Homeowners are looking to do more with less as the average size of homes begins to stabilize. Industry experts are finding that dining rooms and other defined living areas are disappearing in favor of more open space or a series of smaller areas. As rooms shrink in size, homeowners are challenged with making an impression that doesn't overwhelm their tightened space.

"Many homeowners don't realize that smaller spaces really allow for some great design elements," says Jeff Dross, senior product manager at Kichler Lighting. "The trick is decorating to scale, and when that is achieved successfully, rooms will actually appear bigger. Because lighting is often used to open up a room, lighting is a good place to start."

Good news is, there are several types of lighting products that offer big aesthetics in small packages.

Responding to the need for smaller product, Dross' colleagues at Kichler found immediate success when they introduced the Chandelette, the industry's first mini-chandelier, several years ago. With diameters ranging from 15 to 18 inches, homeowners told Kichler the Chandelettes were perfect additions to breakfast nooks, dinettes and other small spaces. Because they include all the detail found in a regular chandelier, aesthetics didn't suffer.

With homeowners continuing to demand new solutions, Kichler recently took scaled-down design to the next level with an all-new product -- the Pendalette. Mixing one part pendant with one part Chandelette, the Pendalette provides three different mounting options in one pendant-sized, three-light chandelier, no larger than 11 inches wide. To meet a variety of homeowner tastes, the Pendalette is available in seven different styles.

"The great thing about products like these, is that they not only fit perfectly in small spaces, but you can use two or three together to add a special dynamic over an island or as accents in larger areas," adds Dross. "Plus, all of the Pendalettes and Chandelettes are part of complete lighting families, so a large chandelier in the foyer can match the Chandelette hung over the dinette or two Pendalettes paired over the bar."

In addition to utilizing petite products like these, there are a variety of simple tricks and tips you should remember when trying to open up a small room, including:

* Pay attention to paint color and wall paper patterns. Opt for lighter colors and simple, clean designs. Dark colors and busy patterns tend to close in a room.

* Use area rugs rather than wall-to-wall carpeting. This breaks up a room and makes it appear longer.

* Don't overwhelm the room with furniture. Pass up oversized chairs and opt for smaller pieces. Furniture with simple lines also tricks the eye and makes the room appear larger.

* Use smaller table lamps. Using a big table lamp on a small surface makes the room appear cluttered. Select a smaller version to add dimension. Kichler offers table lamps in a variety of sizes, many available with complementing accessories.

* In small kitchens and in rooms housing cabinets, use lighting above the cabinets to draw the eye to the wider, open spaces at the top of the room.

* Decorate simply. In small rooms, less is more. Too many wall and table decorations can overwhelm a room. One strategically placed piece of art can make a large impact.

* Brighten empty spaces. If there are coves in your ceiling, install products like Kichler's Linear Lighting, which hides lighting components while brightening the space, making it appear wider and more open.

Source : ARA