Not every home is blessed with a vast open-plan space but, if your room is on the small side, there's plenty to feel positive about. We've got a wealth of ideas to help you get the very best out of your space.
1. Utilise storage space
No space to swing a cat? Don't fret! To avoid cluttering the
worktops, plenty of cupboards, cubbyholes and drawers have been built
into this U-shaped kitchen
design. Keep materials simple. We would recommend a maximum of three
finishes in a small kitchen, which allows you to zone areas, create
features and let other sections blend into the background.
2. Under the eaves
Save space by choosing smart storage solutions, such as
under-the-bed boxes or built in shelving units. If you are renovating an
attic, slot the bed under the sloping roof to make room for more
furniture. Create depth with textured soft furnishings, warm colours and
personal touches to give the room a homely touch.
3. Zone off a corner
More and more people are working from home these days, but
that doesn't mean you should clutter your dining room table with
invoices. Creating a work area in a corner of your living or bedroom is a
great way to make the most of other under-used space. Choose your favourite wallpaper to create a distinctive zone, and
add a personal touch with artwork, flowers and anything else you may
need to spark your creativity.
4. Use small-sized prints
Have fun with mixing up classic pattern, such as florals and
stripes. Just be sure to choose fabrics and papers in co-ordinating
colours to keep the look cohesive, and stick to small-sized prints so
the space is not overwhelmed by pattern. A two-seater sofa with low arms
is a trim option for a compact living room. Choose seating with legs so more of the floor can be seen - this will make the room appear bigger.
5. Hang it high
Limited floor space in the hallway
means having to use your imagination when thinking about storage.
Floating fittings visually max the space, as more of the floor can be
seen, and make cleaning a breeze. A selection of wicker baskets and
wooden storage is a smart alternative to a cupboard or a chest of
drawers and makes a great place to store smaller items that you'd
otherwise be rushing around to find in the morning.
6. Make a lasting impression
Even a bijou bathroom
can offer a spa style experience. If you're in a quandary over how to
decorate your small space, just keep it simple with soft, natural
shades. Choose furniture and accessories with clean lines and keep
surfaces as clutter-free as possible to create a feeling of space.
7. Think about mirrors
Even a small space can be made to feel larger with the use of mirrors. Not only do they reflect light around the room, but if you place a mirror on the opposite wall to a window, it will double the feeling of space.
8. Choose compact creations
Just because you have a small space doesn't mean you can't go for statement furniture. Here, a tiny slipper bath fits into this bathroom alcove perfectly. Although it may be costly, it's worth thinking about having bespoke items made to fit into your compact space - it'll mean you won't have to compromise on style!
9. Bring your shelving to life
Utilise your wall space with different shelving options. Here, floating shelves have been fitted into the area around the chimney breast - maximising space in this compact living room. Paint the wall behind your shelves in a vibrant shade. It'll add plenty of personality and liven up a simple storage area.
10. Divide it up
Use a screen to create privacy and divide up the space in your room. This works particularly well in a studio apartment where you can separate off the living room 'area' from the bedroom 'area'. Alternatively, place in a corner of your bedroom to create a dedicated dressing area.
11. Go for clever storage
Think outside the box when it comes to storage. Here, a partition wall has been added to create a large closet area complete with shelving, shoe racks and drawers - making best use of every inch of space.
Now you know any small space can be transformed with a little imagination, it's time to tackle it in your home.
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