Interior designer James Wheeler – the man behind J.Wheeler Designs – creates sophisticated spaces that are warm and inviting. The Georgia native has designed magnificent Southern residences and stunning vacation homes, and his classic-meets-contemporary style works just as well in small spaces as it does large. Today, James shares four suggestions for designing a small space. From the furniture to the art, he’s confessing all of his tips and tricks to maximize your square footage. Click the slideshow to get started!
Make a Small Space Feel Larger with These Tips from Designer James Wheeler

Go Big With Art
“Select one oversized piece of art and strategically place it in the room, like over a sofa or bed. I prefer pieces that are taller, as opposed to wider, as they have the ability to draw the eye upwards. Mirrors are another good option as they have the ability to make a small space appear larger by reflecting more space.”

Embrace Darker Paint Colors
“Contrary to popular belief, darker paint colors actually create the illusion of a larger space. To trick the eye, paint the walls and molding the same color so there is no visual break in the space. This ensures a continuous flow through a room.”

Create Height with Drapery
“When hanging drapery, mount rods as far up on the wall as they will go- the closer to the ceiling, the better. I love track-like hardware that can be directly mounted to the ceiling. This draws the eye upwards, making windows appear larger. Just be sure to go for full-length drapery.”
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I would love to know where to purchase the bench in the entryway.