Having a small apartment or small living space is almost synonymous with the college experience. Living like there’s not enough room in your place doesn’t have to be part of this experience, though. Cigdem Akkurt, associate professor of interior design, has several ways that make your small space appear larger.

Use light

Light is one of the biggest resources to utilize in your space. If you have daylight in your space, it will appear more cheerful, larger, efficient and cleaner, said Akkurt. Having a good light, whether it’s a floor light or work light, is important since you’ll be using your space for homework and the like. Using toned-down colors that are more neutral allow you to harmonize a space and make it look less cluttered, Akkurt said.

Use bright colors

Painting one wall a bright color works to make that wall the backdrop for a focal point, such as where your work area or wall unit might be. A colorful wall may also be used to highlight a window and its view, said Akkurt. Using more relaxing colors on your walls allows you to accessorize and make your space personal.

“[Real artwork] is the cheapest and the quickest and the nicest way of decorating your room,” Akkurt said.

Add accessories

Knowing how you want to use your accessories to balance a space is also important. If you have a painting that you want to stand out as a focal point, don’t crowd it with lots of other little pictures, but rather let it stand on its own. Conversely, if you have multiple smaller items you’d like to showcase, grouping them together may be your best option, Akkurt said.

Include plants

Plants are a great way to bring life into a space, and bring the outside in, said Akkurt. Finding a plant that you can take care of easily and placing it near a window helps connect inside and the outdoors, and opens up your space.

“It’s nice to have one living thing … and it brings some life into a space, because green plants are calming,” Akkurt said.

Define your space

Placing furniture in a functional way is key in defining your space. Think about what you want from your space, what kind of conversation area you want and what geometry your space will have. If you have a window with a view you’d like to highlight, this can guide how you create your conversation area.

Pick a focal point

If there’s a focal point you’d like to direct people’s attention to — such as a painting, or a fireplace or entertainment center — this can be the anchor to which you base your furniture around. This creates order in a space, making the space more relaxing and enjoyable, Akkurt said.

Add a rug

In most places, wall-to-wall carpeting has been replaced by more hygienic flooring, such as linoleum or hardwood floors. An area rug or throw rug adds to your space, but is easier to take care of a clean; and cleanliness is especially important in a small space, Akkurt said.

Knowing these tricks to maximize your small space will make your college experience more enjoyable, and make the typical small, college-kid apartment not so typical for you.