Designing small spaces can be both challenging and rewarding. Here are some clever tricks and ideas to maximize small areas while maintaining style:
1.Multi-Functional Furniture: Invest in furniture that serves multiple purposes. For instance:
A sofa bed can be used for seating during the day and as a bed at night.
Ottomans with hidden storage can hold blankets, pillows, or other items.
2.Floating Shelves: Install floating shelves on walls to display decor, books, or plants. They take up minimal floor space and add vertical storage.
3.Fold-Down Desks: Consider a fold-down desk or wall-mounted desk. When not in use, it folds up neatly against the wall.
4.Under-Bed Storage: Utilize the space under your bed:
Use storage bins or drawers to keep items organized.
Choose a bed with built-in storage drawers.
5.Mirrors: Mirrors create an illusion of space by reflecting light and making rooms feel larger. Place them strategically:
Opposite a window to bounce natural light.
On closet doors or as a decorative wall piece.
6.Light Colours: Stick to light, neutral colours for walls, furniture, and decor. Light tones visually expand the room.
7.Vertical Gardens: If you love plants, consider a vertical garden. Hang planters or use a trellis to grow vines.
8.Sliding Barn Doors: Replace traditional doors with sliding barn doors. They save space and add rustic charm.
9.Nesting Tables: Nesting tables can be stacked when not in use, providing extra surface area when needed.
10.Open Shelving in the Kitchen: Instead of upper cabinets, opt for open shelves. They create an airy feel and display your kitchenware.
11.Corner Desks: Corner desks fit snugly into corners, maximizing workspace without taking up valuable floor space.
12.Wall-Mounted TVs: Wall-mount your TV to free up floor space and create a sleek look.
13.Compact Appliances: Choose smaller appliances for the kitchen and laundry room. Look for slim refrigerators, compact dishwashers, and stackable washer-dryer units.
14.Foldable Dining Tables: Use a foldable dining table that expands when guests come over and folds away when not needed.
15.Built-In Storage Benches: In entryways or bedrooms, consider benches with hidden storage compartments.
16.Clear Furniture: Transparent or glass furniture (such as acrylic chairs or glass coffee tables) visually disappears, making the room feel less cluttered.
17.Ceiling-Mounted Curtains: Hang curtains from the ceiling to elongate the room and create a sense of height.
18.Miniature Art and Decor: Opt for smaller-scale art and decor pieces. Oversized items can overwhelm a small space.
19.Use Vertical Space in Closets: Install additional shelves or hanging rods to maximize closet storage.
20.Create Zones: Divide a studio apartment into functional zones:
Use rugs or furniture placement to define the living area, bedroom, and dining space.
Use room dividers or curtains for privacy.
21.Incorporate Reflective Materials: Opt for white lacquered walls and glossy tiles. These high-shine materials are reflective and create the same maximizing effect as mirrors, bouncing light and making the space feel airier1.
22.Use Pocket Doors: Pocket doors with glass windows allow shared light to flow throughout the space while also creating separation. When not in use, they slide right into the wall, taking up less space than swinging doors1.
23.Create a Gallery Wall: Covering a wall floor-to-ceiling can make a small space feel larger. An assortment of framed works draws the eye up, making the room appear more expansive1.
24.Be Resourceful: When space is limited, use a chair as a side table and install wall sconces to save surface space. A cheerful colour can set a happy mood in a tiny room1.
25.Think Vertically: Hang subway tiles vertically to make a modestly sized bathroom feel taller and more streamlined. Stick to a tight palette of black, white, and blush to prevent clutter1.
If you like what you see and read, why don’t you join our email newsletter for more tips and tricks or check out our ebook and online courses – all about Interior Design.
Styling Your Home 