Small Space Solutions: Maximising Functionality in Smaller Homes

Living in a smaller space presents unique challenges when it comes to furnishing and organising your space. However, with the right approach, even the tiniest of flats can feel spacious and functional.

Having a ‘small space’ means something different to everyone - you could have a studio flat or a 4 bedroom house, but it could feel small because of the amount of things or people residing in it! This blog will help you find some great storage solutions and give decluttering tips that will help you to maximise functionality in your home.

Creative storage solutions

In small rooms, storage is key to maintaining a clutter-free environment and maximising available space. Get creative with storage solutions by utilising every inch of vertical space. Install tall shelves or wall-mounted cabinets to take advantage of vertical storage space without occupying valuable floor space. These tall storage units will provide ample space for storing books and decor. A fabulous idea would be these wall mounted book shelves. You could create a visual interest by having multiple wall mounted book shelves on one wall, even at different heights to draw the eye upwards, creating the illusion of height and space in the room.

Additionally, consider incorporating furniture with hidden storage compartments to maximise storage without sacrificing style. For example, ottomans with lift-up lids provide a discreet place to store blankets, pillows, or other items while beds with built-in drawers offer a convenient solution for storing clothing, linens, and other essentials. By incorporating these creative storage solutions into your smaller space, you can keep clutter at bay and create a more organised and functional living space.

Design ideas for visually expanding small rooms

In small spaces, creating the illusion of space is key to making the room feel larger and more open. One effective way to visually expand a small room is by choosing light and neutral colours for walls and furniture. Lighter colours reflect natural light, making the space feel brighter and more spacious. Opt for shades of white, cream, beige, or pale grey to create a sense of airiness and openness in the room. Additionally, consider incorporating mirrors into your decor to bounce light around the room and create the illusion of depth. Place a large mirror opposite a window to reflect natural light and make the room feel brighter and more expansive. You can also strategically place mirrors on walls or furniture to visually expand the space and create a sense of depth. By using light colours and mirrors to visually expand the room, you can make your small apartment feel larger and more inviting without adding any square footage.

Tips for decluttering quickly and efficiently

Tip 1.

Tackle smaller areas first - like the cupboard under the kitchen sink! Making progress in smaller areas of your house will give you the motivation to keep going with more daunting areas, like the wardrobe! 

Tip 2.

Ask yourself a few questions:

1. Have I used it in the last 6 months? - if yes, keep. If no, donate or throw it out. If you’re unsure, keep a ‘maybe’ pile and set a reminder on your phone to go through it in 6 months time. If you haven’t reached for anything in that pile in those 6 months, get rid!
   
   
2. Does it bring me happiness? - if yes, can you find a way to compile it into a smaller space or incorporate it somewhere that will mean you use it more often? For example, having mountains of photos stuffed away in a drawer - if you pop the ones you want to keep in a photo album and keep it on the book shelf, you’re more likely to use it more frequently and it will bring you happiness more often! If no, donate or throw it out.

Tip 3.

The 2 is 1 and 1 is none rule - this a great concept to help you stop over purchasing the same thing and therefore, having to keep lots of multiples of things which take up space in your home. A great example of this is toothpaste. It’s not something that you run out of as soon as you open a new tube. So the idea is, you have the one you’re using and the one that’s spare in the cupboard- that makes 2 which means you have 1. When you open the new tube, you don’t have any spare, so you have none. It goes on the shopping list and it gets bought at the next shop. 

Living in a smaller space doesn't mean sacrificing style or functionality. By prioritising space-saving furniture, incorporating creative storage solutions, and utilising design techniques to visually expand the space, you can create a comfortable and stylish home that maximises every square inch.