1. Outsmart your storage space

No storage? No problem! You just have to get creative. First, establish if you have the walls and cabinets you can use for storage - clean out anything you don't need (throw away or give away depending on condition; see tip #2). Second, get the containers or boxes that make storing easier - they are all readily available at stores like Container Store, Target, Sears, Wal-Mart and others. Look for clear boxes, as it will be easier to see what's inside without having to label them. It's helpful to find boxes that can be opened easily.

Finally, find the space for these containers. An often overlooked option is right under your bed. It's a great place to store extra sheets, blankets, pillows, winter/summer clothes. And since you use boxes, there is no need to worry about dust. You can create your own storage by stacking the containers by one of the walls and then putting up a curtain right in front. You can create some interesting style accents and find storage room.

2. Resolve to de-clutter

If you make New Year's resolutions, cutting down on clutter is an excellent one to make each year. You have probably seen this on numerous housing shows - create 3 piles - toss, give and keep. Keep the necessities, family keepsakes, precious things. Give away things you don't need that are in good condition. Toss anything you have not used in over a year and wouldn't have remembered about if not for this. Once you do this once, take another look at the "keep" pile and consider if there is anything else you could give or throw away. You can also have a garage sale to see if you can sell anything from the "toss" pile; you never know what someone else may find useful. What are some good items to rid of? Start with clothing and shoes; after all fashions change and so do your tastes and shapes. Another great category to de-clutter is home items - bedding, blankets, pillows, rugs, pots and pans, and even furniture.

3. Be a minimalist

You are probably familiar with the saying "less is more". Take out a few pieces of furniture, remove a painting or rug, even some books on the bookshelf and the room will instantly feel more light and spacious. Some good items to eliminate are end tables, couch cushions (go for low modular couches to visually increase space and height in the room), excessive knick-knacks (you know which ones I mean).

4. Be an illusionist

Mirror, mirror on the wall, which is the biggest room of all? Add a mirror or two to a room and you will create an illusion of space and also make a style statement. This works wonders in small bathrooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. If you place a mirror opposite a window, you will rush more light into the room, thus creating brightness along with space. When hanging mirrors, remember that they are heavier than pictures, so place one in the stud or bolt securely. A laser stud-finder is a very helpful tool to have for this and other home projects.

Glass tops on coffee tables and other furniture can also add more reflection into the room and create an illusion of space.

5. Choose a light palette

As with light and brightness that mirrors bring in the room, a light color can add depth to the room and make it look larger.

White paint does it well; it is also a clean and minimalist background for any kind of décor. A very pale shade, such as a very light blue or sage, will also reflect the light well and add dimension and color to the room.

Don't forget the floors! White or light tile or wood are perfect to add space all around.

6. Stay flexible

If you are short on room, it's a good idea to invest in some furniture pieces that can be moved around - for a family game, party or to make the space more functional altogether. Add castors to the dining table and roll it away when not using. Get some stackable metal chairs and stack them up when not in use to open more space. Attach a wooden foldable desk onto a wall and decorate it on the outside. It's a nice accent and you can easily create or hide office space.

7. Extend up

Move the curtain rods and curtains higher towards the ceiling. This is a good way to add height to your wall and adding height is a visual trick to add space in the room overall. All you need to do is hang your curtains higher, starting right above the window.

8. Lights! Action!

Bring in more light and any room will come alive. If you are working with a small space, track lighting or recess lighting work best. When decorating with lamps, keep them small and the shades translucent or none. Don't forget about the windows, your best natural light. If you have heavy curtains on the windows, you may want to rethink this - light and airy curtains will help more natural light to come in into the room. The same idea applies to front doors. Consider a door that has glass and more light will come in through the front.

9. Room connection

Perhaps some of the rooms in your house or apartment are small. You can visually elongate them by cutting the wall between them or creating a large opening between them (Spanish style arch works really well). Add some wood molding or paint it in a bright color to frame and put more emphasis on it. The rooms will then flow into each other and the entire place will seem bigger.

10. Go big on the furniture

Large furniture pieces in monochromatic hues will surprisingly expand a small room. Remember to stick to the minimalist ways and avoid clutter, then this large couch or dining table will really stand out. That said everything is good in moderation, so use your judgment on proportion.

Many of us think a home feels cozier with a multitude of things. Nothing can be further from the truth. Make a few bold statements with necessary and truly important items, keep it simple and your home will get bigger overnight!