In the main area of the studio, a large built-in shelf hides a bed. Interior designer Diana Vinoly, of Diana Vinoly Interiors in New York City, told the authors she was inspired by yacht architecture, which requires many functions in a restricted space. It's easy to experiment with paint, and the color you choose has a lot to do with the personality of who lives there. Smith says dark colors paired up with white woodwork are especially effective in small areas, particularly bathrooms. Trulove and Kim suggest painting the trim, ceiling and walls in deep, strong colors that can blur the edges of a room, making it appear larger.
Lighting is also critical to making small projects provocative, according to the authors.
You can accomplish this in a few ways by using lighting coming up from the floor to wash a wall or highlight a plant. Depending on how you direct it, recessed lighting in the ceiling can also wash a wall to illuminate artwork, sculpture or plants. Mirror tricks Mirrors can also do wonders for a small area. In addition to reflecting light, they create the illusion of space. The effect makes the drapery look twice as wide.