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Live Large With Limited Square Footage

You probably know Bobby Berk as the resident interior design expert of Queer Eye’s Fab Five–you know, the man who somehow, miraculously, transforms entire homes in just a week. As fans excitedly await season three of the beloved Netflix series (slated to premiere in early 2019), there is a way to get your Bobby Berk fix in the meantime. We enlisted Berk to redefine small space living with some of our most miniature listings–transforming each area into something comfortable, functional, and, of course, chic. We talked to Berk about how to maximize a minimal space, and the importance of uniting function with style. Read below for Berk's take on how to live large with limited square footage. ON THE TOP MISTAKES PEOPLE MAKE "People are often tempted to break up a room with color-blocking or by sectioning off spaces in an attempt to make it feel larger," Berk says. Instead of dividing a room into sections, he recommends sticking to one cohesive design style and carrying it throughout the entire home. If your room is small, long, and narrow, for instance, incorporate complementary colors, textures, and patterns across the entire space to create a sense of harmony. Berk also recommends opting for light, clean-lined furniture as opposed to clunkier, more cozy alternatives. “People think that big, cushy furniture can make a small room more comfortable, but in reality, it weighs down the space and takes up an unnecessary amount of room.” ON USING COLORS AND MATERIALS WISELY “When you’re working with a small space, a neutral palette is ideal,” Berk says. Go for subdued, natural colors, and stick with them throughout the space. From there, focus on textures and patterns that fall within the same color scheme. “Not too flat, not too busy,” he advises. In a bedroom, for instance, opting for white cotton sheets, a white linen duvet, and a neutral quilted throw can achieve a layered look without relying on bold pops of color, which can feel cluttered. ON HIS FAVORITE SMALL-SPACE DESIGN TRENDS “Double-duty furniture is a small-space must-have,” Berk says. There are so many options for coffee tables, sofas, and ottomans that double as storage, which is especially important for people who lack closet space. If you have a dining table, Berk recommends selecting chairs that can fit underneath the table for times when they're not being used.