metal or plastic just as long as they look as good as they look since you will undoubtedly be seeing them.

Smaller spaces are not only cozy and practical but they can be fabulously large opportunities for great design!