With space at a premium in many cities across Canada, even a small condominium or home can cost a fortune, so leveraging every inch of your space is critical. Designing a functional small space can seem like a big task, but we’re confident with these 6 tips you’ll be able to get more out of your small space than you ever imagined.
How To Make the Most of Your Small Space
1. Edit Your Possessions
Clutter will only make your small home feel cramped, so get rid of anything that you do not truly need. You can rent a storage facility (another monthly cost) or sell what you no longer need online. Selling your old stuff can give you budget to buy new, small-space appropriate furniture and storage facilities. If your stuff cannot be sold online, you can hire a junk removal company to clear it away for you. Click here to find a local junk removal company for your job.
Make sure that everything you do own has a place in your small space. The good part about living in a small space is that everything you own takes on a new importance, as there is no room to collect junk. Buy only things you truly love and that you truly need.
2. Double Duty Furniture
You know that dresser in your bedroom? Make it your bedside table as well. Wall unit in the living room? Find one that has a drop-down desk built in for a living space that can double as an office. The most important thing about your furniture is that each piece must serve as many purposes as possible.
Consider investing in custom built closets and/or shelves. Built-ins can increase the value of your property, properly care for your possessions as well as provide another way to keep clutter from invading your home. If you need custom shelving or closets designed, click here to connect with a custom closet builder. If you need someone to help you with the clutter, consider hiring a professional organizer. Click here to connect with organizers in your area.
3. Scale & Light
Just because you live in a small space does not mean you must have small furniture. Scale is important in a small space, so don’t hesitate to get a couple of items that are on a larger scale that still work within your space. Big elements that deliver scale are usually items such as mirrors, art, or a comfy reading chair. If you’re unsure of how to work with the scale of your space, consult an interior designer. You can click here to describe your project and receive quotes from designers in your area for free.
Selecting visually light furniture will allow you to have more elements in a space without seeming cramped. For example, furniture with hairpin or mid-century modern tapered legs, or any other airy style that leaves plenty of empty space around your pieces is ideal. Glass or molded plastic coffee tables and chairs also allow light to travel through and around your space, making it feel more expansive. Consider investing in a glass bar cart or coffee table, which will bring an elegant feel to your space.
4. Add Some Colour
Be very careful about your colour choices. For example, dark colours on a wall can easily overpower a room, making it seem small. In contrast, a wall painted in a vibrant colour can give off too much energy for a small space. Instead, bright touches of colour in throw cushions, accessories and small pieces of furniture such as occasional chairs and rugs can really liven up a space and give it some personality without committing to a dramatic colour that is difficult to change.
Once you’ve done your research on which colour will work best in your space and made your selection, paint the colours on white foam core board. You can then place the colour boards around the room to see how they will look in different areas. Colours often look different near windows vs. interior walls. If you need to adjust the colours currently on your walls, click here to connect with painting companies in your area for free.
5. Outside Space
Many small spaces also have small outdoor spaces such as tiny balconies. Maximize the square footage of your balcony by thinking outside the box. Consider creating a cozy nook by laying cushions on the floor topped with heaps of cozy throw pillows, or create a table setting with romantic lighting. It’s all about what you do with the space, not how much space you have. For more tips specifically about tiny balconies, check out this article.
6. Texture and Reflection
When purchasing new furniture and artwork, select pieces that have interest with either texture or reflection. Texture (think faux fur, suede or a tactile rug such as shag) will bring warmth and dimension to your room, whereas mirrored surfaces will bounce light around your space making it appear bigger. A small but visually interesting space will always look better than a large but boring room. If you need help decorating your space, click here to connect with a professional interior decorator to help.
Now that you have some inspiration, take the time to seek out pieces that make you happy and that will enhance your space. Every element is important in a small space, so making well-thought-out, deliberate choices is key when creating the environment you love.
