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	Small rooms Throughout the series, Nina has shown us around some pretty grand residences, the size of which most us of can only dream about. Here, she downsizes and proves that you don't need space to have style!

In this article

Make your space work for you

Dressing for your size

In a small home, it's important to evaluate the space that you do have to ensure that you make the most of it. Take advantage of every nook and cranny, and consider making areas and furniture multipurpose.

When one area has to fulfil a range of functions, you may be able to substitute large pieces of furniture with other smaller pieces. For example, in a living area, Nina suggests having one or two coffee tables that can double up as Oriental style low-level dining tables.

However, if you entertain regularly and prefer your guests to sit round a table, consider a folding dining table that can double as a console or desk when not in use. Folding chairs can be kept in a cupboard or wardrobe until they're needed.

Just because space is limited, don't feel you need to fill it with tiny pieces of furniture. Instead, add impact and a sense of luxury with one or two larger pieces. Not only will the room look better, but it will feel more comfortable and have the illusion of more space. A good-sized sofa, for example, will work far better than a few small chairs, which will only clutter the oom.

One advantage of little rooms is that smaller wall surfaces require smaller budgets - why not treat yourself to some beautiful wallpaper? A large print can look fabulous in a limited space - just keep it light and bright as a busy print will just make your room look fussy, and think about decorating just a few walls, or else the pattern may begin to box you in.

Artworks are a great finishing touch to any room, but in smaller rooms they help give the room more depth, by giving the viewer a vista into another world.

A large mirror on one wall will reflect the rest of the room, instantly creating depth. Over a fireplace is a good place as this is an area of dead space, and also where the focal point of the room often is. Or consider the reflection itself and position the mirror accordingly, for example, opposite a window overlooking some greenery.

When it comes to personal treasures, such as photographs and ornaments, display small clusters of smaller items together, rather than lots of large cumbersome pieces, which will make the place look cluttered.

Remember that the view out of your window is essential for giving your room a feeling of spaciousness - if your neighbours aren't too nosy, you might find that curtains or blinds that you open during the daytime are better than net curtains or voile that stay shut and obscure your view. Also, avoid bulkiness - large swags, pelmets and tie-backs will only make the room feel claustrophobic. Additionally, don't be afraid to experiment with large prints - small ones will draw attention to the diminutive scale of the room. The large print of the blind (above left) makes a striking statement, as well as revealing the view.