If these days of down-sized homes, tight-squeezed apartments and compact condominiums have you feeling as though the walls are closing in around you, then combat your claustrophobia with a little creative decorating. Consider these tricks for making a small room seem twice as large in no time.

Color

"Color is the most important tool for creating the illusion of space," says Margi Daniels, ASID, design consultant for La-Z-Boy Incorporated. "Keep in mind that dark shades make rooms appear smaller, while light, neutral or pastel tones visually expand walls and make ceilings look as if they soar."

Another way to make the most of limited space is to keep floors, area rugs, upholstery and drapery fabrics light and simple. Avoid dark woods and busy patterns to maintain an open feel. And don't forget the power of mirrors to visually double the size of any room.

Multi-Functional Furnishings

Instead of emphasizing a small living space by decorating with pint-sized furnishings, Daniels recommends selecting a few larger, multi-functional pieces. By performing double duty, these pieces eliminate the need for additional furnishings, thereby opening up a room.

"Contrary to what you might think, a modular sofa can be a smart choice for a small room," suggests Daniels. "Because these sofas are made up of individual units, you can create visually expansive yet unified arrangements, while making the most of every inch of space. Also, many of today's modular pieces are multi-functional, featuring built-in table tops, storage drawers and even sleepers."

Other multi-functional home furnishings that can help organize the home and add space include:

• Sleep sofa-turns any room into an overnight guest room.

• Storage ottoman-creates additional seating and offers an ideal place for storing pillows, blankets and toys.

• Chair-side table-provides a table surface and often features a drawer or cabinet for storage.

• Wall reclining chair or sofa-offers reclining comfort and can be placed against a wall using no more floor space than a stationary chair or sofa.

The way furniture is arranged can make rooms appear less cramped or crowded. For instance, placing furniture against walls creates the illusion of wide-open space. This arrangement also accommodates traffic flow, allowing plenty of room to roam.

When it's all you've got, it's got to be a lot! So make the most of it by minimizing clutter and maximizing your room's potential.

For more decorating ideas, call 1-800-MAKE A HOME to receive a free La-Z-Boy Home Furnishings Kit. The kit includes easy-to-follow steps for room planning and decorating, product information, definitions of common home furnishings terms, a grid and ready-made furniture templates so you can develop your own floor plan. (NAPSI)