Looking to live large in New York City? With the average one-bedroom apartment coming in at only 550 square feet, space can be a real challenge. Here at LUMEN Home Designs we have obviously picked up a lot of tried and true tips to make small homes feel bigger, and we want to share them with you. Here are our top 3 ideas, perfect for studios, apartments and more.

1. INCREASE THE PERCEPTION OF SPACE

Even if your space doesn't come with large windows, bringing in some light will immediately make any room seem bigger. The easiest way to make the most of your lighting is by adding mirrors. When choosing a mirror always remember this: go big! Just because your space is small, it doesn't mean that all your furniture should be. Mirrors and sofas should fall on the larger side of the scale, because smaller pieces aren't very functional.

Where should you hang your mirror? On the wall opposite or right next to a window is best. No windows? Think of what it will reflect. Don't place mirrors opposite doors or private spaces like the bathroom.

Once you've found a place for your mirror, add one statement piece of art in the next available wall. No matter how impressive the art, adding too many separate pieces will overwhelm a room. Focus on one, and make it big! That's why all of our packages include one large piece of wall art per room. Plus, art always adds personality to the home. Click over to our Gallery for inspiration on wall art in the home.

One last thing: High gloss lacquer finishes also have the light reflecting properties of a mirror, so choose them over matte styles to keep rooms open. That's why most of the furnishings in our shop feature high gloss finishes or accents!

If you need help picking out the right pieces for your home, check out our free design services and home packages. We'll handle everything, from the delivery to the setting up, so you won't have to worry about what goes where.

2. USE ONLY ONE PAINT COLOR

Are you familiar with those "dress your body type" articles in fashion magazines? These are the ones that give out styling tips to make yourself look slimmer. One of the oldest (and frankly, best) tips that almost always appears, is the one where they tell you to dress yourself all in one color. This helps you look better because the eye meets no distractions nor blunt breaks. The same principle works for small spaces.

Painting your apartment one same color will help increase visual flow, making it seem larger. In most cases we preferneutral shades of white, which also help spaces look clean. Colors with yellow undertones also look great because they mimic the subtle shades found in natural daylight. Just ask your paint consultant about these for ideas. Want an accent wall? Try sneaking in pops of strong color in isolated spaces like the bathroom! That will also make a happy surprise for guests.

Don't want to use white? We recommend using grey, pewter, blue, lavender and turquoise shades.

3. LIGHT IN THREES

When people talk about opening up a space, they usually go for furniture and storage tips. However, we think that lighting is the unsung hero of making small spaces seem bigger. Before you even bring any furniture into the room, make sure to include at least three different sources of light. They should be center, low and indirect. If you're not sure about what we mean, think of restaurants! The next time you visit your favorite place, check out the light. There's usually some focal ceiling lamps, smaller overhead table lamps and accents like votive candles.

Replicate this feeling in your home to open it up! Center lighting is the obvious ceiling lamp/bulb that comes standard. Then come the layers. Always include at least one table or floor lamp, for more focalized reading and lounging. If your place has limited windows to let in some natural light (another source), bring in another via votive candles. Get inspired and help us make your own lighting scheme at home with our luxe selection of lamps!