Small is Beautiful How to make the best of a compact living room. Ekkasit Jaeng-anghin, architect, Anghin Architecture www.anghin.com Choose low furniture with a light frame. A big block of a couch, chairs with very high backs, or towering shelves will immediately suck up the feeling of space you had when you first saw your room completely empty. Maximize light. Choose light colors, avoid heavy curtains obstructing your windows. Keep the walls on each side of your window devoid of clutter. It’s better to stack your stuff on the facing wall, so that it doesn’t get in the way of the light coming from your windows. Hide everything. Clutter makes a place feel busy and tiring. Ideally, you’ll want built-in storage, but any storage is better than leaving stuff out in the open. You might have seen super chic spaces where clothes are kept on free-standing racks or dishes are stored on open shelves, but keep in mind this is best reserved for people with giant, loft-style spaces. Ikea 01 Avenue Picks 01 Boma 2-seater sofa, Kettal, from B313,000 (Noble Solo Thonglor, Sukhumvit Soi 55 [Thonglor], 02-714-9040. Open daily 10am-7pm. www.chanintrliving.com) 02 Algot wall upright/shelf/hook, Ikea, B3,450 (38 Moo 6 Bangna-Trad Rd. [k.m. 8], 02-708 7983. Open daily 10am-10pm) 02 03 04 03 Villstad easy chair, Ikea, B5,990 (see above) 04 05 Shiro large paper table lamp, Habitat, B1,210 (3/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658-0505. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam/National Stadium. www.habitatthailand) Unikko cushion cover, Marimekko, B2,500 (G/F, Siam Discovery, Rama 1 Rd., 02-658- 0530. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam/ National Stadium) 06 06 Tumble Cocktail Table, Baker, B149,040 (3/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd., 02-129- 4434. Open daily 10am-10pm. BTS Siam) 05 4 <strong>AVENUE</strong> HOME & DECOR