3 Ginormous Space Savers

We asked Maxwell Gillingham-Ryan, cofounder of

apartmenttherapy.com

and author of the new book Apartment Therapy Presents: Real Homes, Real People, Hundreds of Design Solutions, how to squeeze out a few extra feet.

Create a Landing Strip

(no, not down there): Equip your entryway with a chic wastebasket to trash unwanted mail. Check the junk at the door to keep your living space clutter-free.

Lighten Up:

If your space feels small, it's probably because it's underlit and full of shadows. Have three points of light in each room (not including the one in the middle of the ceiling). It's the cheapest way to create spaciousness.

Keep 10% Empty:

Spring-clean areas like your bookcase, shoe rack, or closet to free up room. "It's the only way to have space for new things in your life," says Gillingham-Ryan. Nordstrom, here we come.

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