Image: iStockphoto.com/Greg Nicholas
About This Quiz
Whether you live in a 20-room mansion or an urban studio, you may find yourself facing design challenges related to space issues. Making large spaces seem homier and small spaces seem larger are two sides of the same coin. Take our quiz to see how you can solve this challenging design conundrum.
Breaking a large room into _____ areas makes it seem smaller.
many
cohesive
a few separate
Creating separate sitting areas in a living room with rugs and furniture groupings is one way of breaking up a large living space to make it feel cozier.
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What's the best way to trick people into thinking your living space is smaller or larger than it looks?
visual tricks
There are several visual tricks that you can employ to create an illusion of greater or lesser space in your home. One way is to use color in different ways.
magic tricks
card tricks
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Which paint colors absorb light?
light, neutral
light, pastel
dark, deep
Use dark, deep colors to absorb light and make your room look warmer and smaller. Paint your ceiling a darker shade as well for a truly cozy effect.
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What size furnishings should you consider for a large room?
small-scale
medium-scale
large-scale
Choose a sectional couch, large armoire or even a grand piano to give your large-scale living room a well-proportioned look.
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______ fabrics give a feeling of warmth to a large living area.
Cotton
Shiny
Textured
Choose textured fabrics and wall coverings to add interest and warmth to large living areas. Lots of throw pillows in a myriad of bold prints will help you achieve this effect.
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Why are window treatments great for large living spaces?
They absorb light.
They take up wall space.
both of the above
Since window treatments absorb light and take up wall space, they are ideal for large rooms. Go for the dramatic and choose patterned, flowered or textured materials.
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Which of the following lighting options will make your living room feel cozier?
overhead fixtures
Choose table or floor lamps to give your large room a cozy and warm ambience.
table lamps
track lighting
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_______ will accentuate your room's large size.
Doors
Windows
Mirrors
Don't hang mirrors in a large room unless you want to draw attention to its size.
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Which of the following work well in a large living room?
small paintings
large paintings
Hang large paintings and tapestries in your well-proportioned living room and keep accessories on a scale with your furnishings. Remember to incorporate dark colors here, as well.
no paintings
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What's a simple way to make a small living area larger?
Extend it.
Add an extra room.
both of the above
Though not always financially or practically feasible, actually adding on more space is the easiest way to increase your living area.
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Which of the following paint colors will make a small space seem larger?
dark blue
pale pink
Always choose a light color for painting a small room. Use white paint for ceiling and trim.
deep violet
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Which shape storage container is the most space efficient?
round
square
Because they fit closely together on a counter or shelf, square containers are your best bet for a small living area.
triangular
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Which window treatments work best for a window in a small room?
clunky blinds
sheer curtains
Choose sheer window treatments or nothing at all to keep your small room feeling light and airy.
heavy drapes
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Which type of lighting fixtures save floor space in a small room?
table lamps
track lights
Hang sconces and track lights on ceilings and walls to save space. Table and floor lamps take up too much space in a small room.
floor lamps
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What is an important design rule to consider when planning storage for your small living area?
Cut down on clutter.
Store your knick-knacks out of sight.
both of the above
All the built-in storage space in the world will not help if your small room is strewn with collectibles. Give away as much as you can and store the rest out of sight.
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You Got:
/15
iStockphoto.com/Greg Nicholas
