It's no secret that the flats in Hong Kong seriously lack space. A cramped, messy room isn't ideal, but here are a few simple tips to make the most of the space you have.
Choose light colours
Alan Chan from Spaze Designs recommends avoiding dark colours to make your rooms seem larger.
Just like dark clothes make people seem slimmer, the same is true for rooms. So change the colour of your bed covers, pillows and rugs to cold blues, pale greys, light greens and cream colours.
If you are feeling really adventurous, take it one step further and buy transparent furniture and use sheer curtains to let in more light.
Go simple
Don't overload your walls with paintings or pictures. Too many will make the room seem crowded. Instead, choose small, delicate prints in light colours.
If there's a piece of art you really like, make it the centrepiece. Natasha Grays from Natasha Grays Interiors suggests that you "keep all the colours light except for a painted or wallpapered statement wall". She also recommends decorating with a "few funky colourful accessories like a Moroccan pouf or a piece of Banksy graffiti art".
Mirror, mirror, on the wall
Some well-placed floor-length mirrors can make your room seem twice as large. Place your mirror behind, next to, or across from a light source (like a window) to create a cool visual effect.
Things are looking up
Just because there isn't room on the floor for another piece of furniture, it doesn't mean you have to go without it. Instead, think vertically.
Even if you are unable to install something big, like wall bookshelves, you can still make the most of the walls. Hang some art to draw the eye upwards and make everything seem more spacious.
Grays suggests using hanging furniture if you are feeling cramped. You can attach a bedside lamp to the wall, or use over-the-door hooks to hang towels or coats.
Create new space
To make your room seem more spacious, push larger pieces of furniture to the sides of the room. This creates more open space in the middle of the room and makes everything look less cramped.
And don't fill your shelves with clutter. Leaving some empty space creates an open and airy atmosphere. If you have the chance, Grays says "shallow floor-to-ceiling shelving and cupboards give tonnes of storage space and a streamlined finish".
Clear out the clutter
Sure, you never know when you might need your old Year 2 science textbook, but you can't be sentimental when having a clear-out. Put aside an afternoon to throw away unnecessary papers, folders and other items.
If you have old toys, games or clothes you no longer use, donate them to a local charity. You'll be left with a clean room and a clean conscience!
Time to multi-function
Whenever you buy a new piece of furniture, ask yourself a simple question: what is this for?
If you only have one answer, then think again. Multi-purpose furniture is a must. A sofa that doubles as a bed saves space and gives your friends a place to sleep if they are staying the night.