rban living for young families is on the rise, but with it comes a need to think creatively about making the most of limited space. Karen Shen and Kevin Costello loved the extraordinary craftsmanship of their four-story 1904 Renaissance Revival brownstone in Brooklyn, New York, site of the current This Old House TV project. Here are some pointers from their big remodel.
SEE ALL 9 SMALL-SPACE SOLUTIONS FROM THE TOH TV NYC HOUSE
Use Paint to Open Up a Room Paint crown molding to match the ceiling to widen a narrow room. Painting both the crown and ceiling white in this skinny space creates the illusion that the ceiling is wider than it is, minimizing the tunnel-vision effect. Here's another trick: Install flooring, whether it's wood or tile, in a diagonal pattern to help make rooms appear wider than they are.
TOH Tip: Keep compact rooms simple by using small-scale furniture instead of overstuffed pieces.
MORE: Gorgeous Period Details in the TOH TV New York City House
Mirror, Mirror
Place large mirrors facing each other to create the illusion of more space. One looking glass is enough to expand the perceived depth of a room, but two facing each other amplifies the effect even more. Here, a pier mirror on the front parlor wall faces another one in the front hallway, extending the illusion of added space and light indefinitely.
MORE: How to Hang a Heavy Mirror and 24 Other DIY Fundamentals*
MORE: How to Build a Bay in Three Days
More Small-Space Solutions from thisoldhouse.com:
Big Ideas for a Small Yard
Smart Upgrades for a Small Apartment
"Tiny Houses" in Texas
