How to Decorate a Small Space With Big Style for a Condo Living Room

Choose lighter colors for your walls. This is the most basic decorating advice for a reason; lighter colors open a space visually and make small rooms appear larger. White is not your only choice; soft yellow, tan or light brown, warm green or a gentle peach all bring life to your room. Avoid cool colors such as blue or gray, which can darken a room and make it look smaller.

Open up the feel of the room with a hard floor, such as wood, laminate, tile or stone. The reflective surface gives a larger look to your living room. A patterned rug in midtone neutrals with a few shots of bright color cheers up the floors and provides style.

Cover the living room windows with simple coverings, avoiding fancy trim, tassels or excessive fabric. Wood or bamboo blinds, shutters or simple curtains in a darker shade of your wall color look elegant.

Mount your television set on the wall. Flat-screen TVs are a huge boon to the small room, allowing you to watch your favorite shows without taking up any floor space.

Opt for a love seat and comfortable upholstered chair instead of a larger sofa. These are more to scale with a small condo living room and can be arranged to suit your needs.

Use your vertical space. A tall cabinet against the wall provides storage and breaks up the monotony of furniture all being on the same level.

Look for an ottoman that opens to provide storage. Use an old trunk as a coffee table for further storage and to avoid taking up a lot of space.

Display collectibles that reflect your personal style and interests but keep your collection contained mostly to one area and avoid an overly cluttered look.

Store books, videos, electronic game equipment and music systems in a bookcase or shelving unit with doors. Closing the door on clutter immediately gives your room an open, airy feel.

Look for one or two unusual, bold accessories to add style and interest to your room. An unusual lamp, a one-of-a-kind small statue or carving, a painting signed by the artist all give big style without taking up a lot of space.

Leave enough open floor space so you can easily navigate the room. A cramped room looks -- and feels -- small and unattractive.