Living in a compact space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or function. Luckily, there are plenty of creative strategies to maximize storage, utilize multi-functional furniture pieces, and maintain organization in your small space. Whether you’re living in a studio apartment, an ADU or Guest House, or just looking to optimize a room, these tips will help you make the most out of every square foot. Let’s dive in and discover a few small space design essentials that will make your place look and feel great!
A NEUTRAL BACKDROP
Using a simple, neutral color scheme will help a small space feel cohesive and balanced. Neutral colors typically include white, brown, grey, beige, taupe and black. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean boring. It just means that the areas of the room will flow together with intention and ease. Select a neutral shade for walls, cabinets and large scale furniture pieces like a sofa or bedding. You can add interesting pops of color through art and decorative items, and depth with textures found in rugs, window coverings, light fixtures, and linens.
HOW DO I MAKE A SMALL SPACE MULTI-FUNCTIONAL?
MULTI-FUNCTIONAL
The key to furnishing a small space is to select furniture that has multiple uses. Using light weight, easy to move pieces are even better!
- TABLES
A dining table can always double as a desk, or a kitchen island can be used for dining. Place a small dresser next to the bed to double as a nightstand. Use a collection of small side tables and cluster them together to make a coffee table.
- SEATING
When chairs are light and have legs, they’re easy to move around a space as needed. A side chair could be used as a dining or desk chair. Add storage benches to a corner to create banquette seating. An ottoman at the sofa or bed can double as storage.
- BED
A room will feel less stifled and cluttered if there is plenty of room to walk around. Free up floor space by using a sofa bed, murphy (wall) bed or a day bed.
HOW DO I USE WALL SPACE IN A SMALL ROOM?
MAXIMIZE WALL USE
When you don’t have a lot of floor space, look up. Find ways to use the walls for extra storage opportunities.
- HOOKS
Using wall hooks or modular hooks that hang from a bar will instantly add more storage space to any room in your home. Hang towels in the bathroom, baskets to hold utensils in the Kitchen, or jeans neatly in the closet.
- WALL & HANGING LIGHTS
Use hanging pendants or wall mounted lights to free up space on the floor and tabletops. If you’re renting or aren’t able to use an electrician, look for plug-in light fixtures and hide the cords behind a table.
- SHELVES
Line a wall with bookshelves for storage, but make sure it’s organized and appears clutter-free. Consider decorative boxes to store your useful items.
HOW DO YOU DECLUTTER A SMALL SPACE?
ORGANIZATION
A place for everything, and everything in its place. Creating order at home will make your life easier ten-fold.
- KITCHEN
Add interior shelves and a lazy susan to interior cabinets to maximize storage. Drawer dividers and open container boxes in drawers will make it easy to find what you need.
- BATHROOM
Keep a cleaning caddy under the sink for easy to access supplies. Add storage shelves above the door, around the toilet and on the walls. Don’t forget to use decorative baskets and boxes to keep things orderly.
- CLOSET
Use hooks to hang hats, jeans and jackets. Soft hanging storage not only condenses space used for shoes, sweaters and pants, but it helps to free up floor space for boxes and baskets.
Image via West Elm
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SMALL SPACE DESIGN ESSENTIALS | by Sara Plaisted
