How To Make The Most Of A Small Space

There are very few pieces of real estate that couldn’t do with some improvement. Whether it’s a bigger garden, a more modern kitchen or just some reupholstered sofas, there’s almost always something you can do to bring that little bit of extra style to your home.

However, there are some issues that can feel insurmountable, physically impossible to improve. After all, we can’t break the laws of physics, and if you’ve got a space problem, it might seem like you’re just stuck with it. We’re here to tell you that it’s time for a change of attitude, a spark of creativity and perhaps a little bit of elbow grease: there’s a way around every issue, and this guide aims to help you make the most of the space you’ve got!

USE EVERY AVAILABLE SURFACE

Smaller homes can get cluttered and feel smaller than they actually are. First on our list, therefore, is dealing with all that loose stuff that you absolutely cannot throw away.

The trick is to use every available surface you can. We’re not just talking about chucking things into the corners of rooms, we’re talking about walls, doors, even ceilings. Every single flat surface offers you a solution. Hooks, hanging baskets, new cupboards – all of these are options for people looking to get a little bit more storage without sacrificing your floor space.

Speaking of floor space, if you haven’t got much room, you might find it’s best to think like a city planner. You won’t need to map out arterial motorways or rezone the sofa into a mixed building zone or something; rather, when city planners want to increase density without having to purchase expensive urban land, they build up rather than out. The same can be said of your floor – that’s valuable real estate in a small home! Choose tall, thin cupboards and wardrobes, stackable storage solutions and furniture.

One last tip, don’t fill up everything, leave some breathing room. Even if you have to throw something out, make sure you leave about 10 per cent of empty space and avoid visual clutter. Sometimes the best way to create space is to just create space.

REDUCE THE POKINESS

Now that you’ve got all your gear out of the way and stored neatly, it’s time to battle the other major issue in small spaces: “pokiness”. Pokiness is one of those qualities that has no single causation – less of one issue and rather of a general malaise of cramped claustrophobia.

But there’s no reason to suffer from this just because you live in a small space. If you live in an apartment with a balcony, make sure you open up those curtains and let some natural light flood in, if available. While you’re at it, remember to give your windows a clean as well – you might be surprised by how even a little bit of grubbiness can impact how you visualise the space. Banishing those dark corners that make a space feel cramped is the aim of the game with this one. Double down on this by choosing off-white wallpaper or paint, along with dark floor coverings for contrast.

By clearing clutter, you deal with the practicalities of a small space, and by flooding the area with light and emphasising brightness you are easing the psychological strain. Remember, a space is only as small as you think it is when it comes to interior design. Create the illusion of a larger area and be careful with your storage solutions and you won’t have to worry about the realities!

Whether you are sprucing to put your property up for sale or are trying to make the most of a smaller investment property, these tips and tricks should serve you well in the battle against pokiness!