Consider the structure of the room. What are the main focal points? These could be windows, fireplaces, doors, or built-in units. Are they balanced within the room? If not, think about what you can add to the space to help balance its structure. Remember that the human eye is drawn to focal points and will scan a space when entering it.

Perception of space is based on body size. Different-sized spaces suit different-sized people: one person’s claustrophobic box is another’s cozy nest.

Think about the space in terms of volume. For example, if it were a fishbowl, adding a sofa, chandelier, sculptures, bookshelves, table, coffee table, etc., would displace some of the water. Ensure that you don’t overfill the space.

Aim to create both a prospect and a refuge in each room so you can feel enclosed but also have a view beyond to the outside or natural world. Using Prospect and Refuge theory in a space can make it more comfortable for the human experience. “We prefer a shelter (refuge) with a view (prospect) because humans have their field of vision to the front (prospect), therefore needing some sort of protection from behind (refuge).”

Plan your furniture layout using a scale drawing of your room, or cut paper shapes to size and place them in the room to work out the best possible arrangement of furniture and accessories.

Ensure that the circulation passageway through a room follows an easy and efficient pathway from the door to all the other main activity areas.

Clutter closes down space, so edit your clutter to avoid blocking circulation and reducing the perceived size of a room.

In large or long spaces, subdivide different activity zones to give definition to each part of the room.

When planning decoration and lighting, work with the principles that vertical lines draw our eyes up, and horizontal lines draw them across to extend or reduce the proportions of a room.

Wallpaper with a square grid or tiling a room in squares will give the impression that it is bigger than it is – the smaller the grid, the larger the room appears.

Borrow space from outside by ensuring an uninterrupted view of the outside world. You can also ‘borrow’ space from adjoining rooms by using the same flooring materials.

When furnishing small rooms, blur the edges of the room to break up the lines between floor and walls; pull furniture slightly away from the walls; buy furniture in proportion to the room; and choose furniture with legs to give the illusion of more space.

Disguise oversized sofas by breaking up their upholstered surface with a different colored or textured runner or folded throw.