Color and Pattern

How do professionals make the most of limited space? Mostly, they fool the eye and stretch the perception of volume. Here are dozens of ideas, right out of the homes of designers Susan Reese and Lee Youngstrom.

1. White, neutral or pale colors best reflect light, visually "pushing back" walls. Susan and Lee suggest accenting a light color scheme with small, dark accents to help anchor it and add interest.

2. Abundant natural light is important, especially in rooms with deeper hues. Susan's French-door-bordered 12 x 15-foot living room and dining area are good examples. A flat paint recedes more than gloss. Use light shades on woodwork and furniture.

3. Use similar colors in adjoining rooms to visually unite them. To your eye, the harmonious connection blends two small rooms into one larger area.

4. Unify furniture with light-colored upholstery, white bed linens or pale print. Each piece then blends seamlessly into its subtle background. Loud or competing colors can distract, and make the walls seem to close in.

5. Use just one or two colors per room for visual simplicity that expands a space.

6. Too many patterns confuse the eye. Subtle patterns such as the ticking stripe on Susan's sofa or a tone-on-tone linen pattern let the eye travel without an jarring interruption.

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