Have you ever explored the showcase at Ikea?

I would say to drive over to Antioch and check out ours, but, sadly, Nashvillians will have to continue to drive to Atlanta or Memphis for their favorite Swedish box store.

It's incredible what they have been able to fit in these tiny mock apartments. But, for people who actually live day to day in small spaces, it can be more of a challenge.

Here are 3 ways to maximize a small space:

1) Light Colored Paint

Basically, make the space not look as small. Have you ever noticed on those tiny house shows and in Ikea how the walls are almost always white? It helps make the space feel cleaner and not as crowded.

2) Minimize Clutter

I love my knick-knacks but in a small space, minimal is better. Try to keep your counters, coffee tables and eating areas a clear as possible. Group your sundries on a book shelf or as a creative wall display. When you walk in the room, you don't want your eyes to be stopped by any one item. Putting things in neutral boxes on book shelf is a great way to prevent this.

If you are brave read The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up and keep only what brings you joy. It is a pretty extreme method, but I have found some of the principles solid.

3) Use fewer furniture pieces

Instead of multiple small rugs, use one large one. Instead of lots of chairs, use a bench. Sometimes by using larger pieces, it can somehow makes it feel that there's less there. The same goes for wall hangings. Often bigger and fewer is better than smaller and more. Be careful not to choose pieces too large for the space, or they will make it feel cramped.

What are your best small space tips? Leave them in the comments below.