American Houses

(NewsUSA) - Today's economic reality has changed the spaces that Americans call "home." Some have downsized, moving into smaller and more affordable homes. Other families have expanded, bringing grandparents and older children under the same roof.

But moving into a smaller space -- or having to make the same space accommodate more people -- presents challenges. Where are you going to put everything? How are you going to make rooms feel comfortable, not crowded?


The experts at TheShelvingStore.com, a company that specializes in designing shelving systems to fit any space, offer the following tips to find more room in your smaller space:

- "Edit" your belongings. If you're moving into a significantly smaller space, you will need to get rid of some items. Make a list of the pieces your new home needs, like beds, sofas and dining room tables. Look at the pieces you own, and determine what will work in your new space. If you don't like a piece, don't use it often or don't think it fits the decor of your new space, it's time to donate or sell.

- Eliminate clutter. Life is too busy to have clutter. Don't shove too much stuff in one space. Use all of the space you have to get rid of clutter. Creative storage solutions prove both functional and decorative. Consider chrome wire shelves, which are economical, keep stored items ventilated and eliminate the need to dust. While buying wire shelves at a big discount store can prove problematic -- you might have trouble finding shelves to fit your space -- specialized companies like TheShelvingStore.com offer a wide variety of sizes and styles.

- Let the light in. Contrary to popular belief, painting a room white doesn't make it look larger, just cold and uninviting. Choose soft pastels to warm up rooms. Make sure that light comes in from the windows by choosing light drapes in quality fabrics. Not only do drapes make a room feel homier, they can also add an illusion of height. If a room's dark, add extra lighting with sconces and uplighting, not hanging lights, which can make the ceiling look low. Decorate with mirrors to redirect light, making spaces feel more open.

For more information, visit www.TheShelvingStore.com/small or www.Shelving.com