Homeowners no longer need to worry about the size of the home when it comes to design. Designers and manufactures alike have come up with space saving ideas and products to make living in a smaller space both practical and beautiful!
Establish the flow of your space
The first thing that needs to be established in your space is flow. This can be done by taking the floor plan and deciding how the space is to flow to get the best use of each area. You can do this the old fashioned way by putting pencil to paper or by uploading your floor plan onto an iPad or tablet app that allows you to place furniture on the screen and configure the best set-up. When doing this, it is important to consider how the space will be used and then plan separate areas for each major activity. Try to design these spaces so they feel separate by creating vignettes with different carpeting, furniture and accessories.
Built-in cabinets and shelving for storage
Storage always seems to be a problem in small spaces, but this problem can be almost eliminated with built-in cabinets. Adding built-in shelving in several spaces does not take up any existing square footage and can go to the ceiling, almost immediately creating a plethora of storage. Built-ins are not only limited to extra storage; this idea can be used to create a desk or home office underneath a staircase, in a child’s bedroom, the kitchen or in a hidden space tucked away. Also, consider using a built-in to house the television and electronics to keep this visual clutter out of sight.
Double duty furniture
Choose furniture that can do double duty. With the sizes of living spaces in urban centers steadily on the decline, furniture manufacturers have stepped up their game! Think about using an ottoman or ‘cube’ for a coffee table, so when extra company comes, this can turn into extra seating. Consider an ottoman that opens up to allow for storage of throw pillows and blankets inside.
Kitchen storage and furniture ideas
Moving away from the family room, there are a lot of great storage and furniture ideas for the kitchen. Many kitchen tables can easily be folded up and tucked away after a meal. This idea is also been seen in desk design. Many desk designs include versions that can be folded up and stored when not in use. If a home office is not needed, this idea also works great with home beverage centers or bars.
Create separation
Creating separation in a small space can make the space appear larger. This can be done by hanging a drape from the ceiling to act as a wall between distinct areas like the eating area and the family room. This allows the area to feel separate, but not boxed in because the walls are not permanent. This can also be done with shelving, but, make sure to use open shelving as not to make the small space feel too closed off.
Mirrors and artwork
And finally, adding mirrors or mirrored furniture to a small space can reflect extra light to make a small space feel brighter. In addition, adding artwork with perspective or depth in them, hung strategically on visual walls can create a sense of openness or direction.
Whether you live in a house or condo, size doesn’t always have to matter! There are several design tactics and products on the market to make your space feel as big as you need it to!
