What ways do you suggest to help create the ILLUSION of more space?

1. In a small space use full height doors for closets and rooms; anytime you can have an element go all the way up to the ceiling (bookcase, drapes, doors) it draws your focus up and visually creates the illusion of a larger room. This is also wonderful with closet doors as you’ll gain all that extra storage space that otherwise would be wasted.

Q&A WITH HGTV’S SMALL SPACE, BIG STYLE'S EXPERT DESIGNER LIBBY

Q: What is driving the statement that “Small is the new big”? Is there a backlash going on to the McMansion fever? If so, to what do you attribute this new trend? Are small spaces becoming more popular? What do they offer that larger houses do not? Any stats on how this has become big? 

Tips for a Fun and Fabulous Last Minute Dinner Party

Situation: Your husband calls to say that your in-laws are coming over for dinner Friday night—and it’s Friday morning. And your mother-in-law is on a diet (again).