They say good things come in small packages. When it comes to property, not everybody has a sprawling house with endless closets and storage cupboards to stash away the things they don’t want on display. If you own a bijou home, saving space is a priority. Clutter never looks chic. The good news is that there are some really innovative solutions out there.
Making use of the walls
If you’re limited when it comes to floor space, make sure you take advantage of the walls. You may not have room for chests or cabinets, but there are other ways to exhibit ornaments and decorative accessories. You could hang a series of shelves of different sizes and thicknesses for a modern loft-style look or opt for a more traditional wall-mounted unit. With these options, you can display everything from plants and vases of flowers to books, frames, and candles. You can also make use of your walls for other purposes, especially in the kitchen and closet. Use hooks to hang pots and pans in the kitchens and shelves to store jars and packets for a retro kitchen or wall-mounted rails for a chic walk-in-wardrobe.
Using redundant space
Have a look around your home. Are there any redundant spaces you’re not currently using that could actually be converted into functional areas? Consider crawl space, the area underneath the stairs and alcoves that don’t quite fit with your furniture. You may not have sufficient height to make a basement into a room, but if you’ve got crawl space, you can store boxes and items you’re not likely to use much, provided that the ground is dry. If you’ve got vacant alcoves and small areas that aren’t currently in use, have a look online for inspiration. There’s so much you can do even with a small space. You could fit a desk and create an under the stairs workstation or turn an alcove into a store for CDs, records, DVDs or games.
Buying versatile pieces of furniture
When it comes to your furniture, look for versatile pieces if you’re short on space. Try and find items that double up or offer multiple uses. You could buy an extendable dining table that can fold into a desk suitable for working at home or a coffee table that doubles up as a footrest or a storage unit. The more uses a single piece boasts, the fewer items you’ll need and the more space you’ll save. Be original and creative in your thinking, and don’t be afraid to be a little quirky.
Most of us would like more space, especially when it comes to storage. We tend to accumulate and collect stuff along the way, and it can be difficult to keep everything tidy. If you are pushed for space, try and be more assertive in your use of space at home and prioritize storage. If you’ve got shelves hanging on the wall, you’re making use of every bit of space available, and you’ve bought furniture that is both functional and aesthetically-pleasing, this should help you ensure that your home looks chic and clutter-free.