5 ways to make a room feel bigger

(NC)—In today's competitive real estate market, a major disservice a homeowner can do to their space is clutter it up, making it appear smaller. Martin Rygiel, the sales director at the ComFree Network, says he sees thousands of listings on ComFree.com, and knows what makes a home stand out. “No matter how big or small a house may be, adjustments in each room can maximize the potential of the space.” He recommends that sellers employ these five tips to make rooms feel bigger:1. Use light coloursDark colours tend to close a space up, while lighter colours make a room seem larger. If the room is painted a dark colour, opt instead for a lighter shade on the walls to keep the overall feel of the room, or go with a neutral shade.2. Maximize natural lightingLetting natural light stream into a room will open it up. For this reason, try to show the house while it is light outside and make good use of natural light. Clean the windows, pull back the drapes, and let in as much daylight as possible.

3. Hang mirrorsThe use of mirrors is recommended because they give the illusion of increased depth. So will light colours, which reflect natural light and help brighten up a room.

4. Buy space-saving furnitureThis trick ensures that the furniture doesn't take up too much space in the home. Stylish and elegant tables and chairs that fold up when not in use create an air of space that allow the home to maintain its openness. 5. De-clutterWhen it comes to adding space, you need to be ruthless with some of your possessions. If they haven't been used recently, or don't fit in with the rest of the decor, they should likely be removed from the room.

“Some sellers are open to renovations but for others, simple fixes like a coat of light paint, adding mirrors and showcasing natural light can make a significant difference to the selling price and also to the amount of time that the home sits on the market,” says Rygiel. www.newscanada.com

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