The other day, BethZ highlighted 5 tricks to making a small space seem bigger. There was one trick that seems counter-intuitive: make one piece oversized. In this case, in this spread from Domino, it's the ginormous lampshade that brings the rest of the room into sharp focus...
In your own home, a large swath of sofa, one overstuffed chair, a bed with a commanding canopy or a tall tree in the corner might be the pieces of choice. If you're unsure about taking our advice on this one, a lamp might be the easiest way to go. This example is from the CB2 catalog which is showcasing quite a few oversized lamps this season. Below, a tall bed in a small room draws the eye to the ceiling and, rather than feeling cramped, brings the room majesty.

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Comments (6)
Don't see why it's counter-intuitive. It's a hallmark of French interior design style and works more often than not in any size room.
/\/\ Ditto.
(That striped wallpaper that doesn't align with the window casings would drive me nuts)
I've fallen in love with the apartment from the Domino feature (in the topmost pic). I especially love the wall of art.
I am with you, that would drive me crazy!
I don't think it's fair to blame the wallpaper. That happened long ago.... ~:o)
easier to paint it correctly.