Make a small house live large

See how smart use of color and space helps a Key West home feel comfortably open, spacious and breezy.

Open up

Maximize square footage with an open floor plan. Eliminate unnecessary nonstructural walls and let breezes and conversation flow between rooms.

Design smart

Make the most of cozy quarters with custom built-ins. Forgo freestanding furniture and try innovative storage solutions that can be built into walls or bed frames. Opt for wired wall sconces in lieu of table lamps to keep surfaces clutter-free.

Raise the roof

Expose ceiling rafters and take advantage of attic space. Painting ceilings an ocean blue makes them appear higher.

See the light

Abundant windows and glass-paned doors allow sunlight to pour inside. The seamless transition between indoors and out makes the room appear larger. Open up a tight kitchen with floating shelves. While they won’t hide toasters and coffeemakers, they’re a sleek alternative to upper cabinetry, which often overwhelms a tiny space.

Go white

Dress small spaces in white and hang mirrors to lend even a tiny room an airy feel.