Whether you live in a little hamlet in the woods or a studio apartment in New York City, living in a small space requires careful preparation. Here are some layout ideas to maximise every square inch.
VERTICAL STORAGE
Use the vertical space you have to expand your storage. Built-in kitchen cabinets and bookcases can be extended all the way to the ceiling to give more storage for items you use seldom. You can make your own vertical storage solution by adding a shelf over a bed or couch. In the kitchen, try hanging plants or a pots and pans rack; ceilings can be used for more than just hanging chandeliers.
NATURAL LIGHT
Windows and natural light help a tiny area feel bigger and airier. Make sure your windows are not entirely obscured by the window treatments. Use mirrors to judiciously reflect the light that enters via windows. Use a range of fixtures to mix a warm glow if there isn't any natural light. A translucent shower curtain can provide the impression of extra space in a small bathroom. Consider installing skylights to provide natural light into cramped spaces without windows when designing a new building. Consider your colour design as well because white walls reflect light while darker colours absorb it.
MAXIMISE FLOOR SPACE
Smaller homes tend to feel congested faster than larger ones. Along with routine cleaning and organisation, making the most of the available floor space is one way to open up a small room. Look for furniture with the smallest footprint possible, such as wall sconces in place of floor and table lamps, floating shelves in place of enormous bookshelves, and wall-mounted cabinets in place of bulky nightstands. Additionally, look for tables with thin legs and shallow-depth sofas. Then, to create the appearance that the room is larger than it actually is, covers the floor with a sizable, vibrant rug.
MULTI-PURPOSE FURNITURE
If you live in a small house, you might spend money on furniture that doubles as storage. Think of a console table with storage drawers, which provides both exposed and hidden room. Shelves and drawers are part of a captain's bed's additional storage. In a small living room, a coffee table with shelves underneath can be utilised as storage, and ottomans can be used for both seating and storage.
UNORTHODOX ROOM DIVISIONS
If you live in a studio apartment or a tiny house with an open-concept living area, the absence of doors can save space, but it can also make it harder to discern between different rooms. Build multiple nooks to divide a dining area, laundry room, or home office inside a larger space. Instead of using the room partitions, achieve this by placing the furniture in a way that makes it clear how each section is used. Sliding doors and drapes can also assist separate spaces in a small house or apartment without taking up much space.
