12 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR SMALL SPACE WORK FOR YOU.
There are many tips and tricks designers use to create functionality within small spaces, while still managing to achieve a breathable and well-resolved home.
If you’re apartment living, have a compact home, unusual shaped nooks or a room that needs to work harder for you… then keep reading!
Since 2020 (a time that shall not be named), many of our clients are seeking clever office spaces within their homes. Not everyone has an empty room to utilise as an office. So how do you achieve the coveted work from home space? You may just find the answer at points 4 & 5!
Whether it is custom additions you’re after, clever storage solutions or intentional paint colours, our team have put together 12 ways to make your small space work for you. Enjoy!
1. KEEP IT COHESIVE
Choose 3-4 colours and work those throughout your home using multiple colour combinations, adding texture and pattern to create a different vibe in each space.
By not overwhelming your space with too many colours, your rooms in turn will appear more spacious and a sense of calm will be created.
2. ITS ALL ABOUT THE SCALE
Many people think that for small spaces all of their furniture pieces must be tiny. Choose your hero piece (usually your sofa) and then work with your scale around it.
For example a small coffee table, wall mounted TV, no side tables, and sconces rather than lamps.
3. LIGHT AND AIRY
If you choose light coloured timbers, creams, whites and greys for your furniture, your pieces will not only work together harmoniously but will give the illusion of a bigger space.
Dark furniture can soak up light and space and make your room feel smaller. Also choose chairs with no arms, open backs, thin legs to allow your eye to see past and under them. This will allow you to see more air and floor space.
4. MULTI-PURPOSE FURNITURE
Much like an episode of Tiny Houses, using multi-purpose furniture will ensure each piece is working hard for you and in turn can provide you with more free floor space.
For example:
- Island bench + Dining
- Ottoman + Coffee Table + Extra Seating
- Console Table + Desk
- Sofa + Sofa Bed
5. WORK THOSE ANGLES
No space is unusable, so any odd corners, under stairs, cosy nooks can be utilised. Find out what you’re missing and what size space can fit your needs.
6. MIRROR MIRROR
We have all heard the saying the mirrors make your space feel bigger. Well….its true! Not only do they reflect light but can make you room feel much bigger and brighter.
Try a floor length or one above a mantel.
For a large range of on trend, modern and traditional mirrors, we love www.lifeinteriors.com.au
7. PAINT
Darker walls, trims, skirting boards and doors can make your space feel much smaller.
Updating these areas to white or other light tones can greatly increase the look and feel of space in your home.
For a large range of dreamy colours, head to www.dulux.com.au
8. ACCESSORISE WITH CARE
If you’re anything like us and love stacks of coffee table books, candles, vases and knick knacks then this one is for you.
If you love all of these items and want them in your space, then you should definitely have them all! This is where the “care” part comes in.
These items should be placed and organised purposefully around your home. Keep shelving neat and organise and create tight vignettes for books and vases.
For unique and fun accessories, books and artwork, we love www.norsu.com.au
9. LET YOUR PIECES BREATHE
The urge to push all of your furniture right against the wall to create more space is totally understandable!
However, sometimes this can have the opposite effect and can make your room feel cluttered.
Keep all furniture 3-5cm from the wall. Ensure coffee table, side tables, dining table etc are all placed with room to walk around. Your dining chairs would ideally be pulled out 30cm from your table.
10. EMBRACE MINIMALISM
Marie Kondo said “Ask yourself if it sparks joy”.
Commit to a 6 monthly clean out and declutter of your space. Discard or donate any items that don’t bring joy and peace into your home.
Everyone has that piece of furniture or accessory that you have been thinking of fixing or changing. If you cannot get it done within 3 months….its time to go! These items take up space, clutter and only remind us of what we haven’t accomplished.
Invest only in pieces that add value to your space, either practically or emotionally.
If you are overwhelmed with the myriad of items in your home, we can highly recommend a fabulous company www.houseofcalm.com.au
Mel will not only declutter, sort, pack and organise any space, but can also look for great storage solutions for you, sell items you no longer use and assist in home relocation.
11. STATEMENT PIECE
Choose a statement piece that sets the tone for your home. This could be a piece of art, a coffee table, sofa, dining chairs or floor rug.
Once you have chosen your piece, let that be the hero. Other items should be minimal around it and create a sense of calm. This is a piece you should love and that makes you smile.
12. GET CREATIVE WITH STORAGE
Choose furniture pieces that also double as storage.
Think ottomans that have a lid, beds and entertainment units with drawers, and shelving under stairs.
Any area where you can dedicate a spot for linen, suitcases and your excess wardrobe items, will relieve a little bit of pressure.
The go to for storage solutions, especially for kids rooms and play areas, is of course www.ikea.com.au For more mature spaces requiring built in cabinetry, please contact us and we can arrange a consultation and quotation for you.
