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The grass is always greener on the other side, or at least it feels that way when you’re in someone else’s home. As much as we might adore our own spaces, we still want what other people have—a fancy refrigerator, a bathroom skylight, Carrara marble countertops. But we can take comfort in the fact that most of us experience home envy at some point or another. Of the 1,000 British and American residents surveyed by QS Supplies on the topic, 54 percent admitted feeling this way.

The number-one feature that evokes feelings of jealously? Surprisingly, it isn’t a prime location or a good-looking kitchen (although those covetable elements ranked high on the list). It’s square footage people long for the most. Twenty-six percent of respondents cited size as capable of making them green-eyed. While you can never really have enough storage, you don’t have to live in a palace for it to feel like you do. Make your small quarters seem bigger with these simple tricks.

Invest in Large Mirrors

This hot tip comes courtesy of Nate Berkus: A big, beautiful vintage mirror always makes a room feel taller. You don’t even have to hang it if you don’t feel like putting a bunch of holes in your walls. Simply lean one over the fireplace mantel or bedroom dresser for airy vibes. 

Paint Monochromatically

When an area is all one color, it creates the illusion of never-ending space. To achieve this, Joa Studholme, the color curator for Farrow & Ball, suggests using the same hue on your walls and trim work. 

Be Transparent

So your bathroom is the same size as a closet—a clear shower curtain will change that. Not only does it keep the visual flow open, but it allows light to travel more easily throughout. Quiet Town’s tinted color-blocked liners will add pizzazz without chopping the room in half. 

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